- Under this agreement, 113 SMEs will be trained in export plan elaboration and will be able to gain in-depth knowledge of the Canadian market. In addition, 75 SMEs will have access to training programs with experts on environmental practices, digital marketing and e-commerce, tradeshow participation, etc.
ProColombia and TFO Canada (Trade Facilitation Office) seek to increase support for companies with export capacity, especially in the agri-food sector and industries 4.0, to offer their products and services in the North American country. Through this alliance, in addition to the commercial benefits, the goal is to increase the visibility of the value contributed by women in the organizations and to promote training opportunities on gender equity and inclusion issues.
“Signing this agreement while we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and Canada represents for Colombia a contribution to the empowerment of women who lead SMEs. The bilateral trade exchange and the knowledge transfer between both countries will give an important boost to companies seeking to continue growing and expanding their offer in strategic markets such as the Canadian”, said Flavia Santoro, President of ProColombia.
Steve Tipman, Executive Director of TFO Canada, stated, “This initiative with ProColombia aligns well with TFO Canada’s mandate of promoting sustainable economic development through export information, advice and contact, and trade partnership to improve capacity in accessing foreign markets. Investing in people, particularly women-led SMEs, reinforces TFO Canada’s commitment to improving lives thereby contributing to the economic development in Colombia.”
This initiative is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada. The companies that will benefit from the agreement will be able to access exclusive training sessions led by experts on topics related to: post Covid-19 context of the Canadian market; export plan elaboration with focus on Canada; best environmental practices; digital marketing, e-commerce, amongst others.
This agreement confirms the commitment of both organizations to contribute to the inclusive growth and women economic empowerment by increasing the commercial relationship between Canada and Colombia.
In the upcoming weeks, ProColombia will launch the selection process for interested companies to become part of this initiative.
Companies interested in being part of this initiative will be able to access the call for applications from August 20 until September 6. To apply, they must fill out this form.
About TFO Canada: Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve lives through the creation of sustainable trade partnerships for exporters from developing countries with Canadian and foreign buyers. Since its creation, TFO Canada has been working and creating alliances with different organizations from many countries in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
About ProColombia: ProColombia is the entity that promotes Colombia as a leading destination for Foreign Direct Investment, tourism, and as a world-class provider of non-mining exports.