From March 1 to 5, 2021, the Colon Free Zone will hold its first multisector virtual trade fair, in which 200 exhibitors will participate and participants will be able to access product catalogs and receive direct attention from suppliers.
The trade fair will feature a wide variety of mass consumption products, regional distribution logistics services and value-added products, informed the Colon Free Zone (CFZ).
The competitive advantage of low costs of Central American companies and the possibility of making strategic alliances in Mexico and the U.S., are some of the opportunities that architectural services companies could take advantage of.
For the internationalization of this type of service, companies in the sector recognize some challenges and barriers such as the lack of information on internationalization of services, lack of knowledge on how to reach international clients, differences in design codes and applicable laws, and regulatory difficulties to internationalize plans, highlights an analysis prepared by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer).
After the Association Agreement with the United Kingdom came into effect on January 1, Guatemalan businessmen are confident that business opportunities will be generated during 2021.
Whether as a fresh or dry product, there are multiple trading opportunities in markets such as the US, UK, Germany and Japan, which are the main importers of this plant globally.
When sold as a food ingredient, raw material or cosmetic, in the medium and long term there are greater opportunities for internationalization to greater added value can be given to the product, highlights a report prepared by the Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Procomer).
Although more than 140 agricultural products have access to the U.S. market, only 70 are currently shipped by local producers, which is partly explained by low production capacity and lack of quality.
According to studies conducted by Central American Business Intelligence (Cabi), Nebraska, District of Columbia, Maryland, Hawaii, Tennessee, Illinois, Mississippi, Maine, Kansas and North Dakota are the states with the greatest potential to take advantage of market opportunities.
Betting on food that involves an industrial process, focusing on markets that are not saturated and on the trends that predominate among consumers are some of the strategies that could multiply the income of agricultural producers.
It is estimated that the sale of dried pineapple reaches a value on the international market of 1,600% higher than the price achieved by selling it fresh. In the case of dried mango, the difference amounts to 1.512%.
The growing uncertainty about the safety of seafood products exported from China, one of the world's leading producers, could represent an opportunity for Central American countries to gain some insight into the global market.
In this context of new commercial reality, the retail channel will continue to be the main demander in the short term for products that are easy to prepare such as tilapia, salmon, trout, shrimp and others with which consumers feel more comfortable cooking at home.
Concern for health and a balanced diet, which goes hand in hand with the demand for food that is easy and quick to prepare, is one of the opportunities that can be taken advantage of by Central American exporters.
In the food market, the cultural variety stands out, due to the convergence of diverse culinary traditions generated by the relevance of tourism.
From July 7-10, Guatemalan companies focused on mass consumption will meet with Dominican buyers to learn about local market trends.
The event is organized by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) and is aimed at national companies interested in marketing mass consumption products, food service and private brands.
Guatemala's annual exports to the Dominican Republic amount to nearly $120 million, and among the main products marketed are sugar, several types of medicines, palm oil, and personal hygiene items, among others.
Following the spread of the virus globally and the suspension of some production in China, several garment companies in the region have reported increases in their orders.
The spread of the epidemic has stopped much of the economic activity of the Asian giant, which is the largest exporter of textiles in the world. This situation has forced buyers to look for alternatives.
The Guatemalan Congress ratified the protocol of accession of Guatemala to the European Free Trade Association, formed by Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
This trade agreement is a complementary instrument for Guatemalan products such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, ornamental plants, honey, spices, oils, fish and differentiated products to have easier access to Europe.
Encouraging production and raising the quality standards of the fruit are some of the challenges that Guatemala faces in order to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that exist in the international market.
It is estimated that worldwide the demand for avocado grows at a 10% annual rate and in its best season the fruit is quoted in Asian and European markets up to $1.75 per unit.
Starting to sell beef on the Guatemalan market and evaluating the possibility of signing a trade agreement between the two economies are part of the initiatives proposed by the South American country.
During his visit to Guatemala, Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo stated that another of the South American country's interests is to participate in the organic coffee business.
The marketing of organic shrimp, vegetable meat, Monk Fruit and carob are some of the innovative market opportunities that Guatemalan exporters have identified for this year.
For the "Best Markets, Products & Services 2020 Study", prepared by the Market Development and Trade Promotion Department of AGEXPORT, 27 high potential markets for Guatemalan products and services exports were selected, identifying 18 countries and 9 states of the United States, which together with the 351 tariff items generate more than 900 commercial opportunities for the Guatemalan exportable supply and international markets, informed the sector's union.
60% of the beauty and personal care products offered on the island are imported, which added to the intense tourist activity that takes place in the country, lays the foundation for many opportunities in this business.
Jamaica, which has hotel and beach spa infrastructure, attracts nearly 4.5 million visitors each year, who purchase different types of items, among which are personal care products, according to a report by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency.