Why does Chimaltenango attract maquila, and does it have a free zone?

Chimaltenango town is a competitive regional center on the Inter-American Highway (CA-1), with yarn, textiles and maquilas, plus food processing; its declared advantage is quick access to the capital. The department grew 4.5% in real terms in 2024, among the most dynamic. It has no free zone and no ZDEEP registered in the municipality: maquila operates there under Decree 29-89 in standalone plants.