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In order to diversify markets and reap the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which entered into force since August 15, PROCOLOMBIA will hold an International Business Matchmaking Forum in Toronto, Canada.
After the success of the Business Matchmaking Forums in Brazil and Mexico, this time around the session will take place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, where 174 Canadian buyers will get to know products in agribusiness, manufacturing, apparel and services of the 195 Colombian exporters.
In agribusiness, the offering will encompass palm oils and fats, sugars, syrups and sweeteners, derived from cocoa and coffee, processed fruits, food preparations, snacks and confectionery products as well as the aquaculture sector.
Manufacturing entrepreneurs will take items such as equipment, parts, containers and packaging, and building materials.
Colombians also offer leather goods, clothing, digital content and software.
The business encounter is part of the strategy to take advantage of the FTA and Support Plan launched by PROCOLOMBIA for exporters affected by the revaluation, the rainy season and the suspension of tariff preferences in the United States.
In addition, investment and tourism workshops will be held, as well as a technical trip for exporters and other animation and video games with SMEs in the country to know the Canadian market and business opportunities.
The market in figures
During 2010, total exports to Canada reached US$532 million, with traditional products having the highest share with 83.1 percent, according to the information published by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, based on DANE figures. Non-traditional exports represented 16.9 percent. From there, 60.6% were agro-industry products, manufacturing with 30.9 percent garments with 7.5 percent and services with 1 percent.
As of June 2011, sales totaled US264.5 million. Out of that figure, 48.6 million corresponded to non-traditional products.
The northern country's activity schedule also includes seminars, international fairs, reports on opportunities in the market and Canadian buyer trips
