The website for the "Business Intelligence System of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union" summarizes the regulatory framework, procedures, market information and other topics of interest to exporting SMEs.
The Ministry of Economy of El Salvador has put online a "Business Intelligence System of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union", a website which aims to present the content and the benefits of the Association Agreement in a format which is simple and accessible, so that Central American exporters and importers can receive this information and maximize opportunities.
The State's role is not to teach entrepreneurs how to do things, but to remove obstacles so that they can create wealth.
Editorial
It is remarkable how the role of the State has been misrepresented, especially in some countries in the region. The primary functions of governments are being carried out at half measures or not being done at all: the insecurity of people and goods is increasing, justice is neither swift nor effective, health and education services are only for those who can afford them, and public infrastructure is a far cry from the taxes that correspond to paying for it.
A promotion exercise is being carried out of the "Best Service" certification in the region in order to improve service and positioning of SMEs in tourism.
In order to improve the service and prestige of small and medium tourism enterprises in the region, the Federation of Tourism Chambers of Central America (FEDECATUR) is promoting the "Best Service" certification.
The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador and Guatemala will select 28 SMEs to participate in an exchange with U.S. companies.
From a statement by Bpeace.org:
"Considering that the creation of jobs by Salvadoran and Guatemala companies and growing businesses is one of the best ways to help El Salvador and Guatemala thrive, the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador and Guatemala City, the Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the United States Department of State (ECA) in Washington, DC, and Bpeace (Business Council for Peace), a non-profit organization based in the United States, are pleased to announce an open competition.
Small and medium enterprises in the region, especially in the food sector, have great opportunities to export to the European market.
This was explained by Ingrid Figueroa, director of the Regional Center for the Promotion of MSMEs (Cenpromype), an agency of the Central American Integration System (SICA).
Aspects such as quality, standards, certifications and seals of approval are elements that European consumers evaluate before acquiring goods that are produced in the region, therefore this must be made known to the producers. "For a small company that has not met the requirements of the European market it can be a complex issue," she said.
From October, the Agricultural Research and Education Center CATIE will begin the second phase of its project FINNFOR, on Forests and Forest Management in Central America.
A statement of the Center for Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) reads:
FINNFOR officially begins its second phase
CATIE and the Government of Finland will seek to improve the livelihoods of small and medium forestry enterprises through the second phase of FINNFOR.
More than 130 Mesoamerican companies in the food sector offered their products to more than 40 buyers from Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Among the activities at Manufexport 2012, was the fourth edition of LAC Flavors in Antigua, Guatemala, held from 11 to 13 July.
According to a statement from the Inter-American Development Bank, “The event, organized by the IDB and the Government of Guatemala, will bring together SMEs selected for their export capacity, quality certifications, and fair trade practices. The companies take part in more than 1,200 appointments through a new system of matchmaking: IDB experts study the characteristics of each exporter in order to make various appointments with the buyers that represent the best choice of partner.
The exporters corporation of El Salvador is holding a regional workshop themed “Modernising Technical Requirements” to help people export to the U.S. safely.
As part of its AGROCAFTA program, the corporation of exporters of El Salvador (COEXPORT) is including a a regional workshop on modernising technical requirements to support SMEs with making secure exports to the U.S.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) approved funding to Lafise Bank in order to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
With better access to long-term credit, small-scale farmers, manufacturers and owners of retail businesses will be able to grow faster and in turn support their local economies.
OPIC resources will strengthen the capital base of Lafise Panama Group, Inc.
The guide is intended for Central American Small and Medium Enterprises interested in knowing how to export to the European Union.
It includes step-by-step information on export strategies, financial and legislative considerations, customs procedures, storage and transportation specifications and tariffs and taxes. It will available online at www.sica.int/cenpromype.
With this alliance, Wal-Mart will promote the inclusion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the region in its international suppliers network.
Under the terms of the agreement it signed with Fecaexca, the Federation of Central American Chambers of Exporters, the company will train SMEs in international commerce and make them part of its business rounds, so they can become Wal-Mart suppliers outside of Central America.
Xpand Group offers to its clients global support in exports. With its network, the company gives access to small and medium enterprises to new markets such as: North America, Central America & Europe
Organization that operates in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama
Phone: (506) 2225-0435 - (506) 2524 2800