FSC Development Services Ltd

International Trade Partnership Solutions

SOUTH / CENTRAL AMERICA

Whilst UK business has close historical connections with many of the Caribbean countries, the remainder of Central and South America has always presented more of a challenge to UK business. Besides the obvious language and cultural differences, as well as a rather unfortunate record of financial volatility, this region has, in more recent times, been largely under the influence of the USA. Miami is effectively the unofficial capital of the region!

The recommended approach is that as long as companies tackle the region in a similar way to that which should be used in southern Europe, their chances of success will be improved. Although some countries such as Venezuela and Colombia do need extra care and attention, others like Brazil, Chile, and Mexico (which is effectively part of North America) are now much keener to develop ties with the UK and Europe.

FSC Development Services Ltd has extensive experience in South/Central America with one of its directors having travelled extensively in the region and a fluent Spanish and Portuguese speaker.

Examples of work undertaken:

MEXICO:

A market study to identify opportunities for UK trade, partnerships and investment, specifically in the auto component and electronic
Commercial review/investigation into Fair Trade Coffee co-operatives for Triodos Bank (Holland & UK) - 1999.

BRAZIL:

Licensee and franchise operations in agriculture.
Business development in aerospace and logistics.
Organising trade missions.

CHILE, COSTA RICA and EL SALVADOR:

A study tour for Ghanaian horticultural exporters and officials to visit exporters and facilities. USAID funded - 1995.

COSTA RICA:

A restructuring plan and international market survey for a company producing and exporting organic bananas on behalf of Triodos Bank, Netherlands/UK. Provided on-going support to the company – 1997 – ‘98.

CARIBBEAN:

A study to plan DFID's regional support programme in the Caribbean for enterprise/business development - 1998.
A business plan for the expansion of a UK/Caribbean company in the Caribbean horticultural export industry. Supported by FMO, Netherlands and British Airways – 1999.
Market research in Post & Communications.

TRINIDAD:

Support to the Trinidad Agricultural Development Bank on customer marketing issues - 1997.
Presented a paper to the annual conference of COLEACP on post harvest and marketing requirements for horticultural produce - 1997.

BAHAMAS:

Review for the Bahamas government of their local horticultural production and post harvest facilities.