Born in Guatemala City, he has been a lawyer and notary, businessman, and founding member and president of the board of directors of several companies. He is also an active participant in many national and international business associations and entities involved in community work and public service. Having been a business leader throughout his career, he was appointed president of the , in several periods, director of the National Exports Council, director and president of the Central American Chamber of Commerce Federation ]. Likewise, he was president of the Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Trade, Industry and Financial Associations, director of the Hemispheric Congress of the Chambers of Commerce of Latin America, president of the Permanent Secretary of Chambers of Commerce and Industries of Latin America and vice president of the Permanent Committee of Expositions.
He was appointed Foreign Minister of Guatemala on 7 January 2004 and held that office until 31 July 2006. In that position, he developed policies and the application of the legal/juridical system related to the State of Guatemala with other nations, persons, and international institutions. He also organized different activities to support the victims of 2005 Hurricane Stan.
Awards and decorations
He participated in different forums and international activities, obtaining the following distinctions from different governments:
Condecoración "Orden de San Carlos en Grado de Gran Cruz" from the Government of Colombia, 2004
Condecoración "El Águila Azteca" from the Government of México, 2004
Orden en Honor al Mérito en el Grado de Gran Cruz from the Government of Perú, 2004
He led the Political Party Reform Movement, consolidated in the general elections of 9 November and 28 December 2003, and which resulted in the election of Óscar Berger Perdomo as president of the Republic of Guatemala. The National Assembly of the Coalition Gran Alianza Nacional proclaimed Jorge Briz candidate for the mayoralty of Guatemala City in August 2003; in the election of 9 November 2003 he obtained second place in the popular vote. He collaborated in several programs that help to local communities, especially those of the rural, poor and vulnerable areas of Guatemala, such as sending the assistance to the victims of 1998 Hurricane Mitch, with coordination from the international community. He also participated in the assistance of 2001 drought victims in the communities of Camotan, Jocotan, and Chiquimula. As Foreign Minister, he supported the victims of 2005 Hurricane Stan.
