Page 1 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06

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1 Page 1 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06 A BRIEF NOTE Los Angeles Metropolitan Hispanic Chambers of Commerce with the full assistance of the Guatemala Chamber of Commerce and the other chambers members of Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Central American region (FECAMCO), have diligently set up all details and support to received a Trade Mission of American Companies The Participating companies will present products, services, and expertise to the business communities of Central America attending the activities through round tables, matchmaking, conferences and business receptions. The trade mission activities are a major component of the 45 th. Anniversary celebrations of the FECAMCO to be celebrated in a country, full of history, Mayan ancestry, and unique with business opportunities. GUATEMALA Market Overview Guatemala is the northernmost country in Central America with Mexico to the north and West, Belize and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Famed for its volcanoes, textiles, Mayan ruins, and temperate climate in the highlands, Guatemala is at the center of a large regional market for U.S. goods and services. Guatemala is an excellent market for U.S. products. Guatemalan GDP reached an estimated USD 26.9 billion in 2004 and exports from the United States to Guatemala exceed USD 2.5 billion. U.S. products and services enjoy high name recognition in Guatemala, and U.S. firms have a good reputation in the Guatemalan marketplace. As a result, almost half of all Guatemalan imports come from the United States. Guatemala can also be an attractive place for foreign investment, despite some persisting challenges. With a population of around 14 million, it is the largest country in Central America and accounts for one-third of the region s GDP. The capital, Guatemala City, has a population of over 3 million and features first-class hotels and restaurants. La Aurora International Airport, which serves the city, is located just minutes from the major business and financial areas.

2 Page 2 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES The signing of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) by former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and ministers from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, on August 5, 2004, represent a giant step toward greater economic integration between the U.S. and these Latin American nations. The Agreement, thus far ratified by the U.S. and all other participating countries except Costa Rica, provides for the immediate elimination of tariffs and quotas on more than 80 percent of U.S. exports, while tariffs on the remaining 20 percent will be phased out over the next 10 years. President Bush signed the implementing legislation on August 2, The formal Implementation date is still pending. With the inclusion of the Dominican Republic, CAFTA-DR will be the second largest Latin American market for U.S. goods, surpassed by only Mexico. Along with reduced Trade barriers, CAFTA-DR calls for a lessening of restrictions that have historically locked U.S. firms into exclusive, often inefficient, distribution arrangements. CAFTA-DR member countries have further promised increased transparency in customs dealings, anti-corruption measures in government contracting and procurement, and strong legal protections for U.S. investors. Regionalization has quickly become a fact of life for doing business in Central America. Factories and distribution facilities have been and continue to be located in order to Serve a regional market. Furthermore, rarely does a U.S. businessperson visit just one Central American country. New investors weigh the advantages that each country offers as they look to locate new plants. Regional managers are becoming the norm, with responsibilities for multiple countries within the Central American marketplace. Trade amongst the countries of Central America has also increased dramatically over recent years, a trend which will only continue with CAFTA-DR. In October 2005, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez led a significant trade mission of 19 U.S. companies and a dozen U.S. trade finance officials to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, giving significant momentum to the rapid and successful implementation of CAFTA-DR. Recent major investments in Guatemala by U.S. firms, Wal-Mart and GE Finance also highlights the opportunities presented by CAFTA-DR. The Guatemalan market is competitive. Guatemalan businesspeople are price-sensitive and expect good after-sales service and support. They are accustomed to doing business with U.S. firms and many Guatemalans travel regularly to the United States and speak English. MISSION INFORMATION As part of the activities to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Central America region, the fallowing activities will be taken place: Matchmaking

