Central America must improve the quality standards of its products, learn more about the consumers and simplify processes in order to take advantage of the opportunities of the Agreement with the European Union.

In order to maximize the opportunities provided by the Association Agreement which has been signed with the European Union (EU), Central American companies must have a better understanding of the European market, which has more than 500 million consumers who are demanding in terms of quality and food safety. Furthermore, it is essential to simplify export procedures in order to expedite the process of obtaining permits and other procedures which are reducing export competitiveness in Central America.

The EU ambassador in Honduras, Ketil Karlsen told Eleconomista.net that “… Central American producers must produce with higher standards of quality, which which is why the Central American region is being urged to conform with international health and phytosanitary standards in order to enter and compete in the European market . ”

The head of the Technical Assistance at the Regional Support Program for Central American Economic Integration and Implementation of the Association Agreement, Ramon Tejeiro , added that “… The region needs to apply a common customs schedule to simplify customs clearance. ” ‘… Central American countries must also reduce bureaucracy and standardize processes and procedures in order to facilitate trade between the two regions. ”

Source: ElEconomista.net