Beverly Hills, CA – Ecuador is a country filled with historical and natural wonders, from the ancient to modern. In 2010 Ecuador welcomed over 1,044,000 travelers (a 7.9% increase over 2009) from around the world to step into the Earth’s equatorial gem, to discover the extraordinary beauty and culture in one of the world’s most environmentally diverse destinations. With only 159,300.93 miles2 (256,370 km2), about the same size as the state of Nevada, the country is home to 27 different ethnic groups and four United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites: the City of Quito, Galápagos Islands, Sangay National Park and the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca; these are properties that form part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.
With its four distinctive geographic regions; the Amazon, the Andes, La Costa (the “coastlands”) and Galápagos Islands, travelers may visit a spectrum of landscape, people and culture – often within a days drive. From the Amazon, filled with the largest and most species-rich region of tropical rainforest in the world, the Galápagos Islands, a national park and biological marine reserve, to the historical city of Quito, Ecuador offers a unique landscape for visitors to explore. Accommodations for travelers are wide-ranging from bed-and-breakfast homes and five star hotels to luxurious jungle lodges. For the discerning epicurean the culinary journey covers an equally distinct and varied panorama of flavors. Andean potatoes, and lemon marinated shrimp… perhaps with a little Aji – for those who like to spice it up and for dessert, chocolate from the Galapagos; and coffee from the Andes or platter of exotic fruits alongside a llapingacho.
Since its independence from the Spanish colonial empire in 1830, Ecuador has evolved into a progressive, democratic, presidential republic. In 2001 the country adopted the US Dollar as its official currency and in 2008 a new constitution, which includes the world’s first legally enforceable Rights of Nature (aka EcoSystem Rights). Helmed by President Rafael Correa, Ecuador, with the support of his cabinet, has taken its place on the global stage. Following President Correa’s landslide victory in December of 2006 and assumption of office January 2007 as the 57th electoral national leader, Rafael Correa, a leading economic scholar with a Doctorate in Economics and multiple Masters Degrees in Economic and Economic Sciences was eagerly reelected to a second term with 52% of the popular vote. He was sworn into office for the second time August 10, 2009 marking the first time in 30 years the country with its population of 13,782,329 citizens re-elected their President. President Correa’s continued focus is toward political sovereignty, regional integration, and economic relief for the country’s poor.
President Correa’s drive toward a stabilized, democratic economy has reinvigorated foreign investment and opportunities have subsequently opened in the sectors of renewable energy, hydro electricity, petroleum, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing: particularly the supply of equipment and services to the country's increasing number of domestic manufacturers and its expanding, telecommunications and utility industries.
While Ecuador's main export is crude oil, over the past century many other products have taken and continue to dominate the world stage. From 1880 to 1920 Ecuador was the leading exporter of Cacao in the world (Agencia Latinoamericana de Informacion); from 1950 to 1965, it was the leading exporter of bananas, garnering over 25% of the global market (Instituto de Altos Estudios Nacionales), today both of these products are still leading exports alongside other equally “famous” produce and merchandise including tropical fruits such as the mango, pineapple and papaya; specialty foods such as “Destination of Origin” coffee and seafood including tuna and shrimp; and fresh cut flowers (Over 100 different varieties, including Roses, Orchids, Carnations). Merchandise, such as the coveted straw hat, have found their way around the globe donning the heads of many visitors, vacationing families, celebrities and even the heads of state.
Now a new Ecuadorian force is making their voice heard. As part of the popular and solidarity economy under the current Administration, hundreds of independent crafters from single individuals to small and family run businesses have been encouraged, and have successfully formed partnerships and associations to create voices in the export of their one-of-a-kind handmade textiles, jewelry and handicrafts. The result has been resoundingly positive: these unique products being exported at an unprecedented rate.
Dick Vega, the Trade Commissioner for Ecuador in Los Angeles says, "my country is one of the best kept secrets. We have extraordinary facilities and products, coastal and train access for transportation and security. Our offices are here to support anyone looking to import a product or invest."
Eddie Bedon Orbe, the Consul General for Ecuador Los Angeles continues, "Una de las prioridades del Presidente del Ecuador, Rafael Correa, ha sido la de diversificar e impulsar las relaciones comerciales del Ecuador con otros paises. El Ecuador cuenta con un marco legal claro que da garantias al inversionista de que se respetan sus derechos, que el clima de inversiones es favorable y que nuestro pais es una alternativa para colocar sus capitales. Por todas estas razones, les invito a invertir en Ecuador." ("One of the priorities of the President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, has been to diversify and boost trade relations between Ecuador and other countries. Ecuador has a clear legal framework that gives guarantees to investors that their rights are respected, that the investment climate is favorable and that our country is an alternative to invest their capital. For all these reasons, I invite you to invest in Ecuador.")
Source: Ministerio de Coordinación de los Sectores Estratégicos 2010
