The European Union's AL-INVEST Verde programme, through the implementation of its Private Sector Support Component (Component 1), has been promoting six projects that benefit small businesses and small producers in Chile. These projects, which are implemented in the agricultural-fruit, construction services, industrial and commercial sectors, seek to impact 2,797 MSMEs in the country.
The projects met at a Meeting for Sustainability and Job Creation, organised by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. On this occasion, the business organisations that are part of the AL-INVEST Verde programme signed a commitment together with the European Union to continue boosting the competitiveness and internationalisation of Chilean small businesses, thus opening up trade opportunities between Latin America and Europe.
Institutions such as the Santiago Chamber of Commerce, the Eurochile Business Foundation, the Eurecat Technology Centre, the Andrés Bello University and the National Federation of Fruit Producers of Chile - Fedefruta participated in this initiative.
The AL-INVEST Verde cooperation programme, co-financed by the European Union, works to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America. In Chile, it has been promoting six projects that benefit small businesses and small producers in Chile since 2022.
"The AL-INVEST Verde Programme allows us to implement transformative solutions to bridge the knowledge and tactical gaps that SMEs need to move towards sustainable growth.said Verónica Torres, Sustainability Manager at the Santiago Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout their implementation, the projects will provide training, experience sharing activities, identification of good practices, training activities, training of trainers, training of trainers, training of trainers, training of trainers, training of trainers, training of trainers, training of trainers. networking and other actions to contribute to the productivity of SMEs in the region.
"We face unprecedented environmental challenges and it is essential that SMEs lead the transition to a green economy. Sustainability is not just a goal, but an opportunity to innovate and grow. The European Union is here to support this path. The new Advanced Framework Agreement between the European Union and Chile, under ratification in the Chilean Congress, offers us a new bilateral framework to build a more resilient and prosperous future. AL INVEST has been a key programme to work on sustainability with SMEs in Latin America, in particular in Chile, commented Claudia Gintersdorfer, EU Ambassador to Chile.
The programme is implemented throughout Latin America and, through Component 1, aims to boost private sector development in the region. This component is led by sequa, a German development organisation.
"The diversity and regional scope of these projects will allow for a significant impact on SMEs and small producers, which in turn will positively impact the economic growth of Latin American countries. We are excited that our projects will enable businesses to add competitive advantages from sustainability and the transition to more circular models."commented Irene Haddad, Team Leader of Component 1 of the AL-INVEST Verde programme.
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 projects of small business associations to boost sustainable practices in the private sector. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating worldwide with the aim of promoting the private sector.
Further information: www.alinvest-verde.eu
