To support sustainable growth and job creation in Colombia and Honduras, through the transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient, and more circular economies, as an added value for accessing international markets, especially European ones. This is the main objective of 'GREEN PYMES ALLIANCE', a project co-financed by the European programme AL INVEST GREEN, led by the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce and in which SFC participates as a European partner, together with the Chambers of Commerce of Colombia, Honduras, and Diesis Network.
What do the SFC and the Chambers of Commerce of Colombia and Honduras have in common? The interest in sharing intervention programmes in favour of the green transition of enterprises that, in Italy, has already achieved a vital adhesion by micro and small enterprises (MPMI) reaching important standards both in terms of extension of circular economy practices implemented and type of environmental certifications applied. In addition, the exchange of know-how enables the design of new services for companies Italy and in Colombia, and Honduras, to introduce them to international green markets such as sustainable tourism, fashion systems, and some agri-food sectors.
It is a win-win collaboration between Latin America and Europe that is fuelled by the AL INVEST GREEN programme, based on the EU principle of considering these countries' partners in achieving global sustainable development, involving the private sector as a strategic axis to reduce CO2 emissions.
Over the two years, the results produced by the partnership will be
- an increase in the adoption of sustainable practices by a target of about 250 MSMEs from Colombia and Honduras
- an increase in the adoption of certification systems by a core group of about 50 MSMEs
- as a consequence of the previous result, a reduction in management costs and an increase in the volume of business is expected to remain in the market and grow in it
- the activation of upskilling, reskilling actions that will allow an increase of jobs in quantity and quality, in terms of wages and job stability, orienting economic growth towards a better quality of life environmental and social sustainability
The project's products will be made public and disseminated through the institutional channels of each participating partner and the project website, soon to be published.