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Welcome to Investment and Development, today we will address
the theme "5th. Central American Fair of Crafts, New World Crafts".
For which is with us Hugo Cabrera, President of the Commission of Handicrafts
of AGEXPORT
and Lucrecia de Gonzalez, President of the Organizing Committee of the Central American Fair
of Crafts, New World Crafts.
Welcome.
Thank you very much.
Hugo, what is the importance of the crafts in the national economy
and what percentage does it represent?
It is a very important sector for Guatemala, is calculated that there are more or less
1 million of people directly or indirectly related
to the crafts.
Behind every farmer, there is at least an artisan who is making his
products while the farmer sees the earth, she is dedicated in making crafts.
It is an engine of development for families.
Definitely, it is a complement of income
for the families.
Sometimes you can generate more incomes through
crafts than the ones generated by agriculture.
Lucky, we are in this marvelous place of Antigua Guatemala,
heritage of humanity and we are focusing on the theme of the show.
How many jobs are generated directly and indirectly?
Because let us remember that what people are expecting is more and better
opportunities to succeed.
Within the framework of the fair we have over 100 exhibitors,
of which we have obviously Central American countries participating with
us and they are approximately 30%.
If we consider that each of these speakers has a back artisan group,
that is working for the benefit of the community,
we are talking about more or less 20 people directly involved.
And if we count with all the economic generation that there is through these
artisan groups, we could be talking up to 2 thousand people
that are involved in the fair and in the theme of crafts.
Hugo, what is the Central American Fair of Crafts, "New World Crafts" and what
results are you expecting from this 5th. edition?
It is a joint effort between entrepreneurs, producers and
exporters of handicrafts that are linked to the Commission of AGEXPORT Crafts.
That we already have been doing for 5 years, this fair is expected to generate
sells around all the year, but closing them during the fair with an amount around
Q6 million.
It really is an opportunity to have a permanent link
allowing markets to generate monthly orders that is business
for the entire year.
It is very important because this event not only represent two days, but
is all year that the artisans are working in these products
and allows for a livelihood and that every month they are delivering.
When we have times of drought, no rain, there are times that if there are
many rains, anyway crafts still produce every month.
Interesting to see the approach that you give, because they have a regional vision.
I mean that there are producers of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,
Costa Rica, but also with a vision of exporting all over the world.
How can the producers benefit, the ones that we have seen today very motivated
to put their products and generate hundred thousand of
jobs that we need?
I think that they will be benefited in the fact that the fair is regional, because the
buyers see the fair very attractive.
An international buyer, that has to think in the Central American Region
and if he has to travel to get a good offer
in the area, it is impossible.
Then they are interested in a place where they can find all the area together, the best offer
of all countries, indirectly our Guatemalan artisans
are benefited.
Because they are being participants in a very attractive activity
the international buyers.
Hugo, how can we make known the crafts of Guatemala in other countries and what
market does it include?
Really the promotion effort of crafts comes from several years ago.
There have been mainly the exporters the ones that have been participating in
specialized fairs.
For example in: Nueva York, Frankfurt Germany, which are the main fairs.
We believe that the best way to present the crafts is through the fairs,
but it is a very expensive effort.
To participate in those fairs for a company it does not only implicates a lot of money,
but also a preparation and for that there emerges the idea of making a fair in Guatemala
for Central America.
For all the people to participate and don't have to make an extreme effort
to present their products.
We, as a part of the Organizing Committee of the AGEXPORT,
make efforts of intelligence and research of markets to
identify those specialized buyers that come to close businesses
directly here.
This effort has been worthwhile and has brought very good results.
Definitely has brought excellent results, annually are exported
more than $50 million in crafts, but has been growing each year
and we believe we can continue to grow, generating income
and employment for the people, to the extent that producers
generate what these buyers are looking for.
And in that exchange, in that relationship is the success of the industry and the sector.
They are growing and we will surely grow more.
Personally I have been able to be in previous editions and I remember many
innovative products,
such as: What is the cibaque, grown in San Andrés Sajcabajá
in the department of Quiché.
Guatemalans and Central Americans we are known for being very
entrepreneurial, creative and innovative.
What innovations can we highlight this year? What besides contributing
an innovation in itself, represents an opportunity for the world in general.
