Guatemala and Taiwan have agreed cooperation for feasibility and engineering studies on the Mayuelas–Puerto Barrios section of the CA-9 Norte road. Taiwan’s contribution supports preparations for four lanes, with studies estimated to take eight months. The route is a major freight corridor; Guatemala’s infrastructure minister says it carries around 60 percent of exports. Construction has not been announced.
Guatemala and Taiwan announced cooperation on October 2 for studies of the CA-9 Norte road between Mayuelas and Puerto Barrios. The project prepares for expansion to four lanes. Mayuelas is in Guatemala’s Zacapa department and Puerto Barrios is in Izabal; the section forms part of the country’s Atlantic freight corridor.[1], [2]
Taiwan’s contribution of approximately $2.5 million will support technical, economic, environmental and social feasibility work, as well as engineering and design. Guatemala’s Communications, Infrastructure and Housing Minister Norma Zea said these assessments would determine whether the project was viable. The estimated eight months concern this preparation, rather than completion of the road.[1]
Zea said the route carries approximately 60 percent of Guatemala’s exports and 27 percent of domestic freight. Improving daily movement of goods is among the ministry’s stated objectives, alongside better connections for investment and tourism.[1]
The minister also described an awarded expansion project between El Rancho and Teculután, another section of the same corridor. Separate projects are intended to connect progressively along CA-9 Norte. The new agreement finances studies; it does not announce construction starting on Mayuelas–Puerto Barrios.[1]
