The AL-INVEST Verde programme, through its Component 1, is implementing twelve innovative projects in Colombia with a view to promoting employment and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, which will contribute to economic growth. 4.4 million have been earmarked for the development of these initiatives.
These projects are national in scope with emphasis on departments such as Antioquia, Atlántico, Bolivar, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Huila, La Guajira, Manizales, Quindío, Risaralda, Santander, among others.
AL-INVEST Verde is the result of the European Union's (EU) willingness to cooperate with Latin America and its main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in the region, supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Component 1 is aimed at boosting the private sector in the region.
"At the Bogota Chamber of Commerce we have learned first-hand about 12 initiatives that are transforming the way of doing business in Colombia and the lives of many people. We have talked about Agrotechnology applied to exports, traceability, recycling, sustainable packaging and tourism and even 125,000 euros of avocado that have been exported to Europe for the Olympics. This is the best face of the partnership between the European Union, Colombia and the Region. We share values, ambitions and the vision of a green future for our societies," commented Alberto Menghini, Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Colombia.
Colombia concentrates the largest number of projects in the region, being a country of great relevance for the Programme. These initiatives are focused on two fundamental pillars: the promotion of deforestation-free agricultural value chains and the transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular business models that allow them to maintain or access the EU market. These pillars of work will enable the drive towards a greener and more responsible economy.
"Component 1 is very pleased to have this large number of projects in Colombia. The diversity and regional scope of these projects will allow for a significant impact on SMEs and small producers," said Irene Haddad, Team Leader of Component 1 of the AL-INVEST Verde programme.
The initiatives benefit four main sectors such as agriculture, livestock, forestry; agro-industrial, industrial such as textile confections; multi-sectoral to optimise the uses of packaging and plastics; and services such as waste management, sustainable tourism, etc.
Throughout its implementation, the programme will provide training, experience-sharing activities, identification of best practices, B2B business rounds, training activities, training of trainers, training of trainers and training of trainers. networking and other actions to contribute to the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs in the region.
Ovidio Claros Polanco, executive president of the CCB, said: "For the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and our allies, participating in this programme represents a strategic opportunity to promote the transition of more than 520 MSMEs towards a business model that strongly integrates environmental sustainability. This approach is not only essential for their growth and development, but also for their internationalisation, regardless of the economic sector in which they operate, their size or their activity. Our commitment is to support these companies in adopting sustainable practices that will be key to their future success," he said..
About AL-INVEST Verde
AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 1, the programme manages funds for the implementation of innovative PP partnership projects, led by Chambers, associations of small entrepreneurs, academia, among others, to promote sustainable practices in the private sector. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating worldwide with the aim of promoting private sector development.
For more information visit: www.alinvest-verde.eu
