Improving the competitiveness of the Ecuadorian tuna sector

(Quito, September 11, 2008).- The signing of a non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreement between CAF and CIEPA will improve the competitiveness of the tuna sector in Manta and Posorja, the country’s most important processing cities, by reinforcing and consolidating the value chain, based on the design of sustainable strategies and specific actions to support its activities over time. These strategies will define common objectives, maximize results and establish information and communication parameters to guarantee the strengthening and sustainability of the chain over the long term.

The tuna industry in Ecuador contributes 2% of total GDP. The country is the largest exporter of tuna in the region and has a defined potential for growth. The value of the trade in tuna steak and canned tuna has increased in recent decades. According to figures from the Central Bank, exports in US dollars FOB were US$447 millions in 2005, US$520 millions in 2006, and US$560 millions in 2007. The European Union is the main export market for Ecuador, while the most important emerging markets are Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt and the Eastern European countries.

However, the permanence and growth of the sector depends on the stability of the industrial segment and on the chain as a whole. For this reason, the companies in the sector and other actors in the chain need to maintain a competitive scheme of costs and productivity. The project will promote the economic development of the actors involved in the harvesting, processing and marketing of the product, and create new and better opportunities for employment in the area.

The project is part of the strategies of the CAF Competitiveness Support Program (PAC) for strengthening the productive sectors of the shareholder countries.