I think part of the materials that are being used, there are many
recycled materials, natural fibers that are not necessarily counted
all the time, I think the interesting thing is the innovation behind this.
Not only the materials, designs, colors, products are showing up.
International buyers are always looking for new things
to present to their customers, also being innovative in their businesses,
then it is a chain of innovation.
For the craftsman is to learn new techniques, is access to new markets,
for the exporter is an opportunity to close business for the buyer
an innovation in its own environment.
Hugo, how business linkages have helped
the artisanal sector to grow?
I really think that's the secret of the success of the whole sector,
in the way local businesses assume its role of producing with excellent
quality and on time.
Exporting companies assume their role of identifying buyers, closing
businesses and making international trade efficient, with good transportation
on time and, to that extent we grow really all in the
value chain.
How can we make? Besides this magnificent exhibition that puts us in the eyes
of the world, seeking more and better access to markets, for this type
of handicrafts, also can be produced in the 334 municipalities.
I believe that these innovative products we are seeing now
at the fair, are the answer of the needs of these communities.
So we're talking about, not necessarily
a good product that can be expanded to the whole country but sometimes what
we must do is revert the process.
Go to the town and say that is what they can do, that is what they have,
that really can make a difference outside.
Because that's where they are good they will be able to show off better in a
beginning and start generating.
In a next step people can start being trained
improve and keep improving the product.
I have personally worked in a collection with the Ministry of Economy
and the private initiative.
Where does that go? It goes to the communities that are at risk of malnutrition.
Ladies are encouraged and trained and they are the ones developing these
incredible pieces.
With different colors, managed and changed slightly because of
the trends of the market.
But what are they doing?
They are doing what they do very well and that's what makes
those pieces to be different.
Same with food products that help malnutrition
immediately.
But let us say the textiles on the other hand they are giving a way
of daily sustenance to the ladies, then all these projects
work that way.
And the important thing is that we have challenges, but we also
have strengths, potentials and opportunities.
We are going to a commercial break and then continue with Investment and Development
from the city of Antigua, Guatemala, Central America, in this wonderful
Central American Crafts Fair "New World Crafts" in its 5th edition.
Investment and Development with Luis Velasquez invites you to the First International Congress
of Economics, in the city of Quetzaltenango,
Guatemala, on the 7, 8 and 9 of November 2,012.
"Moving to Development".
We continue with Investment and Development from Antigua Guatemala
and our program "Crafts of Guatemala to the World".
In this second segment are with us: Ana Claudia Gonzalez, Architect
and artisan with her business "The Factory"
and also is with us Mr. Roberto Chaclan, from Totonicapán.
Business Manager and Craftsman´s Prize winner of the Year 2,012.
Welcome both to Investment and Development.
Thank you.
Ana Claudia to what is dedicated the workshop and the company "The Factory"
on the subject of crafts?
We make furniture and try to take it to the world of handicrafts
details for furniture manufacture.
At the same time, we make household items, always with
the subject of handicrafts. Trying to keep the tradition of Guatemala and with
quality in the products we are developing.
What kind of materials are the most used? And what do the different
customers that you have in Europe, North America and probably in
many countries of the world prefer?
Now what we have is recycled materials and among them the more
we are using is the tire tube, bags of coffee, soda cans,
drinks such as Coca Cola, Pepsi and we transform them into candlesticks or parts,
details of any type of furniture.
Interesting innovations you use based on products
previously used.
Roberto, what methods and styles are you using to innovate
in what you are doing?
What we have done as our artisanal activity, is
focused more on the production of typical domestic clothing.
Through a process of understanding of what does the market demand,
it was more technical and diversifying production through designs
and trends of colors in fashion.
You are a very skilled person who has won an award very
important this year.
How are we doing to replicate those experiences, and knowledge
in the different municipalities?
For most people harness of your entrepreneurial spirit,
he different materials, that they can generate their own income and
for them to think also in exporting to the world.
Currently I'm working with different
institutions, I worked for the Federation of Cooperatives, ARTEXCO,
where we were supporting 22 cooperatives in the highlands, to
accompany and introduce technology production processes.
To be sharing the experiences that we have gained
over time with different consultants of European countries.
I also worked with the ILO, with the UNDP developing a project
called National Center of Handicraft Textiles in the western area, working
with 45 groups in the highlands.
