San Pedro Sula, Honduras, March 25th, 2021
The Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFO Canada) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Cortes (CCIC – in Spanish) established an important partnership by signing an agreement for the implementation of the "Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth" project, focused in the agri-food sector (specialty coffee and fresh fruit and vegetables particularly Asian vegetables) with the purpose of counteracting the challenges experienced by women entrepreneurs.
TFO Canada works with partners in developing countries to better understand their needs and increase the share of exports generated by women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The current five-year project is designed to address these specific needs and is carried out with financial support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
The main objective of the project is to promote a more equitable participation of women in decision-making and as leaders of trade support institutions, as well as to build and strengthen the capacities of exporting companies in prioritized subsectors interested in the Canadian and US markets.
The project will contribute to the final result of improving the economic well-being of women and men in Honduras, addressing the main constraints faced by women exporters, facilitating improvements and adaptation of products, and greater access to international markets including Canada through the creation of effective trade links with buyers through participation in trade missions for job creation and increased profits.
TFO Canada’s Executive Director, Steven Tipman, expressed that “Having supported SMEs, particularly women-led exporters, in Honduras for many years, TFO Canada is proud to be collaborating with the Camara de Comercio e Industrias de Cortes on this important initiative. As we collectively look forward to a post-COVID world, supporting Honduran exporters will be fundamental to the country’s economic recovery.”
Likewise, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Ing. Pedro Barquero, recognized the Trade Facilitation Office Canada for its continued commitment and strong support to women's empowerment in trade, inclusive development and gender equality, as a key factor in ending extreme poverty and promoting the sustainable growth of our SMEs.
TFO Canada is a recognized leader for its work in improving people's living conditions by facilitating sustainable international trade for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries.
If you would like to be part of this program and for more information, please contact 504 2561-6100 ext. 219, misionescomerciales@ccichonduras.org.