A total of US$19,1 million dollars are estimated in prospective business from the III Business Matchmaking Forum at the International Book Fair where 151 international buyers from 18 different countries participated.
According to the report by PROCOLOMBIA, out of the total balance, eight million dollars correspond to sales during the event, while the remaining US$11,1 million dollars represent potential business expected to materialize during the coming months.
Business was conducted with 161 Colombian exporters, not only those who participated in the Business Matchmaking Forum, but also the companies that have an exhibition stand at the Book Fair, which will extend itself until next weekend.
Aside the 1,250 scheduled appointments during the Business Matchmaking Forum, international buyers had the chance to walk around Corferias facilities to see any innovations and business options with the sector.
According to the report issued by the entrepreneurs, the products most requested by international buyers are bibles, encyclopedias, general interest books and printing services.
The III Business Matchmaking Forum organized by PROCOLOMBIA, the Colombian Book Chamber of Commerce and Corferias, gathered buyers from Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, Dominican Republic, Argentina, United States, Nicaragua, Chile, Honduras, Venezuela, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Paraguay.
A report by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, based on official DANE figures, has revealed that book exports in Colombia added up to a total of US$ 99 million in 2010.
According to this same report, sales abroad in the editorial sector reached US$14 million between January and February 2011, which proves the growth of 2,9% as compared to the same period last year.