GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India, Guatemala City, in collaboration with Plexconcil (Plastic & Polymer Industry) from India, successfully hosted two Buyer Seller Meets on November 3, 2023. First event took place in the morning at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Guatemala City wherein a delegation of Indian companies, led by Mr. Heman Minocha, Chairman of Plexconcil engaged in face-to-face interactions with local Guatemalan companies. Additionally, the team conducted a virtual Buyer Seller Meet with companies from El Salvador and Honduras in the evening. The BSM featured physical participation from over 45-50 companies from Guatemala along with 12 participating companies from India who made presentations of their respective plastic products. The evening BSM was attended by approximately 40 companies from El Salvador and Honduras.

The event was chaired by H.E. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, the Ambassador of India along with Mr. Hemant Minocha, Chairman of Plexconcil; Mr. Sribash Dasmohapatra, Executive Director of Plexconcil, India; Mr. Ing Marcos Aroany from AGEXPORT, Guatemala and Ms. Mellany Diaz, Executive Director of COGUAPLAST in the morning. While the virtual BSM in the evening was chaired by Mr Jorge Hasbun, Head for Camara de Comercio, El Salvador, Ambassador Ariel Andrade, former Ambassador to India from El Salvador and Mr Arturo Zacapa, Managing Partner, Denton from El Salvadore and Honduras.

In his opening speech, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra emphasized the Government of India’s dedication to cultivating a strong and prosperous relationship between India and Guatemala. He particularly highlighted the immense potential offered by the Central American market. This region, strategically positioned near the United States, presents a unique opportunity for economic growth and trade partnerships. Dr. Mohapatra stressed the importance of leveraging this geographical advantage and fostering closer ties between India and Guatemala to promote trade, technology transfer, and cooperation across various sectors.

Mr. Hemant Minocha, Chairman of Plexconcil, during his address, emphasized the vast potential for trade between India and Central America. He encouraged Indian companies to set their sights on the Central American market and underscored the pivotal role that Guatemala plays in the regional plastic industry. Mr. Minocha presented an insightful overview of the Indian Plastic Industry and introduced the Indian companies participating in the event. He extended an invitation to Guatemalan companies to participate in Plexconnect, PLEXCONCIL’s flagship event scheduled for June 2024 in Mumbai, India. The event also featured addresses by Mr. Ing Marcos Aroany from AGEXPORT and Ms. Mellany Diaz, Executive Director of AGEXPORT, Guatemala. They reiterated their commitment to support and facilitate the growth of trade in plastic and polymer products between India and Guatemala. Their presence and participation underscored the significance of this initiative and the positive impact it holds for strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

Following the presentations in the morning, a series of engaging Business-to-Business meetings were conducted between potential buyers from Guatemala and Indian companies. These meetings provided a hands-on opportunity for Indian companies to showcase their diverse range of plastic and polymer products. This direct interaction allowed Indian businesses to present their offerings, understand the specific needs and requirements of Guatemalan buyers, and explore potential collaborations. These B2B meetings were instrumental in not only forging new business relationships but also in creating a deeper understanding of the market dynamics, quality standards, and customer preferences in Guatemala. This personal engagement further reinforced the commitment of both parties to develop fruitful trade partnerships and to explore avenues for mutual growth in the plastic industry.

The Buyer Seller Meet showcased the immense potential for trade in the plastic and polymer industry between India and Guatemala. With India’s growing expertise in the plastic manufacturing sector and its capacity to supply a wide range of plastic and polymer products, the event provided a platform for Indian companies to explore new trade avenues in the Guatemalan market. Guatemala’s robust economy and the increasing demand for plastic products in various sectors, including agriculture, packaging, and manufacturing, make it an attractive destination for Indian plastic manufacturers. The event fostered productive discussions and laid the foundation for strengthening trade relations in this sector, benefiting both nations.