Ecuador, 23 May 2023 - With the objective of implementing sustainable and eco-innovative practices in Ecuador for the SMEs and/or associationsThe project "AL-INVEST Verde Chapter Ecuador", co-financed by the European Union, was presented. This initiative will be implemented by the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (fedeXpor) to support practices in favour of environmentally responsible production, consumption and integrated solid waste management based on the principles of the circular economy.
AL-INVEST Verde will last 24 months and is aimed at the agri-food, textile and wood sectors throughout the country, which are carrying out sustainable actions with a high degree of circularity.
In the presentation, Felipe Ribadeneira, Executive President of FedeXpor, expressed his pride in having the confidence of the European Union to be part of the implementation of AL-INVEST Verde from Ecuador. This programme will generate sustainable growth and employment with gender equality with a view to exporting to the European Union, the importance that the Federation has given to the implementation of projects generating entrepreneurial culture, transferring skills and resources for the benefit of companies, eliminating the social differences that our countries have, and supporting the transition to a low carbon economy.
For his part, José María Medina, Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Ecuador, stressed that AL-INVEST Verde was born 25 years ago and is currently running its sixth edition in Latin America, fedeXpor is an essential ally, the Federation has worked for the benefit of SMEs and has nurtured skills and tools in awareness and care for the environment. Supported by these programmes, we hope to be carbon neutral by 2050.
SMEs are key actors for the sustainable development of economies due to their high potential to respond to market needs, generate employment and enable access to better living conditions. From AL-INVEST Verde, funds are managed for the financing of projects that seek to benefit SMEs and expand their possibilities to trade under EU standards, giving them a competitive advantage.
Throughout its implementation, the programme will provide training, technical assistance, circularity and sustainability diagnostics, trade promotion activities, B2B events, trade fairs, trade missions, networking and other actions to contribute to their productivity and competitiveness.
AL-INVEST Verde Ecuador Chapter seeks to encourage companies to produce in a more committed, environmentally friendly and co-responsible way.The company has been able to improve its production efficiency, generate employment, strengthen its production and export more.
The interested SMEs will be able to register from 15 June to 18 August at www.fedexpor.com. Based on the information submitted, a circularity diagnosis will be made for each applicant, SME, association or civil society organisation. During this process, they will be able to access training events organised by fedeXpor. at national level. SMEs must have a financial counterpart to co-finance the activities they will develop.
