honduras en el corazón de centroamérica
Transcription
honduras en el corazón de centroamérica
i REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR INVESTMENT PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR Honduras is Open for Business April, 2011 i CONTENT I. The Potential of Agribusiness in Honduras ............................................................1 A. B. C. II. Agribusiness Potential in Honduras .........................................................................2 A. B. III. Competitive Advantages ......................................................................................................... 1 The Positioning of Honduran Products in North America and Europe ...................... 1 Opportunities ............................................................................................................................ 1 Performance of the Agricultural Sector .............................................................................. 3 Destination of Agriculture and Livestock exports and imports .................................... 5 Main Products and Production Activities in the Agro- industry in Honduras.8 A. Basic Grains Agricultural Food Chain .................................................................................. 8 1. 2. B. Horticulture (fruits) Chain ..................................................................................................... 9 1. 2. C. AFRICAN PALM ............................................................................................................................................................... 18 APICULTURE CHAIN .......................................................................................................... 19 1. IV. Industrial Fishery ............................................................................................................................................................... 15 Aquaculture ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15 MEAT AND DAIRY CHAIN ............................................................................................... 17 BIO-ENERGY CHAIN ........................................................................................................... 18 1. G. Coffee................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Cocoa ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Fishery and Aquaculture Chain ........................................................................................... 15 1. 2. E. F. Current Situation ................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Investment Opportunities in the Horticultural (fruit) Chain .................................................................................. 9 Coffee and Cocoa Chain ...................................................................................................... 11 1. 2. D. Current Situation ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Basic Grains Agricultural Food Chain Investment Opportunities.......................................................................... 9 CURRENT SITUATION ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Honduras IS OPEN TO INVESTMENT ............................................................... 20 A. B. C. D. COUNTRY VISION /NATION Plan ................................................................................. 21 STATE POLICY FOR THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND THE RURAL SETTING (2004-2014) ........................................................................................... 21 strategY OF THE PUBLIC AGRICULTURE AND FOOD Sector AND ITS ImplementaTION PLAN 2010-2014 .................................................................................. 21 CENTRAL AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL POLICY...................................................... 22 V. TRADE OPENING ................................................................................................... 23 VI. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECTOR ........................................ 24 VII. legal framework for foreign investment ............................................................... 26 A. Law for the Promotion and Protection of Investment .................................................. 26 ii B. LAW FOR PROMOTION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS .......................... 28 What is Public-Private Participation? ......................................................................................................................................... 28 Public-Private Partnership ............................................................................................................................................................. 28 Risks 29 Awarding Process ............................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Co-partnership ................................................................................................................................................................................. 29 Regulation, Control and Follow-Up ........................................................................................................................................... 29 C. free trade zone law ................................................................................................................ 30 How to operate in a Free Trade Zone?.................................................................................................................................... 30 Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Free Trade Zone Activities ........................................................................................................................................................... 