FAO Prepares Agri-Food Enterprises for Expanded Market Reach

Agri-food enterprises across Latin America and the Caribbean received crucial insights during a recent webinar hosted by FAO, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SE-CAC), and the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA). The session, titled Market Research and Financing for Export, aimed at enhancing business competencies in preparation for the ninth Virtual Business Round for Agri-Food Chains.

Camilo Navarro, Agri-Food Trade Specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO, underscored the importance of meticulous preparation before engaging in commercial promotion events. Navarro emphasized the need to grasp essential aspects such as market dynamics, product specifics, competition analysis, and financial readiness. He highlighted freely accessible tools like Trade Map, UN Comtrade Database, and ITC Market Access Map, stressing the significance of setting clear, measurable objectives to maximize participation in the Virtual Business Round.

Milagros Conislla, International Trade and Regional Integration Consultant, IICA, highlighted the region's pivotal role in global agri-food exports, capturing 17.2% share in 2023. Conislla flagged concerns over the limited number of exporting countries and the narrow product range, cautioning that this vulnerability could heighten regional risks during crises.

Carlos Obregón, Finance Expert specializing in SMEs, emphasized the critical role of agricultural financing in sectoral development. He asserted that credit access plays a pivotal role in investment decisions for productive assets and enhances integration opportunities in value chains and new markets. Obregón advised enterprises to maintain detailed financial plans, implement robust monitoring systems, and uphold strong credit reputations to capitalize on sustainable growth prospects.

Esmeralda Orellana, Knowledge Management and Trade Promotion Technician, SIECA, guided participants through the Virtual Business Round registration process. She highlighted customizable options for language preferences, virtual booth designs, and presentation uploads, underscoring the platform's versatility and lucrative business prospects.

Lucrecia Rodríguez, Executive Secretary, SE-CAC, concluded the event by urging enterprises to embrace adaptive business models, particularly post-pandemic. She emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration among participating entities and organizations to fortify the agri-food sector continually.