The 1996 political settlement improved the prospects for economic development in what remains one of Latin America's poorer countries but progress so far has been disappointing. The USA is substantially Guatemala's largest trading partner, followed by El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and some EU countries, notably Germany and Italy. Guatemala is a member of the Central American Common Market. Guatemalan businessmen tend to be rather formal and conservative. Normal courtesies should be observed and appointments should be made.
Punctuality is appreciated and calling cards can be useful.
The Centro Cultural Miguel Angel Asturias and other modern conference centres are available for such events, often quite close, or accessible to Guatemala's beauty spots.