30 Free Trade Zone businesses ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 D. free trade zone Regulations ................................................................................................. 30 Types of Businesses ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30 Competent Entity ............................................................................................................................................................................ 31 E. TEMPORARY IMPORT SYSTEM ........................................................................................ 31 Benefits ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 F. NATIONAL HOURLY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM ..................................................... 32 Objectives .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Duration ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32 G. H. Requirements to establish a foreign business in Honduras .......................................... 33 PAPERWORK FOR EXPORTS ........................................................................................... 33 VIII. RELATED ENTITIES ................................................................................................ 34 1 I. THE POTENTIAL OF AGRIBUSINESS IN HONDURAS Honduras offers great investment opportunities in the agribusiness sector due to the availability of land still undeveloped and a large amount of available natural resources. Following you will find several reasons why your business will find an investment opportunity in the agribusiness sector. A. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Privileged geographical location Tropical climate all year to produce Several production clusters and abundant water resources Proximity to large markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico 4 ports in the Caribbean and one in the Pacific, highlighting Puerto Cortes on the Atlantic coast, as the largest and most efficient port in Central America. f) 4 international airports (San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Roatán and Tegucigalpa) g) Signatory to trade agreements and fosters investment h) High quality agriculture universities i) Presence of prestigious international companies such as DOLE, Cargill, Mount Dora Farms of Seaboard Corporation, among others. a) b) c) d) e) B. THE POSITIONING OF HONDURAN PRODUCTS IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE The following: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) First Central American exporter of colored peppers / cucumber to the U.S. market (Canada and USA) First as processed Jalapeño supplier to U.S. market Second largest exporter of fresh tilapia to the U.S. Second largest exporter of Eggplant to the U.S. market Fourth largest exporter of fresh watermelon to USA market Leading exporter of Sweet Potato to Canada and Europe C. OPPORTUNITIES The following: a) Availability of fertile land in the order of 350 thousand hectares with irrigation potential and a b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) variety of climates. Unmet domestic demand Subscription of trade agreements Market economy Legal framework that promotes and protects foreign investment Availability of foreign currency Tax incentives for exporters Attractive tax regime for investment Organized industrial infrastructure Investment opportunities and strategic alliances in the main productive chains: 2 i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) Basic Grain Chain Coffee and Cocoa Chain Horticultural (fruits) Chain Fishery and Aquaculture Chain Bioenergy Chain Meat Industry Chain Apiarian Chain II. AGRIBUSINESS POTENTIAL IN HONDURAS Honduras is a country of agricultural land, forests and marine resources. Its territory covers an area of112,492 square kilometers, equivalent to just over 11.2 million hectares, of which 3.1 million are agriculture oriented land with high productive potential, and access to water and roads in the main agricultural clusters. In this sense, the agribusinesses are a great investment opportunity in the country. The tropical climate makes it possible to have year-round production of a large range of crops, including dairy products, fish, shrimp and a variety of fruits and vegetables, sugar, cocoa and coffee. Agro businesses and its related secondary sectors account for 40% of Honduras GDP. The low prices of land, competitive salaries, the proximity to 300 million of consumers in the United States and other markets, tax-free access to this market for 95% of the fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Honduras and 100% of processed food, through DR-CAFTA, the availability of young and a dynamic labor, as well as a legal framework that promotes and protect s foreign investment, and which includes a number of competitive incentives in the Central American region, make of Honduras the perfect place for investments in the agro business sector. The short trip to the USA market - only a two-hour flight to Miami, Houston and Atlanta - means fresh seafood and agriculture products served for dinner on the same day they are exported. Honduras has four international airports (Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Roatán) and 8 international airlines operate with international connections and 5 cargo airlines respectively. Products shipped by sea make their journey in 48 hours from Puerto Cortes, the largest and the best equipped port in Central America, which has a Mega Port Certification and has a US customs and Coast Guard Office, which facilitates the entry of products exported to that country. This port provides services 24 hours without waiting time and has modern roll-on/roll and cooling facilities. It also has a regular container