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New markets, new partners – how German SMEs benefit from Latin America

Latin America is an increasingly interesting prospect for German companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to diversify their supply chains, open up new sales markets or place technologies internationally. The Partnering in Business with Germany programme brings together SMEs with fitting partners from this region. The fact that Colombia and Brazil are joining the programme as new partners underlines Latin America’s strategic importance as a forward-looking market for German SMEs.

It means that, after Mexico and Chile, two more Latin American countries with dynamic economies will be part of the cooperation. The region is becoming strategically ever more important – not least due to growing demand for raw materials, along with the energy transition and the quest for reliable partners outside the traditional markets.

This offers specific opportunities for SMEs: international expansion, exports of technologies, partners for new projects. Ulrich Niemann, who is responsible for the programme within the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, gives this succinct summary:

“Economic relations with Latin America have traditionally been close and they are becoming even more important as we are now diversifying our supply chains. Our Partnering in Business with Germany programme has been active in Latin America since 2013 and, starting this year, we are now supporting German businesses as they also harness the potential that exists in our new partner countries, Colombia and Brazil.”

Latin America Day

The new economic opportunities in Latin America were widely discussed at the Latin America Day – a high-level conference hosted by the Business Association for Latin America (LVA) in Cologne in early October. Representatives from business, the political sphere and various associations looked at trends such as sustainable production, digitisation, the importance of FTAs such as EU-Mercosur and also growing interest in cooperation with German SMEs. Partnering in Business with Germany had its own stand and was able to enter into direct contact with numerous SMEs interested in doing business with Latin America. Interest levels were high – particularly regarding contacts with potential business partners, insights into markets and support during market entry.

Arthur E. Darboven, entrepreneur and CEO of the Business Association for Latin America, regards cooperation with the region as a building block for economic resilience in the future: “Latin America is repositioning itself economically and in terms of its foreign policy, so as to be able to act more independently and on its own terms. It is therefore important that we also develop new forms of cooperation. Strong partnerships with Latin America not only secure our access to critical raw materials, but also make a key contribution to the energy transition – and they will make our economy more resilient and fit for the long-term future.”

Gruppenbild der kolumbianischen Pilotgruppe

Pilot group from Colombia: initiating business in the food sector

In September, a new pilot group of Colombian entrepreneurs started into the programme. The kick-off event in Bogotá, organised together with our partner ProColombia, focused on bilateral cooperation in the food sector – a field that has very high potential for cooperation with German SMEs.

There were 18 senior representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Colombian group – most of them with experience in international exports, particularly to the US. Products included cocoa, vegan snacks, manioc, coffee, cardamom and liquor. Almost all of the participants have prior experience with exports and are interested in entering the European market.

The introductory workshop served to develop individual targets and ideas for cooperation. There was a special focus on consumption trends in Germany, on environmental and social standards and on technological innovations – issues that are also very important for German companies seeking partners in Latin America.

The group is scheduled to visit Germany from 3 to 20 November 2025. During their stay, they are to visit companies and attend workshops and B2B meetings with interested German SMEs. The highlight will be a joint visit to the Agritechnica fair in Hanover, which will offer an ideal opportunity for dialogue.

Germany already ranks first among Colombia’s trading partners within the EU and is an important investor, particularly in the fields of machinery and renewables.  Inviting Colombian companies to participate in the programme serves to strengthen partnership and cooperation within the SME sector.

For German SMEs, Partnering in Business with Germany offers a structured and supported entry into a high-growth market. The programme offers targeted preparation, access to highly-qualified, serious partners and a platform for permanent cooperation. In uncertain times like these, it is worth venturing to cross the Atlantic – over to new markets waiting for experience, quality and technology “Made in Germany”.

Teaser picture: ©GIZ/Stefanie Fritz

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New markets, new partners – how German SMEs benefit from Latin America

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