In a context of slowdown in industrial activity and loss of jobs, the industrialists' union of El Salvador calls for a policy of attracting investment through incentives and reviewing and taking advantage of existing trade agreements.
El Salvador's industrial sector registered a 0.9% growth in the first half of 2019, two percentage points less than last year during the same period, a fact that shows that economic growth in El Salvador remains slow and low, remaining at 2%, reported the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI).
In the first quarter of 2018, the manufacturing and services sectors recorded falls of 4,000 and 7,000, respectively, in the monthly average number of affiliates to the social insurance scheme compared to 2017.
One example of the contraction observed in industrial activity is what occured in free zones.The Association of Private Free Zones of Guatemala explained that due to the closure of more than one hundred companies, some 1,500 jobs have been lost.
Improving performance using new sources of renewable energy and the manufacturing, food and agroindustry sectors is one of the objectives of the strategic plan put forward by industrial entrepreneurs in the region.
The Board of Directors of the Federation of Chambers and Industrial Associations of Central America and the Dominican Republic (Fecaica), presented its strategic plan for the 2018-2023 quinquennium, which considers the issues which the region should focus on in order for the industrial sector to grow.
The Committee of Chemists has endorsed the policies of management of industrial chemical products, care and prevention of chemical accidents, and registration of transfers and polluting emissions.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade:
The Committee of Chemists that evaluates policies related to the management of industrial chemical products in the process of our country's adhesion to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), has issued a formal opinion in favor of the entry of Costa Rica to this Organization.
While one candidate is willing to review the limits on private electricity cogeneration, and raise them from 15% to 30%, the other rejects the possibility of extracting natural gas due to its environmental implications.
In a meeting with companies in the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (ICRC), the two candidates who will go head to head in a second round of voting on April 1, shared their proposals to deal with issues of great importance to the industrial sector, such as electricity rates and the opening up of the electricity market, as well as the management of procedures in State institutions.
The meeting of industrial companies will be held in San Salvador from October 12th to 14th at the International Center for Fairs and Conventions.
The XIII Industrial Fair will be held this year under the theme of "Industry and Development", and presentations on future industrial trends and talent and innovation in the industry 4.0.
On October 18, businessmen from the region will be gathering together in Guatemala City to participate in business meetings and conferences on topics related to industry, innovation and business.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industry in Guatemala:
Guatemala, July 18, 2017.The Chamber of Industry of Guatemala -IG- and the Federation ofChambers and Industrial Associations of Central America and the Dominican Republic -FECAICA- presented this morning theFirst Regional Regional Summit 2017, to be held on October 18 at the Westin Camino Real Hotel in the city of Guatemala.
The bill approved by the Cabinet envisages an increase of 25% to 40% in tax credits for investment in manufacturing and agribusiness.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:
In order to expedite the process and create a program for industrial competitiveness to promote the sector's growth, generating investments and new employment positions for the economy, the Cabinet approved a bill that modifies and adds articles to Law 76 of 2009, dictating measures for the promotion and development of industry.
High electricity and fuel costs, outdated and inefficient border posts, and an educational system which is not aligned with market needs, are some of the complaints made to the Government.
On the positive side the union points to the balanced FTA negotiations with South Korea, the adoption of the Strategy for Services to Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Development Banking System and adoption of 4 laws for the rationalization of pension schemes.
A strategy focused on increasing competitiveness by reducing production costs and facilitating the creation of added value is what industrial enterprises have asked for.
Improving training in the use of new tools and technology and giving more value to final production are two of the main challenges faced by companies in the industrial sector.The union that brings them together is aware that the potential of the country in this sector can not be maximized if aspects affecting global competitiveness are not improved.
The union has projected growth of 4.4% in 2017 and is counting on attract more foreign investors to partner up with local entrepreneurs to promote the development of industrial activity.
More foreign investment, better use of chains that already exist, such as in the food industry, and reducing the cost of energy are elements that will enhance the development of the Nicaraguan industrial sector, which expects to close 2016 with growth of 3.8%.
Despite the impact that the high cost of energy and social security contributions have had on their competitiveness, medium and large companies anticipate a slight improvement in results this year.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica:h
Tuesday May 17, 2016. Industrialists expect a year with better performance in investment and increased production compared to last year.
Lower utility rates, a change in the exchange rate policy and starting the process to join the Pacific Alliance are in the view of the union the most urgent challenges facing the Solis administration.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica:h
The ICRC highlighted five challenges and 5 successes of the Solis Rivera administration in its first two years.
They argue that joining the bloc offers growth potential for commercial partners who to date represent only 4% of total exports.
Enrique Egloff, president of the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica provided support for this with figures which show that in 2015 Costa Rica's exports to the countries in the Pacific Alliance totaled $377 million and imports $1.786 billion.
Tax exemptions and other incentives for companies in the industrial sector are part of the proposals in the bill on Industrial Property Law which is being prepared by the government.
Vice Minister of Commerce, Manuel Grimaldo, told Anpanama.com that "... the bill which is being worked on for industry contains some benefits such as tax incentives, and this sector could be paying a 10% tax instead 25% or 30%. "
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