service to the U.S., Europe and Far East. Noteworthy is the presence of prestigious institutions such as EscuelaAgrícolaPanamericana, El Zamorano and the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA) in the country, which with their experience and knowledge have a positive impact on the development of the sector. In recent decades, Honduras has been pursuing an agriculture reconversion and diversificationprocess, which has meant a successful incursion into non-traditional products, and where aquaculture activities of shrimp and tilapia farming have stood out, and made the country the second largest tilapia exporter to United States; likewise the successful incursion of Chinese vegetables, jalapeno peppers and mango in this market. According to recent research, Honduras has the conditions to develop other products such as: grapefruit, watermelon, dried, shelled beans/haricots (bean); cocoa butter, fat and oil; lobsters (boneless and frozen), melted cheese, among others. 3 The country's agriculture tradition is evident with the presence of international companies that, for almost a century, have maintained their operations in the country. In this sense, foreign investment has played a significant role in the development of agribusiness and has a very important presence in the production and marketing of bananas and pineapples, vegetables and fruits, aquaculture and processed foods, among others. There is no doubt that the know-how, technology, supply chains, support services and ownership contributed by foreign investors have been instrumental in the development of agribusiness activity in Honduras. These factors will continue being combined with national capacity to continue further promote the promotion of agricultural goods that meet the domestic demand and exports to the world. Following is relevant information for potential investors, in view of Honduras. A. PERFORMANCE OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR According to the Ministry of Agriculture (SAG)1, in recent decades the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed a volatile performance that showed its vulnerability to internal and external shocks. During the period 2000-2010, the GDP grew at an average annual rate of 3.7%. In 2009, agricultural GDP accounted for 12.7% of total GDP, and if agro-industrial products and services directly or indirectly linked to the production and marketing of agricultural origin food products are taken into account, its contribution to GDP would range between 40% and 45%. During the 2006-2010 period, agricultural GDP grew by 18.6%, accrued, with an average annual rate of 4.7%, above the increase obtained in the 2000 -2005 five year period which was 10.8% at an annual growth rate of 2.7 %. The performance of agriculture during the 2005-2009 period was erratic. Between 2006-2007, as a result of policies supporting production and small and medium scale farmers combined with the rise in prices of agricultural goods, there was a sharp increase over the years 2004-2005. However, the tropical storms that hit the country in October 2008 caused a contraction that led to a fall in banana production and exports, and in turn discouraged the coffee producers' guild to export due to the low prices and weaker external demand. In 2008, growth was 2.4% and in 2009 the economy only grew by 0.3%. 1 2006-2010 Report, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG). 4 Compared to non-traditional products, the poultry industry showed positive variations of 3.4% compared to 2009 mainly due to the increased in the domestic demand and the opening of the exports of chicken meat to the U.S. market. Due to changes in the larvae sowing season and excessive rains that affected the cultivated areas, shrimp farming production reported negative variations of 14.2% compared to the increases of 40.4% recorded for 2009. The products that weigh the most in agricultural GDP are: a) b) c) d) e) f) Coffee Root vegetables, vegetables, legumes and fruits Cattle breeding Basic Grains Banana Agro industrial Crops According to the XXXIX Multipurpose Permanent Household Survey of May 2010, of the National Statistics Institute (INE), the agriculture sector generated 1, 2 million permanent jobs, representing 36.4% of Economically Active Population (PEA), thus becoming the main sector in terms of employment generation. 5 Compared to the Central American Agricultural GDP, Honduras reflects low levels, accounting for 2 only 15% of the Central American agricultural GDP in 2009, and positioned in fourth place. B. DESTINATION OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK EXPORTS AND IMPORTS In the case of exports, volumes and prices in 2009 were substantially affected by the lower world economic activity, especially the U.S., our main trading partner. Commercial Balance of Agricultural Products (2005-2009) Millions of Dollars 6000 4000 2000 0 Exportaciones -2000 Importaciones -4000 Saldo Balanza Comercial -6000 2 2005 2006 2007 Years 2008 2009 Data obtained from the ECLAC report: Latin America North sub region and the Caribbean: Agricultural Sector Information 2000-2009 Food Trends 6 In 2010, the value of food exports reached U.S. $ 1,936.0 million, an increase of 16.5% compared to 2009, where exports were in the order of U.S. $ 1,662.5 million. This increase is mainly due to the rise in the export value of products such as coffee, bananas, vegetables, fishery products and aquaculture, and oil palm. The export share structure by economic activity is led by agriculture, which accounts for 53.1% of total exports of goods, which is the result of sales of traditional and nontraditional products such as coffee, bananas, palm oil, shrimp, tilapia, and fruits and vegetables. The main export destination for these products is still the United