GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India has been actively engaging with local companies from Central America to attract their attention towards exporting Indian goods or manufacturing locally using raw materials from India. This endeavor has created tremendous opportunities for Indian companies to tap into the Central American market, leveraging its advantageous location to cover both the northern and southern triangles. Various Indian commerce chambers and export councils have actively supported the Embassy in promoting India’s trade image on the global stage.

Recently, Embassy of India in Guatemala, in collaboration with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), successfully organized two Buyers-Sellers Meets on June 24, 2025 and 27 June 2024, respectively. These events aimed to foster trade relations and open new avenues for the gem and jewelry market and provided a platform for Indian ceramic, hardware and marble companies to explore business opportunities, establish connections, and enhance trade ties between the two countries. Guatemalan companies attended the meet physically, while Indian companies participated virtually.

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is an apex body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, dedicated to the promotion of gem and jewelry exports. Established in 1966, GJEPC plays a pivotal role in enhancing the global reach and competitiveness of India’s gem and jewelry industry. It provides comprehensive support to exporters through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and market research. The Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) is a premier trade and investment promotion organization under the Department of Commerce, Government of India. It is dedicated to facilitating the growth of Indian trade by promoting exports and fostering bilateral trade relationships globally. TPCI organizes trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and business delegations, providing a robust platform for Indian businesses to showcase their products and services.

India and Guatemala have steadily strengthened their trade relations over the years, with significant potential for further growth. The gem and jewelry sector plays a pivotal role in enhancing these bilateral ties, as India’s exquisite craftsmanship and competitive pricing find a receptive market in Guatemala. The strategic location of Guatemala, particularly its proximity to the USA market, offers a significant advantage, making it an ideal hub for Indian businesses aiming to penetrate the Central American region. As the largest city in Central America, Guatemala City provides a robust platform for expanding trade and fostering economic collaborations, solidifying India’s presence and influence in the region.

India and Guatemala share promising prospects in the trade of ceramics, hardware, and marble with approx. US$25 million trade in 2023-24. Guatemala’s strategic geographic position makes it an ideal hub for manufacturing and exporting these products to neighboring countries. With India’s expertise in high-quality manufacturing and Guatemala’s advantageous location facilitating access to regional markets, there is significant potential for bilateral cooperation in these sectors. The strategic location of Guatemala, particularly its proximity to the USA market, offers a significant advantage, making it an ideal hub for Indian businesses aiming to penetrate the Central American region. As the largest city in Central America, Guatemala City provides a robust platform for expanding trade and fostering economic collaborations, solidifying India’s presence and influence in the region.

The meet featured a comprehensive presentation by GJEPC and TPCI, emphasizing the opportunities for trade and investment in Central America, aiming to foster stronger business ties and increase market penetration. During the presentation, local participants actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating enthusiasm and raising pertinent questions. Their involvement underscored their keen interest in understanding the offerings and opportunities presented by the Indian companies. This interactive session facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights, enhancing mutual understanding and paving the way for potential collaborations and partnerships in the future. The presentation emphasized the opportunities for trade and investment in Central America, aiming to foster stronger business ties and increase market penetration.

Ambassador of India to Guatemala, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, delivered insightful remarks, underscoring the significance of Guatemala’s strategic location near the Northern Triangle, positioning it as a gateway for Indian gems and jewelry in Central America. He also highlighted the high global demand for Indian gems, enhancing trade opportunities and economic ties. Ambassador underscored the event’s crucial role in nurturing strong business ties and exploring mutual trade prospects and emphasized the potential for Indian companies to leverage Guatemala’s emerging market in ceramics, hardware, and marble. Chairman of GJEPC, Mr. Vipul Shah, also addressed the attendees, emphasizing the commitment of Indian companies to the Central American market. He highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations and seizing opportunities in the region. Mr. Suresh Makhijani, Joint Director General of TPCI, reaffirmed TPCI’s dedication to advancing bilateral trade efforts. He expressed confidence in the BSM’s outcomes, citing the enthusiastic engagement and favorable feedback from participants of both Indian and Guatemalan origins.

The overwhelming response to these Buyer-Seller Meets organized by the Embassy is a testament to India’s successful penetration in the Central American region. These countries significantly benefit from importing Indian goods, known for their high quality, diverse range, and competitive pricing. Furthermore, this burgeoning trade relationship facilitates knowledge exchange and fosters collaborations, potentially enhancing the local industries. These events mark a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between India and the Central American countries. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations and continued success, particularly in the gem and jewelry sector, as well as other industries.