3 Page 3 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06 Establish new contacts and business thru an personalize agenda prepared especially to contact local businesses and from the region Central American Ministers of Economy Forum Participate with the influence group who seek a swift Central America integration as a region. You will have first hand information and will be able to exchange you opinion with other attendees and participants. Central América Megatendencies 2020 What do you envision to be the situation of your business in the year 2020? Know how our social, political and economical relationships will affect us en the near future when we take business decisions. FEE AND CHARGES The extremely reasonable fee for this Mission with round trip from Los Angeles, including coach class international airfare, business class domestic airfare, double occupancy hotel accommodations, ground transportation in Mexico, air shuttle transportation in Mexico, banquet meals, round tables, conferences, public relations, marketing fees, and airport fees. For non CHCC members $ For CHCC member $ Single occupancy will be $ more. First and business class airfare will be available upon request (optional). DATELINE October 15, 2006 Last day to be part of the mission to Guatemala The following items must be executed by the participating companies on or before this date: deposit amount of one-half of total mission fees is required to confirm reservation Signed Agreement and company information should be performed and received. Itinerary of the mission is confirmed. Reservations for individuals, delegates, and/or spouses are confirmed. Balance of the conference fees is due on Nov 15, Nov 20-22, The Trade Mission

4 Page 4 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06 AGENDA OF ACTIVITIES Headquarter: Hotel Guatemala City Marriott SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19 19:00hrs Welcome Reception - Salon Dorado MONDAY NOVEMBER 20 Chambers of Commerce: 8:00-9:00 hrs Press Conference - Room Belau 9:00-10:30 FECAMCO Board of Executive Meeting room Piedras Negras 11:00-12:30 Visit to the Guatemala city Municipality 13:00-15:00 Luncheon 15:01-17:30 FECAMCO Board of Director Meeting - Room Piedras Negras 19:30-21:30 Guatemalan Food Dinner, Salón Los Reyes Businesses: 8:00-13:00hrs Matchmaking, Salón Los Reyes 13:01-14:30 Tiempo Libre Almuerzo 14:31-16:30 Matchmaking, Salón Los Reyes 19:30-21:30 Guatemalan Food Dinner, Salón Los Reyes TUESDAY NOVEMBER 21 Chambers and Businesses: 9:00-12:30hrs Forum "Future of Central America Integration", Room Los Reyes 13:00-15:00 Tiempo Libre Almuerzo 15:01 Optional Tourist visit 19:30-23:00 Gala Dinner, Salón Los Reyes WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22 Seminar: "Central America Megatendencies 2020" 8:15 a 12:45 horas Part 1, Room - Los Reyes 12:45 a 14:15 horas Lunch, Room - Los Reyes 14:16 a 18:30 horas Part 2, Room - Los Reyes 18:30 a 20:00 hrs Cocktail of closing. Room - Los Reyes

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7 Page 7 of 7 TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA 06 INFORMATION Additional information and to obtain an application, please call or contact a member of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Central American Region at your earliest convenience. Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Belice Tel: (501) Contact: Kevin Herrera bcci@btl.net - Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá Tel: (571) ext Contact: Miguel Ángel Espinoza cominte6@ccb.org.co Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica Tel: (506) Contact: Lil Rodríguez lrodriguez@camara-comercio.com - Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador Tel: (503) Contact: Roxana de Rauda rrauda@camarasal.com - Cámara de Comercio de Guatemala Tel: (502) Ext Contact: Krista Aguirre kaguirre@camarafromcomercio.org.gt - aguirre@fecamco.com Los Angeles Metropolitan Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Tel: (213) Contact: Hugo Mérida hmerida@chamberla.org - Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Tegucigalpa, Honduras Tel: (504) Contact: Fabiola Aguilar Borjas mercafromo@ccit.hn - Cámara de Comercio de Nicaragua Tel: (505) Contact: Cecilia Frixione membresia@caconic.org.ni - Cámara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura de Panamá Tel: (507) / Ext Contact Jacqueline Ford jford@panacamara.org - Cámara de Comercio y Producción of Santo Domingo, República Dominicana Tel: (809) Contact: Milagros Puello camara.sto.dgo@codetel.net.do -