Meeting the demands of consumers who increasingly seek responsibility in the production chain and balancing sales between physical and digital formats are part of the challenges faced by businesses in Panama.
The CEO and president of Grupo Rey, Hernán Muntaner, points out that globally the sales of modern channels such as hypermarkets and supermarkets are decreasing, giving way to other forms such as online channels and discount stores.
Almost a year after the regulation for the commercial use of drones entered into force in the country, there are only four companies registered with the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
Since February 14th, 2018, companies using drones for commercial purposes in Costa Rica must pay $1,874 to obtain the exploitation certificate. So far, few companies in this business have initiated the permit process.
The Guatemalan export sector identifies Florida, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey and New York as the U.S. states with the greatest potential for the country's exportable supply.
The Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) presented the "Best Markets, Products and Services 2019", which is based on the analysis of different macroeconomic variables, sustained growth and market dimensions, to show the exporter the opportunities with the greatest potential.
If Central America does not add more value-through diversification and industrialization to its currently limited supply of agricultural products it will be difficult for it to capitalize on the growth of these markets.
A study by the Association for Research and Social Studies analyzes Central American trade relations with India and China, and concludes that it is necessary to achieve a higher level of industrialization and diversification of the export supply in order to capitalize on the growing markets of these two countries.
There is a growing trend in appliances stores and department stores to set up large format stores offering a better buying experience with "everything in one place."
This format allows to the diversification and expansion of the supply of products mainly in middle and upper middle income levels, especially in areas with high population density, which allows consumers to buy more conveniently and for stores to generate more revenue.
Venezuela has lost much of its appeal for Colombian entrepreneurs, who are looking at Central America as a market for products which used to be sold to its border neighbor.
Colombian exporters have decided to diversify their markets in light of the difficulties encountered in Venezuela and are conducting business meetings in countries such as Guatemala in order to trade products such as clay bricks, tiles, apparel, footwear, leather and others things.
The British have indicated that products from El Salvador such as coffee, sugar and crafts, have the potential to be exported to a market of over 63 million people.
In a meeting with exporters from both nations, the British Embassy highlighted the export potential of Salvadoran products. "We have identified some areas with good prospects for increasing our relationships," said Linda Cross, the British ambassador.
The announced opening of a sales office in China is being urged by the business sector, which believes that the current policy to the second largest economy in the world is unsustainable.
Carlos Gonzalez, an analyst at the Association for Research and Social Studies (ASIES) believes that there is a delay on the part of Guatemala in trade between the two nations, because China has invaded the national market and it is necessary to have a presence in that large country.