LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Equal opportunities for all

Many businesses have grown sheltered by paternalist laws, causing serious distortions in Guatemala's economy, and impeding our access to international markets. To improve this situation individuals must be guaranteed equal treatment under the law, and the establishment of a credible state of law is imperative.

For our wishes to come true, we must all get involved. The State must develop all those activities that individuals themselves, when freely associated, cannot do. This will be the only way to set free the creativity we need to keep growing. Much will be achieved if the Government resists the temptation to continue granting privileges.

The process of automation is finally under way at the Registro General de la Propiedad (national property registry). Read about it in our Law and Business section.

Fuentes y Cascadas (Fountains and Cascades) is a business with all the raw materials (water, plants, weather and imagination) to create a Success Story. On the other hand, VITRA, a veteran in the glass-making business, succeeds with a Corporate Strategy that goes from recycling to art.

A cellular phone can be invaluable, nevertheless it can be very uncomfortable to hear someone else's phone ring in a meeting, at the movies or during a public event. Let's enjoy this technological advantage, but without disturbing anyone.

Telemarketing and "Telecompras" are two different ways of reaching our clients. Check our Marketing section to learn how they work in Guatemala

To avoid turning your computer monitor into a health hazard, follow Grete Pasch's advice in the Business Computing section.