I am currently working on a program called FODESA
that is Promotion and Development of Handicrafts, their offices are
in Quetzaltenango.
Our main activity is to give advice and support
to the artisanal sector groups, whether textile, natural fiber, wood.
glass, ceramics.
And we give them the support also in relation to the development of
new designs, diversification of production through the
technical assistance and also we link them to the market.
is
great event.
Our challenge is to position our Guatemalan products
before the world.
How this Central American Crafts Fair "New World Crafts",
has helped you and many craftsmen to do it?
We are a company that only has 2, 3 years and started in a
very informal way.
We approach AGEXPORT and they introduced us at the fair and through
them we have known some clients and people who have been
in New York for example. And step by step we have been making awareness of our products,
so I think that point of departure for us has been AGEXPORT.
Roberto, we have a variety of products, strengths, opportunities,
potential, an ancient culture.
We all are Guatemala and that is the teamwork that we must do
366 microclimates.
What does our artisans need? How can we do to help them more and that way
make to know all our products to the world?
Because we definitely have world class products.
I think that one of these events is this we are celebrating
today, is a window that presents us to the world and that it opens
opportunities for artisan groups.
To all these organizations that are working and that behind them are
a number of families who are waiting for those opportunities
to generate income for their families.
Ana Claudia, what should we do to involve more women?
They have that entrepreneurial spirit, they are mothers of families but also
want to generate income to give to their children and to their family economy.
What should we do so that they can also break into the
business and craft theme?
The women who are already doing some kind of craft at home,
they are proud to do this and to give a value to what they are doing
with their hands.
For them not to be carried away because perhaps being a secretary in an office or being
in front of a computer is something more important.
To take such pride in what they already do and what they learned from their
parents and to keep doing it and bring it to their families, children and grandchildren, I think
this is the most important step.
Of course it is very important that women's participation and also
can convey that knowledge to current and future generations.
Mr. Roberto, you being an expert and you have already indicated that you are
spreading all this knowledge in different latitudes of the country.
How can we involve more children and youth to be interested
in this type of craft products?
I think that the most important and crucial thing
here, is that there really be different markets for products
of artisanal textile production.
In a way that this pays off economically the needs of the
families and I think in an attractive economy that compensates all the needs
of the families, I am sure that the young people are going to be bond to it.
Ana Claudia, you as a professional, as an architect, as a woman,
now as an entrepreneur.
What message would you send to these professionals who are graduating all
years or are in the process of?
That yes there is a chance, through professionalism,
entrepreneurship, put together all these skills and knowledge.
And they can also initiate or potentiate their business as you are doing.
What I think is, first to be proud of being a
Guatemalan and try to teach worldwide.
"Proud to be Chapin".
Yes exactly, you think what you have here is not important or that
no one sees it, but when you meet people from other countries and you impress them.
I don’t know if I’m answering your question? But now we have a guest
of South Africa and saw the place where we wash the things in the house and he was taking
photos with the best camera that he had and with the best equipment to be able
show it to his people in the outside, even developing designs with that theme.
Then I think it is very important for us to explore that Guatemalan we are
and let the foreigners to understand it.
And having a lot of quality and putting a lot of effort to what we are doing
and not just a quickly profit, and making a business
with pride and quality is the most important thing.
And to appreciate all that we have, because is a great wealth that we must
translate in more and better opportunities for all the Guatemalans.
We will go to a commercial break and then continue with our broadcast from
the city of Antigua Guatemala.
We continue with Investment and Development and our broadcast from the
city of Antigua Guatemala.
For which is with us Miss Drucila Toma, from the AGROS Foundation
and the project "Concept Ixil" from the area of Ixil in Quiché
and also is with us Miss Lidia de Leon from AMPEDICH,
Concepción Chiquirichapa, Quetzaltenango.
Who also has followed our programs on television for a long time.
Be welcome.
Drucila, what are the standards that you use for
the development of such world class handicrafts?
It is important to note that the typical clothes of Nebaj, Quiché, has an international award
as the best costume as well as being very attractive.
Quality starts from the artisans that think what new products they will take out,
new collections.
Then the standard of quality starts since we buy the yarn.
Because buyers need to know that the yarn is of good quality.
Then the yarn we use is certified, does not bleach. I think
that is the most important point of all this, as we work with
textiles.