States market and Europe. Among the traditional products, banana exports can be highlighted, which reached levels of 21,238,312 and 667.051 to the United States and Europe respectively, for a total value of U.S. $ 288,029.903 . The growth in these exports levels is explained by the 1.8% rise in price, despite the decline in export volumes caused by climate factors. For coffee, in turn, the total volumes exported reached U.S. $ 630,456.804, ranking as the main export agriculture product with presence in international markets. The traditional products exports rose to U.S. $ 191.3 million (20.9%) of which 66.8% resulted from the sales of coffee. It is noteworthy mentioning that this year was of particular importance for this product, given the 25.7% increase in international prices. The upturn of U.S. $ 15.9 million in sugar export value was influenced by the 31.8% increase in international prices, registering a rise of 67.5% in exports. In this context, the highest yields per hectare as a result of improved management of the production area, have contributed to the increased in export volumes, amounting to 90.7 million kilos, with a variation of 18.1% over the period January-November 2009. On the other hand, according to IMAE report5 The value of shrimp exports (cultivated and extraction) as a subset recorded an increase of 21.6%, explained by the improvement in international prices., While lobster exports during 2010 amounted to U.S. $ 33.2 million, U.S. $ 13.7 million more than the previous year, reflecting a relative variation of 70.6%. For 2010, sales of palm oil reached U.S. $ 126.2 million, showing an increase of $ 10.7 million compared to figures recorded during the same period January to November 2009 and positioning as well as the third product with the highest export mainly to Central America. However, this recovery has not yet reached the levels exported in 2008, which were U.S. $ 199,720.6. Imports of general merchandise, accumulated to November 2010, recorded a value of U.S. $ 6503.9 million, above 16.6% when compared with the same period in 2009, where the value registered was U.S. $ 5577.0 million. Inputs for agriculture showed a rising trend from 10.8% reaching a total amount of U.S. $ 236.7 million, resulting from an increasing demand of products such as mineral fertilizers, chemicals and flour to prepare animal fodder. Despite the upward trends and levels reported in 2010, Honduras still has a trade balance deficit vis á vis its main trading partners. United States, for its part, is still our largest trading partner, both in terms of 3 Preliminary data from the Central Bank of Honduras. Volume 40 Lbs. boxes Preliminary data from the Central Bank of Honduras. 5 IMAE to November 2009 4 7 destination of exports and origin of imports, maintaining a trade balance deficit of U.S. $ 1,887.6 million. The main export products to that market are bananas and coffee. On the other hand, Central America continues to maintain a commercial deficit, which amounted to $ 906.8 million, representing an increase of 11.5%, when compared with the trade balance in November 2009. Of total agricultural exports to this region palm oil and coffee are the main products.. As shown in the graph below, 31.9% of our exports are directed to the U.S. market; given it is the largest consumer and the country that demands domestic production the most. Furthermore, Europe has quickly established itself as our second largest trading partner with 31.7%, displacing the Central American countries as the third region receiving Honduran products. Contrary to its trade deficit with the United States and Central America, trade with Europe reports positive values, reflecting the amount of U.S. $ 230.1 million, which represented an increase of U.S. $ 13.3 million compared to the figures in 2009. The products most exported to the region are coffee, melons, palm oil, shrimp and bananas. 8 III. MAIN PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE AGRO- INDUSTRY IN HONDURAS Currently, agricultural production in Honduras is organized by food chains in order to promote agribusiness to generate more added value and increase the producers competitiveness and revenue. Following is a brief summary of the major food chains developed in the country, highlighting the investment opportunities in each one of the chains. (For more information: www.sag.gob.hn "Agronegocios" ) The table below shows, considering the soil vocation, the products that are likely to be grown in the different regions of the country. Products by Region Following is a brief summary of the major food chains developed in the country, and the investment opportunities. A. BASIC GRAINS AGRICULTURAL FOOD CHAIN 1. Current Situation In Honduras the basic grains sector is the most important social and economic sector due to its relevance in terms of assuring. According to SAG, basic grains represent 13.3 of the agricultural GDP and generate about 300,000 permanent jobs. It has been estimated that there are 500.000 farms that produce basic grains. Also, 18% of the country's arable land is used for the production of basic grains. Basic grains make up 35% of the daily diet and in the rural sector, corn and beans account for 60% of the diet of rural families. Despite its importance, Honduras relies on imports of basic grains to meet domestic demand, in fact, 100% of yellow corn and 85% of rice is imported, which represents an investment opportunity. 