Training for the internationalization of agricultural SMEs

Within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement signed in 2019 between the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), several cycles of virtual conferences were held with the aim of strengthening the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region in light of the major challenges they face in the area of exports, especially intraregional exports. Greater participation by agricultural SMEs in trade requires clear strategies and capacity building for effective insertion into foreign markets; taking advantage of market benefits and opportunities; and strengthening regional integration. The conference cycles held over three consecutive years attracted the interest of more than 1,600 people, who received clear, concise, practical information on aspects that agricultural SMEs need to know when starting to market their products in the regional market. Topics covered included preparation for export, market adaptation, regulatory standards, and market access requirements, among others, which are important tools for internationalization. It is in this sense that this course seeks to replicate that wealth of knowledge and disseminate its contents, in order to reach more people who need these tools, enabling them to successfully take advantage of the opportunities offered by trade agreements and integration processes.