Infrastructure procurement concerns in Guatemala and economic growth initiatives in Mexico

In Guatemala, concerns have been raised regarding the procurement process for the construction of three bridges. Investigations suggest that the Ministry of Communications may be repeating patterns of non-transparent contracting under the new priority infrastructure law. The bidding process, published on June 25, saw offers received by June 30, with decisions made just two days later. Critics argue the short timeframe prevented qualified companies from participating and suggests that inexperienced intermediaries may be driving up costs for the 276 million quetzal projects.

In Mexico, the Forum for the Economic Growth of Mexico is preparing to deliver a package of proposals to the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit. This initiative follows meetings between President Claudia Sheinbaum and various economists to address stagnant economic growth. The forum, which involved approximately 100 economists from academic, business, and research institutions, organized its findings into six working groups covering international development, business environments, and institutional strengthening to stimulate inclusive and sustainable growth.