US to launch project for secure textiles-apparel trade with Guatemala

She welcomed President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala to the White House on March 25 and discussed bilateral issues.

The vice president announced an additional $170 million for development, economic, health and security assistance to Guatemala’s subject to congressional notification.

The Trade Capacity Building programme will encourage engagement, including with existing government-to-industry stakeholder partnerships such as CBP’s Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Programme and the Superintendence of Tax Administration of Guatemala’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme.

The Commerce Law Development Programme (CLDP) will support legal and regulatory reforms to facilitate new infrastructure and public-private partnerships in the Latin American country, Harris announced.

These reforms will also promote workers’ rights. CLDP will provide technical assistance to improve Guatemala’s proposed port authority law, which would counter extortion and the use of maritime ports and airports by organised criminal organisations. 

The Women’s Economic Empowerment Legal Reform Fund Project in Guatemala will support key congressional, governmental and civil society partners to advance legislation and policy that reduces barriers to women competing in the workforce, while enhancing protection of women’s access and rights in the workplace, she said.

A US investment facilitation team will visit Guatemala in the next six months to support clean energy and infrastructure development, facilitate private sector operations and promote sustainable economic development, a White House factsheet said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)