We also have a quality control of fabrics and also the
finish of each product.
Lucila, as we have seen in your typical clothes it is important the issue of quality, but the
quality comes with training.
What institutions have supported you in this important element?
We have received support from various institutions, when we started we received
support of an institution called "Castilla de la Mancha", who supported us with
promotion and the AVAN promotion as well and the training of the ladies.
Because the ladies were trained in different areas.
Of course women if they know their work when they sew, but there are other things that
have to get better, but it is also important not to lose the culture that we have
Then we receive that and then I think the most important point
is that AGEXPORT has come to be very important to turn
our institution.
Because through AGEXPORT we have come to know several clients
and they also have given technical trainings.
Training in various management issues and to the artisans as well.
Important all that training.
Lidia, women are clever, are smart, over 80% of the production
of handicrafts are made by woman.
Why is it important and what should we do to support more the
women on these tasks?
I think it is very important because as we, as President of the
Association or as in the sales area, behind us there are the members.
For you to support us because it is important for example: now we're here in the fair.
Because the dream we have is to export, that is why it is very important.
Lidia,in a program that we had with a friend from abroad
he said: It is important the theme of the ancient culture that we have in our
country and the issue of support, training and technical training.
How can we do to bring these two elements and make products
of global quality that we have here in Guatemala?
It is very important to have quality products, to be prepared, also innovation
and the fashion to export.
That issue about the fashion is very important, because that's what people are looking for.
Drucila, what represents for you this fair? What
opportunities can you see and how does it motivate you to get ahead?
Because buyers come from all over the world.
Since this fair started we have always participated
every year, because it is a window for the buyers to come
and see our products.
Because we cannot go to each country, to promote our
products because it involves a lot of expenses, then we cannot get to that.
Then, this is very important each year we launch
new collections, depending on the trends of fashion as the partner says
and this is a great opportunity for us, it has generated sales.
We know that behind every order we are going to be able to employ other artisans
and when we employ the artisans, we know that they support their children in
issues of education, health, clothing and it is a great contribution that they make
in their family.
Drucila, are a young woman, enterprising.
What should we do to make an incursion of these 200 thousand young people that annually
are coming out of high school level?
For them to have that opportunity to start their business, that can
go to college and get ahead with the issue
of crafts.
I think the first thing is to join forces, because sometimes one thinks
that they can do the things alone.
We must think not only of ourselves, but think about our
And maybe other young people have dreams of being able to do other things, manage
other companies.
But we know that supporting each other people that are poor,
supporting them we can get ahead.
Lidia, you follow our program every week in the TV, do you like
what you are learning.
How do you feel now that you are promoting to all Guatemala,
Central America and the world, that job of excellent quality
what you do in Concepción Chiquirichapa?
And that motivation that you have of creating jobs
of telling we have more and better opportunities for us,
but also for the children and the youth.
I am very proud of representing my municipality, the
women and my department of Quetzaltenango.
I think that it is very important, because through our products
as artisan, we see the beauty of Guatemala
and also I think that thinking in childhood, we should give them a course
in the school, so that they don't forget all the wealth that we have.
For example: in our guipiles, the ladies are changing it,
but the young women are not using it anymore.
In order for them not to stop using it, they must have a class in their schools.
Surely a lot of authorities that are watching us will take into account
your words Lidia, to bring that training.
Finally Drucila.
What message can you give to all the population?
To leave behind the social conflicts, which confronts us, that
we can feel proud of being Guatemalans and say stop to the poverty.
Let’s take advantage our Natural Resources, strengths, capabilities, let’s work as a
team and that people can see that there are opportunities to
succeed.
As you're showing, as Lidia shows at this time.
I think in all departments of Guatemala, each department
has its wealth, has its resources.
The important thing is to take each of this wealth, seek new
opportunities.
Do not just look on what is already being done, but to look and see how
we can move forward, including other people.
Lidia and Drucila thank for being in Investment and Development.
For motivating us to keep on going, because our countries Guatemala and
Central American, Caribbean and South of Mexico, deserve a better future.
See you next week, in a very interesting program
as the one of today.
Investment and Development with Luis Velasquez invites all to the First Investment and Development International Congress
of the Economic Science, in the City of Quetzaltenango,
Guatemala. The 7th, 8th and 9th of November 2012.
"Advancing towards Development".