A delegation from the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) recently visited El Salvador to explore the commercial opportunities offered by the country. They were captivated by the country’s handcrafted products and Salvadoran coffee, resulting in purchases totaling over $10,000.
The NWAC delegation expressed great interest in Salvadoran handcrafted products and coffee during their visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Embassy of El Salvador in Canada, organized a meeting where local entrepreneurs showcased a variety of handmade items. These products, created using traditional techniques and local materials, included clothing and accessories, handbags and purses, jewelry, utensils, decorations, toys, as well as chocolate bars and beverage ingredients.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition led to immediate sales of merchandise from each exhibitor, as well as from other local businesses. The total value of the purchases exceeded $10,000.
“We were impressed by the quality of the products. As an association of Indigenous women, artisanal items hold great importance for our community in Canada. Additionally, we run a café, which makes us particularly interested in the excellent chocolate and coffee,” stated Lynne Groulx, the NWAC’s General Director.
Groulx engaged in conversations with local talents to learn about the production processes and the stories behind the 10 micro-businesses that participated in the event.
As part of the delegation’s agenda, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported their participation in a coffee tasting session supported by the Salvadoran Coffee Council (CSC). During the tasting, the NWAC members experienced the flavors, aromas, production methods, and other aspects of interest involved in producing high-quality coffee.
Furthermore, the delegation also met with female coffee farmers, aiming to establish connections for both business opportunities and the promotion of productive initiatives.
“We want to foster the growth of businesses and exchanges between Indigenous women and artisans. There is significant potential for commercial exchange,” expressed Groulx.
Ricardo Cisneros, the Salvadoran Ambassador to Canada, who accompanied the mission, highlighted that this initial purchase aims to open doors for local artisans and producers, with the goal of positioning their catalog and maintaining sales in the Canadian market.
“We will assess which products resonate in Canada. This is a long-term relationship, and we return home with samples that will help us expand the volume of purchases and sales,” said the diplomat.
The visit of the NWAC delegation and their interest in Salvadoran handcrafted products and coffee not only provides a boost to the local economy but also establishes a foundation for fruitful collaborations between Canadian Indigenous women and Salvadoran artisans. It is a promising opportunity to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations, paving the way for future success in the international marketplace.