|
 Within
the framework of the ITPO Italy “Delegates Programme”,
16 Senegalese SMEs in the agro-food industry, grouped
into three export Consortia (Suñu, Symbiose, and Terroir),
were selected jointly by ITPO Italy and ADEPME, the
Senegalese Agency for the Development of SMEs, to help
them identify potential industrial/commercial partners
in Italy.
Many of these companies had been presented to the
Italian business community through the work of a
Senegalese Delegate the previous year (2007). These
companies, together with others, were then included
under the HQ-managed Export Consortia Pilot Project
conducted within the framework of a UNIDO/UEMOA joint
program, and in collaboration with ADEPME. This joint
work that builds on each partner’s previous efforts
creates enormous synergies to the benefit of
participating enterprises.
As a positive result of the 2008 study tour, Italian
companies and institutions expressed interest in several
Senegalese typical products (processed mango, cashew nut
cream, etc), both finished and semi-finished. In recent
months, several Italian companies have continued showing
interest in the projects identified in Senegal. In any
case, and to give further information to the Senegalese
consortia in their search for partners, ITPO Italy
commissioned two experts to prepare materials and
identify specialized contacts for the Consortia in
Italy. The Senegalese participants expressed their
desire for information and training for all aspects of
quality and norms and standards to be met for exporting
to Europe. Senegalese firms are currently busy sending
information, samples and specs of their products to
potential Italian importers/marketers for initial market
tests. ITPO Italy and ADEPME are continuing to
collaborate in the implementation of an ITPO Italy
managed and funded program to support training and
capacity-building for the 16 companies grouped into
these three consortia.
As to projects, once the needs and the capacities of
Senegalese companies have been better identified, and
their products better known to potential Italian
partners, UNIDO ITPO Italy will continue supporting them
by steadily promoting their projects. |
