The UK and Guatemala have signed an agreement to support the Metro Riel project through technical expertise, knowledge sharing and financing opportunities.
Guatemala has chosen the UK as a partner for Metro Riel, a major transport project in Guatemala City. The agreement will allow the UK and Guatemala to work together and share experience.
The agreement was signed in Guatemala City on 9 July by representatives of the UK and Guatemala. The ceremony was attended by President Bernardo Arévalo, Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez and British Ambassador Juliana Correa.
Metro Riel is expected to improve transport connections across Guatemala City's metropolitan area. Through the partnership, the UK and Guatemala will work together to support the planning and delivery of the project.
The UK will share experience from major infrastructure projects delivered in the UK and around the world. This includes expertise in rail systems, public transport and other large-scale infrastructure projects. The agreement creates a joint working group that will meet twice a year to identify opportunities for co-operation, coordinate activities and review progress.
The partnership will also promote knowledge sharing with Infrastructure Exports: UK and explore financing opportunities through UK Export Finance (UKEF) , the UK's export credit agency.
Juliana Correa, British Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras said:
Guatemala has an ambitious vision to modernise its infrastructure and improve connectivity for millions of people. We are proud to support that effort by sharing the expertise the UK has developed in delivering complex projects around the world and across the region, helping to promote high standards of quality, transparency and efficiency.
The agreement will remain in place for five years and reinforces the UK's commitment to supporting sustainable growth, better connectivity and infrastructure development in Guatemala.
