Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
Under Secretary Jose W. Fernandez and Guatemalan Finance Minister Jonathan Menkos co-chaired a virtual meeting for the High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) mid-year review on October 15. The event included senior U.S. representatives from various departments, including the Office of the Vice President, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Inter-American Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Guatemalan representatives participated from the Guatemalan Embassy in Washington, DC, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The HLED mid-year review is significant for the bilateral relationship between the United States and Guatemala. It demonstrates a shared commitment to economic prosperity and growth. This dialogue is the first such initiative by the United States with a Central American country, highlighting regional cooperation.
Fernandez and Menkos agreed to continue focusing on five pillars: good governance, investment promotion, agriculture and food security, energy security, and remittances for development. These efforts aim to enhance Guatemala’s social and economic cohesion.
Both countries are collaborating on projects that improve urban mobility and business environments while ensuring worker protection amid economic growth.
"By focusing on good governance, agriculture and food security, labor rights, investment promotion, energy security, and remittances for development," they are "paving the way for a prosperous future for both nations."
The role of the private sector is also acknowledged as vital in driving prosperity through its commitment to law enforcement and improving business conditions in Guatemala.
"This declaration reflects our commitment to advancing economic cooperation between the United States and Guatemala for the mutual benefit of our people."
