Andigrafica business matchmaking forum raised potential business expectations for US$6.6 million

The first business matchmaking fórum held in Andigrafica 2011 raised potential business expectations for US$6,6 million in the 170 appointments, and closed business deals in the amount of US$35,700 during the event organized by PROCOLOMBIA and Andigraf.

The business activity which took place in Corferias gathered 14 international buyers and 36 Colombian exporters, who proved why Colombia has become a strong player in the graphics communication industry in Latin America.

“Sometimes we print a lot of material in China or Mexico, but perhaps we never looked in the direction of a market like the Colombian one, which offers better quality products and makes it worth paying a couple more dollars for,” said Pedro Arevalo, representative of a large printing company located in Houston, Texas.

Ecuadorian Juan Carlos Belalcazar said “there are very good business alternatives for the future, because we know the high quality level they have in Colombia. Additionally, its geographical position offers us a lot of advantages.”

On the other hand, exporters highlighted the importance of a matchmaking forum for the industry. “Everyone’s agendas were fully packed, which shows the buyers’ enthusiasm to see better alternatives and the opportunity printers have, large, medium sized and small, to find and broaden their business horizons,” said Juan Guillermo Giraldo, General Manager of Printer Colombiana.

Alberto Sanchez, from CI Lito Sanchez Limitada said “business matchmaking fórums always offer good opportunities, thanks to the excellence of our companies. It is a great time to find clients.”

Colombian entrepreneurs explained that while the fall of the dollar value has reduced domestic industry’s competitiveness in the past few years, the markets’ diversification and product innovation has helped them surpass the difficult times.

“Our rates went up due to the fluctuation of the dollar currency, and we lost share abroad because of this, but we are facing with optimism for our exports to increase,” said Martha Reyes from Editorial y Linotipia Bolivar.

“We are creating other business units like folding, labeling and sleeves. The plan is to begin to export,” said Fabio Caicedo, International Manager for Panamericana.

Maria Reina, President of Andigraf, assured the Business Matchmaking Forum and the Andigraf fair itself are helping the sector to grow even more. “Having all the players gathered here with the international buyers brought by PROCOLOMBIA is very important, and is sure to have a positive impact on the industry indicators, especially pertaining to exports.”

She also explained that the internal demand from other strong industries like Mexico and Brazil does not generate a surplus to enable these countries to export, contrary to Colombia, thus making our country an increasingly stronger player in the Latin American graphic communications industry.

We are currently the number two most important player in the region after Mexico. According to the figures by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, what the country most exported in 2010 were books, with US$98 million, followed by notebooks with US$30 million, and paper and cardboard packaging with US$28 million. Overall, the sector exported US$255 million.