Without a congressional majority, the Arévalo government stresses anti-corruption and stronger institutions ahead of the 2027-06-27 general election. A Q192bn 2027 budget bill is in its final congressional stage, and business groups oppose its higher debt.
What a Korean company can do now
Government · leader
President Bernardo Arévalo (head of state and government, term 2024-01 to 2028-01)
Key national agenda
- Anti-corruption and stronger democratic institutions
- More infrastructure spending (13% of the 2027 budget, Q24.9bn)
- Airport and aviation safety upgrades (US$250m World Bank loan)
- Transmission grid expansion (PET-4 tender in preparation) and a one-stop permitting bill
- Public security and managing the 2027 election
Government programmes
2027 General Budget billQ192.045bn (about US$25bn)
Minfin submitted Q192.045bn, with a fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP and a Q42.75bn bond issuance quota. The finance committee aims to issue its opinion before 10 November.
Civil Aviation Recovery Programme (five airports)US$250m World Bank loan (US$221.8m infrastructure)
Runway, apron, navigation and surveillance system and control tower upgrades at La Aurora, Mundo Maya and three regional aerodromes. Approved 2026-09-08; the works schedule has not been published. (single source)
Transmission expansion plan PET-4Not disclosed
After the 2025 PET-3 tender fell short, the Ministry of Energy and Mines plans to launch PET-4 within months. The last transmission plan awarded was in 2014. (single source)
Evaluation of 2026 public investment projectsUnconfirmed
The planning secretariat (Segeplan) evaluated 73 public investment projects in 2026. (single source)
Business opportunities
Airport navigation, surveillance and control systems
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Open this week
Transmission and substation EPC and project management
A PET-4 tender is being prepared and the transmission shortfall is severe.
MEM, INDE
Satellite and data solutions for disaster forecasting and early warning
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Free members get a human-reviewed summary by email for up to 3 countries a month (sent within 24h). BUILD members get them all.
ODA · EDCF projects
- KOICA talks on food security and climate-hazard cooperation · KOICA 무상 · 발굴 · Not disclosed
Korean support schemes
- KOTRA Guatemala Trade Office · KOTRA — Market intelligence, buyer matching and export consultation for Guatemala and Central America.
- KOICA cooperation in Guatemala · KOICA — Food security, disaster management, capacity building, master's and PhD scholarships and training for officials.
- SBC Export Voucher · Korea SMEs and Startups Agency — Support for export marketing costs such as trade fairs, certification and translation.
Official notices
Guatemalan government news agency AGN (Presidency announcements)
- 2026-11-06 Segeplan evaluated 73 public investment projects for 2026
- 2026-11-06 Acting President Karin Herrera promoted a Science Clubs bill
- 2026-10-23 Army added four aircraft to strengthen the Air Force's response capacity
- 2026-10-15 President Arévalo reappointed Finance Minister Menkos after a Constitutional Court suspension
Disaster · conflict · epidemic
Stable 2026-11-07
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Earth & space
Credit rating · FX
S&P BB+ / Moody's unconfirmed / Fitch unconfirmed · K-SURE Unconfirmed · GTQ
Sanctions
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No country-wide UN, US, EU, UK or Korean sanctions programme applies (the US has designated some individuals over corruption).
