The Aid-for-Trade Initiative is helping Central American and Caribbean SMEs diversify their products and markets
First launched in Guatemala as a pilot project, Finpyme ExportPlus is an initiative led by the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC), part of the IDB Group. In line with the Aid-for-Trade Initiative’s objectives, the program seeks to improve the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to export markets by providing them with direct technical assistance to increase and diversify both their products and their markets.
In 2010 the program successfully ended its implementation in Guatemala with excellent results, including a high implementation rate (88 percent) of the knowledge shared through the program and a 50 percent increase in attendees’ export capacity.
Additionally, the program was also launched in four Caribbean countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana and Suriname. Using the program as a stepping stone, the IIC hopes to further enhance its presence in the Caribbean.
Finpyme ExportPlus is carried out in three steps. It starts with a market study to define the industries to be prioritized.
Based on the findings of the market study and some supplemental surveys, the program develops a comprehensive plan for an 18-month implementation phase. Finally, the program selects a key organization dedicated to private sector development in each country.