Creating Economic Opportunities

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guatemala intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an anticipated five-year, cost plus fixed-fee completion type contract.   

The Creating Economic Opportunities (CEO) Project will reduce poverty and improve living conditions, closing gaps between Guatemala and migrant destination countries, to create a Guatemala in which “economic opportunity” exists and irregular migration is not necessary in order to find such opportunities. Through a market-led approach CEO will grow and expand formal businesses and employment to create income generating opportunities for Guatemalans, primarily in non-agricultural sectors. By focusing on select municipalities in five departments of Guatemala’s Western Highlands and the department of Guatemala, with particular attention given to intermediate and emerging intermediate cities, or areas with high levels of irregular migration, CEO will benefit poor and vulnerable populations, particularly youth (15 to 24-years of age) and indigenous persons.

This project will have the following four components:

·         Component One: Trade and Investment Promoted

·         Component Two: Financial Services Mobilized

·         Component Three: Productive Infrastructure Upgraded

·         Component Four: Private Sector Competitiveness Improved