tly headed a Guatemalan agricultural trade mission to Asia, to see what potential there was for the country's produce in some of the world's most rapidly developing markets.9 companies took part in the mission, which visited the cities of Shanghai, Che Zhen and Hong Kong.
Rodolfo Rivera Ramos, President of Agexport, explained the reasons for the visit, "We wanted to get to know the markets, the importers and buyers and the supply chain processes."
Regina Espana, of Agexport, said, "Agexport is working on creating a programme to study the Asian markets, because we know we can attain a share of them."
Francisco Viteri, of Popoyan, a grower of pineapples, bell peppers and tomatoes, agreed. "The trip was my first time in Asia. My expectations were to gain a better understanding of the trends of the Asian markets and the potential for our products there - I also wanted to see if there were new products we could grow to succeed in such markets."
"My expectations were met. I was able to identify several products that can be grown in Guatemala that can meet Asian customer expectations. I was also amazed at the amount of South American products - from Chile, Peru and Argentina - that were already in the market, and the prices that are paid for them."
Mario Amezquita, of Lafinita can also see the potential of the market. "It was good to see how fast the Asian market is developing," he says. "It was fantastic to visit the retail chains there - it was like being in the US or Europe."
Franciso, however, suggests that the time to fully exploit this market potential may not be ripe just yet. "I do not see Guatemala as an immediate supplier to China, though I can see it coming in the next 10 years or so."
For Francisco there are a few things that need to be overcome before the market is ready. "We have to remember that there is a lot of freight coming into the Americas from Asia and most of those ships and planes leave almost empty. This is a very important issue that we need to know how to take advantage of and we need to talk with freight carriers in order to become competitive in terms of transit time and cost."
Alejandro Farfan Contreras, of Asuncion Export, says, "There is definitely great potential for Guatemalan produce, but it must be products with high added value and that is very different from what the Chinese and other Asian nations are already producing."
Mario suggests the best way forward is to work together. "I think there is potential, but we need to work hard and develop a brand for our country. We need to work hard and develop the same kind of reputation as Chile has done and Peru is doing, but, yes, I think Asia is the right market for our products."
If this can be achieved then hopefully Guatemala will be able to take advantage of the market Rodolfo describes when he says, "There are good opportunities, it's a big market with big demand for high volumes."
For more information:
Monica Figueroa
Agexport
Tel: 502-2422-3400
[email protected]
www.export.com.gt