Friday, 26 May 2023 03:14

Salvadoran SMEs sold US$10 thousand in products to canadian organization

Written by Evelyn Alas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Embassy of El Salvador in Canada, organized the arrival to our territory of a delegation sent by the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), with the interest of learning about the business opportunities offered by our country in the field of handicrafts, as well as specialty coffee.

To this end, the institution held an exhibition of products made by salvadoran entrepreneurs, who presented various handmade items, using traditional techniques and local materials, such as clothing and clothing accessories, bags and purses, jewelry, utensils, ornaments, toys and also chocolates in bars and beverages.

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During the activity, the general director of the NWAC, Lynne Groulx, talked with the local talents to learn about the production processes and the story behind the proposals of the 10 micro-enterprises that participated in the event.

As a result of this exhibition, which took place at the Chancellery's facilities, the immediate sale of merchandise from each of the exhibitors, as well as from other entrepreneurs with whom she met, who will soon see their creations arrive on Canadian soil. The amount of purchases is at least 10 thousand dollars.

"We have been impressed with the quality of their products. We are an association of indigenous women and handcrafted items are very important for our women in Canada. In addition, we have a coffee shop, so we are interested in your chocolate, which is excellent, as well as your coffee", said the NWAC representative.

Precisely, as part of the agenda of the delegation, they also participated in a cupping, carried out with the support of the Consejo Salvadoreño del Café, in which they learned about the flavors, smells, processes and other aspects of interest that are followed locally to produce a high quality fruit. They also talked with a group of women coffee growers, with a view to generating links, both to do business and to promote productive initiatives.

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Regarding this exportable offer, Director Groulx pointed out that it has great potential to position itself in her country, especially with the community it represents. Likewise, she indicated that, from these commercial relations, they also aim to promote salvadoran culture and talent.

"We want business and exchanges between indigenous women and artisans to grow. We can have a very important commercial exchange", said the visitor, who was also received by the Vice Chancellor of the Republic, Adriana Mira, with whom she discussed opportunities to expand bilateral ties.

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Meanwhile, the salvadoran ambassador to Canada, Ricardo Cisneros, who is accompanying the mission, indicated that, from this first purchase, the aim is to open a market for local craftswomen and producers, with the objective of positioning their catalog and maintaining sales in that destination.

"We are going to see which products work in Canada. This is a long-term relationship, and we are leaving with samples with which we aim to increase the volume of purchases and sales", said the diplomat.

The NWAC is an organization created 50 years ago, which is dedicated to promoting initiatives for the development and welfare of the indigenous community of the North American nation, with a special focus on women and youth. Within its areas of work, it contemplates an economic pillar that includes the commercialization of coffee and handicraft products.

It is within this framework that our diplomatic representation was able to generate links with this association, for the joint promotion of productive projects, cultural promotion and business for the benefit of both peoples. This work is part of the economic diplomacy strategy implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its network of Embassies, Consulates and Counseling Offices.

 

Translated by: A.M