Date: 2001-2005

Under the watchful eye of Nathan trade specialists, 15 Salvadoran companies exporting fruit teas, organic coffee, cashews, honey, nutritional supplements, soaps, lotions, herbal medicines, indigo dye, and other items gathered at Natural Products Expo East in Washington last month “to get to know the U.S. market.” All the results are not in yet, but prospects are good.

“Increasing Salvadoran exports is an important part of improving the country’s economy” said El Salvador’s ambassador to the United States, Renè León, at the Natural Products East Expo last month. The [USAID-EXPRO] project proves that our companies can export to the U.S. with the right kind of help. It is very important for these companies to get exposure.”

Since January 2004 Phil Rourk EXPRO director, and Lisa Alley, trade specialist, and other Nathan trade specialists have been introducing Salvadoran companies to buyers and sellers at dozens of trade fairs around the world, providing them maximum exposure. So far, trade fairs can claim credit for $5.6 million of the $7.7 million of Salvadoran exports.