With the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Raquel Arbaje, the Export and Investment Center of the DR (ProDominicana) presented the 4th edition of the National Meeting of Women in Export and recognized the most outstanding export companies led by women.
During her speech, Arbaje said that the government of President Luis Abinader is committed to all Dominican women and men. “Since August 2020, women entrepreneurs with less capital and opportunities have been, precisely, especially benefited by government initiatives. Proof of this is that more than 65% of the loans granted by Promipyme have gone to women. In addition, within the framework of the National Land Titling Plan of the State, women constitute more than 55% of those who have received property titles”, she highlighted.
The First Lady also urged ProDominicana to intensify its efforts so that the number of exporting companies led by women grows every day, lighting up the future.
In this regard, Biviana Riveiro, executive director of ProDominicana, indicated that the new edition of the study includes indicators on female leadership in the export sector, the contribution of companies to the Dominican economy, employment levels, salaries received by workers, as well as an exhaustive analysis of the new initiatives that are available to promote the competitive insertion of Dominican women in international trade.
Riveiro informed that in 2022 exports of companies led by women reached US 1,777.9 million, with more than 80 destinations and 1,123 different products, which shows a diversified sector, both in terms of destination and exported items.
He also revealed that the National District tops the list of exporting companies led by women, with 14% participation, followed by Santo Domingo 6%, Santiago 4%, La Vega 2% and Puerto Plata 1%.
Víctor O. Bisonó Haza, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Mipymes (MICM), indicated that the participation of women has been fundamental in the strengthening and development of exports. This is confirmed by the World Trade Organization, which states that companies that participate in international trade employ more women than those companies that do not export, thus evidencing their strategic participation in this activity.
During the period January-August 2023, the value of exported products reached US 998.6 million, and for the same period in 2022, US 1,231.8 million were exported. In terms of markets, the following stand out: Switzerland US 1,025 million, India US 309.2 million and the United States US 178.9 million.
The main products exported by companies led by women are: raw gold, jewelry, soybean oil, cocoa beans and bananas.
Award winners
During the National Meeting of Women in Exports, the women-led exporting companies that have stood out for strengthening and increasing the volume of their exports, positively impacting the Dominican economy during 2022, were recognized.
Camilo Labs was recognized in the Pro-Internationalization category for its contributions to the process of expansion into international markets. Linette Ureña Camilo, executive director of the company, received the award.
Margarita Medina Taller Manos Creativas, in the Pro-SME Performance category, for its contributions to increasing the volume of exports of products made by a small and medium-sized company led by a woman. Its president Margarita Medina received the award during the ceremony. In the Pro-Leadership category, Cementos Cibao was recognized for its contributions to growth and profitability in recent years. The award was received by the corporate image manager, Carolina Hernández.
As part of the activity, the panel: “Perspective and Future Vision of Women Exporters” was presented, composed of prominent women such as: Alba Luz Díaz, creative director of Camila Casual; Rosanna Nin, CEO of GL Sila; Linette Ureña Camilo, director of Camilo Labs, and moderated by Yasmín Yeara, Founder of LoveUmucho.
Likewise, the renowned ladies talked about their perspectives and essential topics related to the participation of women in the export sector from an empowerment perspective, based on the initiatives and ideas that have enabled the development of women in this sector.
It also included a fair space and activities associated with the more than 30 exhibiting companies during the entire day, as well as talks, activations, product toasts, among others. In addition, business rounds were held with international buyers to diversify export markets, with more than 90 meetings, 21 buyers, 34 exporters, 14 countries, and 14 international companies.
There was also an exhibition space and activities associated with the more than 30 exhibiting companies during the entire day, as well as talks, activations, product toasts, among others. In addition, business rounds were held with international buyers to diversify export markets, with more than 90 meetings, 21 buyers, 34 exporters, 14 countries.
He thanked the sponsors for their support, The European Union, Banco BHD, INICIA, Grupo Fersán, Grupo Propagas, Banreservas, Banco ADOPEM de Ahorro y Crédito, Banco LaFise, Banco de Desarrollo y Exportaciones (Bandex), Banco ADEMI, Industrias Banilejas, J.P. Chenet, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, Farmacia Carol, Periódico Hoy, Periódico El Dinero, Revista Mercado.
Source: Presidencia.gob.do
