USAID Regional Trade and Market Alliances Project Quarterly Report, October – December 2016

Component 1, Value Chains, concluded its main activities during this period, focusing on strengthening organizations, designing and implementing operational plans for new equipment, and improving efficiency and performance. The project also worked to conclude the majority of the grants issued under Component 1, developing work plans with beneficiaries to ensure sustainability. Through the project, eleven new value-added products were marketed in the region, utilizing improved production lines and agro-industrial technology. A workshop on Post Harvest Management and Bean Quality Standards was held, resulting in the training of over 20 representatives of beneficiary organizations in applying high-quality standards and sampling techniques. The workshop was supported by the Zamorano Pan American Agriculture School and the World Food Programme. Under Market Alliances, the Regional Trade and Market Alliances (RTMA) project worked to standardize tools such as the Financial Monitoring Indicator System (SIFER) and Market Intelligence and Export Consortiums to improve access to formal local and regional markets. RTMA also promoted the successes achieved through these tools, encouraging their replication or adoption in other value chains. A major achievement this period was the certification obtained by one of the organizations in the honey chain in Guatemala, allowing them to export honey to Costa Rica. The project also updated the Return on Investment Indicators (ROI) for grant beneficiary organizations, providing clarity on the levels of sales and production required for sustainability. Technical assistance was provided to support the adoption of financial tools, helping organizations make timely decisions. Under Component 2, Trade Facilitation, RTMA reported significant results in reducing the times and costs for cargo passing through the border crossings of Pedro de Alvarado and La Hachadura. The project's efforts to promote intra-regional trade and improve trade facilitation have contributed to the growth of the region's economy. The certification obtained by the organization in the honey chain in Guatemala is a significant achievement, as it will enable them to export honey to Costa Rica. The project's focus on sustainability and timely decision-making will help organizations maintain their sales and production levels, ensuring their long-term success. The Regional Trade and Market Alliances Project has made significant progress in strengthening organizations, promoting intra-regional trade, and improving trade facilitation in Central America. The project's efforts have contributed to the growth of the region's economy and will continue to support the development of the region's trade and market alliances.