CACIF

CACIF, which stands for Comité Coordinador de Asociaciones Agrícolas, Comerciales, Industriales y Financieras, is the leading business organization in Guatemala. It is a non-profit umbrella organization that represents over 200 chambers and trade associations, representing over 100,000 businesses of all sizes.

CACIF’s mission is to promote economic growth and development in Guatemala through the promotion of free markets and private enterprise. It advocates for policies that support business competitiveness and job creation. CACIF also plays an active role in promoting social and environmental responsibility among its members.

CACIF is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Economic Forum (WEF). It is also a founding member of the Central American Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FECAMCO).

CACIF has been a controversial organization at times, with some critics accusing it of being too powerful and of representing the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the poor. However, CACIF remains one of the most influential organizations in Guatemala and plays a key role in shaping the country’s economic policies.

Here are some of the key activities that CACIF carries out:

• Represents the interests of its members to the government and other stakeholders.
• Develops and promotes policies that support economic growth and development.
• Provides training and technical assistance to its members.
• Promotes social and environmental responsibility among its members.
• Advocates for free markets and private enterprise.

CACIF is a member-driven organization and its activities are funded by its members.

CACIF has been involved in a number of controversies over the years. Some of the most notable include:

• The Rigoberta Menchú controversy: In 1999, CACIF filed a defamation lawsuit against Rigoberta Menchú, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, after she accused the organization of being involved in the Guatemalan Civil War. Menchú eventually won the case, but the controversy damaged CACIF’s reputation.
• The mining conflict: CACIF has been accused of supporting mining companies that have been involved in environmental damage and human rights abuses. In 2013, CACIF was sued by a group of indigenous communities for its role in the mining conflict. The case is still ongoing.
• The tax evasion scandal: In 2015, it was revealed that CACIF members had evaded millions of dollars in taxes. The scandal led to widespread public anger and calls for CACIF to be disbanded.

Despite these controversies, CACIF remains a powerful and influential organization in Guatemala. It continues to advocate for policies that benefit its members, even if those policies are at the expense of the poor and the environment.

Here are some additional perspectives on the controversies surrounding CACIF:

• Some critics argue that CACIF is a tool of the Guatemalan oligarchy and that it works to promote the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the poor. They point to CACIF’s opposition to social programs and its support for policies that benefit corporations.
• Others argue that CACIF is a necessary evil in Guatemala and that it plays an important role in promoting economic growth and development. They point to CACIF’s work in attracting foreign investment and its advocacy for free markets.

Ultimately, CACIF is a complex organization with a long history. It has played a significant role in shaping Guatemala’s economy, but it has also been involved in a number of controversies. Whether one sees CACIF as a force for good or for ill, there is no doubt that it is one of the most influential organizations in Guatemala.