The programme – through the implementation of its Component 1 – selected 24 projects from the 136 proposals received during the First Call for Proposals from all over Latin America. In Chile, three projects will be implemented focusing on the transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular business models that will benefit Chilean MSMEs in the fruit, construction and e-commerce industries.

“SMEs are key actors for the sustainable development of economies due to their high potential to respond to market needs, generate employment and allow access to better living conditions. From AL-INVEST Verde we manage funds for the financing of projects that seek to benefit SMEs and at the same time expand their possibilities to trade under EU standards, giving them a competitive advantage,” said Irene Haddad, Team Leader of Component 1 of AL-INVEST Verde.

The entities responsible for the implementation of the projects are Eurochile Business Foundation, Eurecat and the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. These institutions representing the private sector also signed a commitment to promote the development of the green economy, working together with the European Union.

Throughout its implementation, the programme will provide training, technical assistance, trade promotion activities, networking and other actions to contribute to the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs in the region.

“The EU is committed to green transition issues and we have been working hand in hand with partner countries such as Chile. Latin America is a very important region for the achievement of sustainable development. The implementation of a programme such as AL-INVEST Verde contributes to the achievement of the 2030 climate goals, taking into account the European Green Pact and promoting actions to facilitate sustainable investments”, said León de la Torre, Ambassador of the European Union in Chile.

Vicente Caruz of Eurochile emphasised the importance of the green transition of SMEs in the Chilean fruit sector. “Our project aims to disseminate, promote and implement methodologies and good practices in MSMEs and Business Organisations so that they can move towards more sustainable and circular agri-food systems, in order to meet the new sustainability requirements of the markets”.

On the other hand, Eurecat as an executing institution aims to develop sustainable business models in the construction sector. “We aim to strengthen the linkage of MSMEs and their business organisations related to the construction sector that have or seek to have a sustainable product offer, through training and the promotion of increasingly environmentally friendly practices,” said Carmen Dueñas, Executive Director for Latin America at Eurecat.

Carlos Soublette, General Manager of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce, explained the importance of developing new innovative models for packaging, which today is generating a significant amount of waste following the e-commerce boom. “Our project seeks efficiency. We want to promote and develop more innovative business models that allow us to reduce the negative environmental impact of e-commerce,” he said.

The AL-INVEST Verde programme is implemented throughout Latin America and has allocated more than nine million euros to support projects benefiting SMEs in the region.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy. Through Component 1, the programme manages funds for the implementation of innovative projects of small business associations to promote sustainable practices in the private sector. Component 1 is led by sequa, a German non-profit organisation operating worldwide with the aim of promoting the private sector.

Further information: www.alinvest-verde.eu