Bonn, 23 January 2024 - More than 15 million euros will be earmarked to boost green economy projects in Latin America through the AL-INVEST Verde programme, a European Union (EU) initiative that promotes sustainable growth and job creation in the region with an emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The programme - through the implementation of its Component 1 - selected 42 projects from the more than 160 proposals received during the Second Call for Innovative Projects. The selected projects will benefit SMEs in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

These projects will focus on two key pillars: the promotion of deforestation-free agricultural value chains and the transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular business models. These pillars of work will enable the drive towards a greener and more responsible economy.

"Component 1 is very pleased to have these new projects in addition to the 24 that are already under implementation. The diversity and regional scope of these projects will allow for a significant impact on SMEs and small producers", says Irene Haddad, Component 1 Team Leader.

Throughout its implementation, the programme will provide training, experience-sharing activities, identification of good practices, training activities, training in the use of the networking and other actions to contribute to the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs in the region.

The AL-INVEST Verde programme is implemented throughout Latin America, Component 1, which focuses on leveraging the private sector, is led by sequa, a German development organisation.

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 towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 1, the programme manages funds for the implementation of innovative business partnership projects to boost private sector practices. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating with the objective of promoting the private sector.

Further information: www.alinvest-verde.eu