Guatemala

Political relations

President Bernardo Arévalo visited France on 19 February 2024 along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado. He was received by the President of the French Republic and met with private sector representatives.

Three bilateral consultations were held at Foreign Minister level between France and Guatemala, in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

President Jimmy Morales made a visit to France from 8 to 11 June 2017, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Relations, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of the Economy. He was received by the President of the Republic, the Ministers of the Economy and the Interior, the President of the Senate, and the Mayor of Paris.

The President of the Republic’s Personal Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr Jean-Pierre Bel, made a visit to Guatemala from 6 to 8 April 2016, during which he was received by the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carlos Raúl Morales.

Economic relations

In 2022, France had a slight trade surplus with Guatemala of €9 million.
Our bilateral trade increased by 27% on 2021, reaching €137 million, €73 million of which was exports and €64 million imports.

France’s main exports to Guatemala are pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics, as well as various types of machinery.

France imports agricultural and livestock products, clothing and beverages from Guatemala.

About 20 French companies, including logistics companies, are set up in Guatemala in the form of commercial subsidiaries. The French-British company Perenco is the leading French investor in Guatemala and the country’s largest oil operator.