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Central America & Your Business How the EVD can help. Christian Derlagen, EVD Project Officer Central America. Stimulating investment: PSI. The EVD and Central America. ¿ Who are we? ¿ What can we do?. ¿ What is it? ¿ Who can benefit? ¿ How does it work?.
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Central America & Your Business How the EVD can help Christian Derlagen, EVD Project Officer Central America
Stimulating investment: PSI The EVD and Central America • ¿ Who are we? • ¿ What can we do? • ¿ What is it? • ¿ Who can benefit? • ¿ How does it work?
EVD International Business and Cooperation Agency of the Dutch Government that assists entrepreneurs in their international activities Provides information about foreign markets Executes programmes to stimulate international cooperation and development
Information on Central America • We answer your questions: • Laws & regulations • Sector-specific data • Practical info • Publications, seminars, www.evd.nl/country • Connect you to economic advisers at embassies in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua
Programmes • PSB: Starters on Foreign Markets • Support Dutch SME's in accessing new markets • CPA: Collective Promotional Activities • Stimulating trade missions and participation at international fairs • PSI: Private Sector Investment Programme • Stimulating investments in emerging markets around the world • MMF: Matchmaking Facility • Connecting businesses in developing countries to Dutch partners
What is PSI? • PSI provides funding for investments in emerging markets, formerly programme known as PSOM • Investments are executed by partnership of two companies • In 52 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Balkans • Of which 4 countries in Central America: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua • Since 1999 over 500 projects have been started in agriculture, industry, logistics, tourism, energy and more. Why? • Stimulate the private sector of developing countries • More labour, more knowledge, more development
Who can submit? For Guatemala, El Salvador: • Company from The Netherlands • Together with a local company • Stable and sound financial position • Long-term cooperation For Honduras, Nicaragua: • Company from anywhere in the world • Together with a local company • Stable and sound financial position • Long-term cooperation
What does a PSI project look like? • Maximum project budget EUR 1,5 million • Maximum duration of the project is 30 months • PSI donates 50% • Open to all sectors Conditions • Activity is commercially viable • Pilot character, additional investments after project period • Innovative character, new for the country • Combination of hardware and technical assistance (training, management) • Own contribution and commitment of partners • Impact on development
Flowers by Sea - EcuadorProcessing of cut flowers for transport by sea container Strategy: Process and prepare flowers for sea transport, avoiding increasing airfreight costs and environmental concerns, creating more added value in the chain. Project: Establish a processing centre in Ecuadorian flower region to prepare flowers for container transport and ensure cold chain. Initial capacity two containers/week. Results: Direct employment for 40 persons. Positive environmental effects. Positive influence and innovation for Ecuadorian flower sector. Good prospects for growth after the project period.
Plastic Pots – El SalvadorProducing plant pots from recycled scrap plastic in San Salvador Strategy: Benefit from growing ornamental plants production in Central America. Subsitute imports with high-quality pots from recycled plastic. Project: Establish a production facility in San Salvador, with Dutch detailed knowledge. Set up marketing and sales of pots throughout the region. Results: Direct employment for 19 persons. Positive environmental effects. Excellent prospects for growth after the project period. Strengthening position of El Salvador as industrial supplier to agricultural sector in other Central American countries.
How does it work? • Two tenders a year • Next tender: opens end of 2008 closes beginning 2009 exact dates available soon • Evaluation & selection of projects • Start of project: June 2009 NB: El Salvador only eligible for first (upcoming) tender!
Thinking about investing in Central America? • Discuss your idea with a Project Officer of the EVD • Visit the PSI workshop ('How to write a project proposal') • Read the instructions – soon available!
Questions? More information? Country Officer: Marjolein Steinebach steinebach@evd.nl PSI Project Officer: Christian Derlagen derlagen@evd.nl www.evd.nl