Free training will be given on how to complete the Verification of Origin Questionnaire and EUR-1 Movement Certificate for exporting to the EU.
From a press release issued by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport):
In order to provide an information service to exporters regarding the Origin Verification Questionnaire and EUR-1 Movement Certificate, through the medium of SEADEX WEB, the Single Window for Export, VUPE, at AGEXPORT, free training sessions will be given on days 9, 15 and 22 of January 2014, for companies exporting to the EU so that they can enrich their knowledge about filling in the questionnaire.
The elimination of tariffs on agricultural products and flexible rules of origin for products such as tuna, textiles and plastics are part of the changes incorporated in the Agreement.
The Minister of Economy, Sergio de la Torre said that in the next few years Guatemala's exports to Europe could be doubled, as has happened with the other trade agreements that the Central American nation has signed.
Growth in export volume and favorable international prices benefited the sector which exported $23 million more than in 2012.
The shrimp industry closed 2013 with revenues of $190 million in exports, $22.8 million more than at the end of last year.
Entrepreneur Marco Polo Micheletti told Proceso.hn that the entry into force of the Association Agreement with the European Union helped them to achieve this increase in revenues.
Exporting firms will be helped in the processes to be followed for export to Europe under the AA agreement.
From a press release issued by the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala (Mineco):
As provided for in the Association Agreement with the European Union- AA - , the governments of the member countries are responsible for preserving the origin of the products exported, for this reason the Ministry of Economy, through the Directorate of Foreign Trade Administration - DACE - has created a streamlined and efficient mechanism to support Guatemalan exporters wishing to ship products to the European - EU, as well as supporting them with training on obtaining EUR.1 circulation certificates.
On 25 and 26 November a seminar will be held to train Salvadoran SMEs in the legal regulations and requirements needed to export to the European market .
From a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador:
The Government of El Salvador with the European Union will hold on the 25th and 26th of November, the "CA- EU Partnership Agreement: opportunities to export" a seminar-workshop, in order to support small and medium enterprises in the Salvadoran process of internationalization and diversification of markets and products to Europe, as part of the trade pillar agreement which came into force on 1 October .
The 6,330 tons are part of the quota of 8,110 for 2013 negotiated under the framework of the Association Agreement with the European Union.
"Costa Rica is entitled to a quota of 19,464 tonnes, but for 2013 it is 8,110 tons, because the CAAA did not come into effect until October 1st," said Edgar Herrera, executive director of the Agro-Industrial Sugarcane League (Laica) .
The entry into force of the FTA with the European Union opens up opportunities for Colombia products such as lemons, Tahiti, papaya, cantaloupe and watermelons.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
With the entry into force of the FTA between the EU and Colombia, as of August 2013, the Colombian are looking to to venture much further into markets such as the German one, because one of the signs of the growing deamand in Europe is that 46% of imports which arrived at Frankfurt airport, which weighed 98,600 in 2012, were for fruit and vegetables.
Nicaragua is able to sell 10,163 metric tons duty free to the EU.
Altogether, the Central America's total export quota adds up to 150,000 tons.
Mario Salaverria, president of the Sugar Association of El Salvador said the decision to sell the sugar was due to "uncertainty about the problem they had with Italy and that delivery times won't allow them to make the most of this access."
During the 2013-14 harvest ending on October 31 490,000 metric tons of sugar were exported while in the previous harvest the amount was 412,000 MT.
According to the Sugar Association of El Salvador , the main destinations of the country's raw sugar are the USA, Chile, Russia, Taiwan and Canada. Meanwhile, the refined product is sold to the Netherlands, Chile, Taiwan and other Caribbean countries .
Exports in 2012 were $488.7 million, whereas in 2011 sales totaled $158.8 million.
With the signing of the trade agreement between Central America and the European Union figures are expected to increase further. 13.5% of Panamanian exports are destined for a European country and are surpassed only by South Korea and the U.S.
With the entry into force of the Association Agreement with the EU exporters will find consumers who demand quality in products and services but at a lower price.
When negotiations began on the trade agreement in 2008, its reference point was the stability that existed at that time on the continent. However, after the economic crisis hit Europe, the outlook now is different.
In the remainder of the year Nicaragua will only take advantage of 30% of the eight million pieces of textiles that the EU has assigned it, meaning that sales will be worth just $2 million.
Dean Garcia, executive director of the Nicaraguan Association of the Textile and Apparel Industry, explained that with one quarter of the year left it will be difficult for Nicaraguan firms to find new European customers.
The country has fulfilled the last requirement which was pending, the registration of geographical indications, meaning that the Association Agreement could come into force in November.
The Ministry of Economy will notify on September 30 that it has complied with the ratification of the Association Agreement with the European Union and with the 60-day period required for amendments to the Law on Industrial Property related to geographical indications.
Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala managed to place the product in Europe at $480 per metric ton, $120 above the price on the international market.
The auction was held under the framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and Europe. Although it was possible to place the sugar at a good price, producers had wanted to sell it for $500 per ton, said Mario Amador, general manager of the National Committee of Sugar Producers (CNPA).
FECAEXCA has submitted a regional strategy for the Association Agreement to be an effective tool of investment, business and employment generation.
From a press release issued by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport):
Central American exporters meeting in the Federation of Chambers and Associations of exporters from Central America and the Dominican Republic, FECAEXCA, has delivered to its governmental and private initiative authorities a regional strategy for the Association Agreement to be an effective tool for investment, business and generating employment for regional countries.