9 2. Basic Grains Agricultural Food Chain Investment Opportunities a) Yellow Corn Production: This product is all imported; therefore it presents an opportunity for b) c) d) e) f) g) production in a competitive and profitable manner. Bean Production: It is produced throughout the year in several regions of the country to supply both the local market and for exports (nostalgic product for the U.S.). Rice Production: Currently only 15% of domestic demand is produced. This product is an excellent investment opportunity as it is profitable,, however it requires high technology for its production. Soybean Production: Honduras imports 100% of the grain to produce balanced food and the international price of this product is very attractive. Basic Grains Certified Seed Production . Business requirements for the provision of agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters etc.). Investment in equipment and infrastructure for drying, collection and storage B. HORTICULTURE (FRUITS) CHAIN 1. Current Situation Honduras has great potential to produce vegetables for the domestic and export market, with a variety of regions and climates which allows the production of a wide variety of crops. In 2010, according to the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), from the total exports, traditional and nontraditional FOB (U.S. $ 172,744,000), 1.7% belonged to category of vegetables (41,912.1 million) and 1.1% to preparing vegetables and fruits (27,240.4 million). In Honduras there are four areas with natural conditions and service and infrastructure networks which make it possible to produce certain horticulture species at a commercial scale: 1) Choluteca-Valle, 2) Siguatepeque-Comayagua, 3) La Esperanza and Intibucá, and 4) Ocotepeque. 2. a. Investment Opportunities in the Horticultural (fruit) Chain Vegetables Oriental Vegetables: Oriental vegetables are largely demanded in markets such as USA, Canada, the Netherlands, France, England and other European countries. Its position depends on the one hand, on keeping the production areas (it is estimated that there are 650 cultivated hectares) and secondly, on the implementation of technologies that contribute to producing quality products that meet international standards. Jalapeño pepper: According to the market research conducted by SAG, the appetizers or snacks market has grown substantially and is expected to continue growing due to high population growth and consumption of this product by in the general population. There is an international agro-exporting company in the department of Comayagua, which is supplied by an area of 150 hectares cultivated with this crop. Color peppers: This crop, like cucumber is produced with high technology (greenhouses, irrigation systems, etc.), as requested by the importing countries such as USA. There are approximately 134 hectares with the best 10 agro-ecological conditions in the Comayagua Valley, the Danli Highlands, Siria Valley, Orica, Talanga, Villa de San Francisco and the Valley of Guayape. Eggplant: The production of eggplant in Honduras has become specialized in the last ten years; this vegetable is included in the category of Asian vegetables for export. This crop is grown in the Comayagua Valley region and it’s because of its acceptance in the international market, it has spread to the department of Olancho. According to FAO, the domestic production of eggplant in the year 2008 was 15.000 tons and it experienced a growth of 76.47% compared to the production in 2004 (8,500 tones). In 2008, Honduras exported 11.091 tons of eggplant, equivalent to 73.3% of the total production that year, meaning that most of the domestic production of eggplant is exported. b. Fruits In recent years, there has been an upturn in the exports to the U.S., generating more installed capacity by the fruit growers. However, there are several products with expor, taking into account that more than 100 fruits and vegetables in the country that according to DR-CAFTA can be exported to the U.S. Following are the main products with the highest demand both at the domestic level and internationally: Hass Avocado: The variety Hassavocado recorded an increase in the international markets demand and is a product of easy marketing and transportation. This variety allows coffee growers to diversify their production, since it can be grown in the same place and combination with coffee. It has been estimated that currently 1,115 hectares of avocado are grown in Honduras distributed among the departments of El Paraíso, Intibucá and Lempira. Plantain: Plantain is one of the most profitable products and one that generates employment, therefore, SAG promotes the production of this crop. There are approximately 13.200 hectares of this crop distributed in the central area (Francisco Morazán, Yoro, Olancho and the Atlantic coastal area (departments of Atlántida, Colón and Cortés). Melon: Melon is produced in the south region, in the departments of Choluteca and Valle, and is currently exported to several countries. In the 2008-2009 cycle about 8, 408 hectares were planted and 14.490 boxes (25 to 35 pounds per box) were exported. Watermelon: Like melon, watermelon appears as one of the main export products, and is grown in the southern region, which has the most appropriate agro-ecological factors for this crop. During the 2008-2009 cycle about 425 hectares were planted and 447,291 boxes (25 to 35 pounds per box) were exported. Approximately 3, 145 hectares are planted for domestic consumption. Rambutan: Rambutan (Nepheliumlappaceum) production originating in Asia, specifically in Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1997, the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA) started promoting the cultivation of 11 rambutan, creating the Honduran Association of Producers and Exporters of Rambutan, as well as patch propagation, which allowed to multiplying this crop on a commercial scale. The main areas for commercial production of rambutan are found on the Atlantic coast (Tela, La Masica, La Ceiba, and El Cangrejal). There are also smaller plantations near Lake Yojoa and the departments of Cortes and Colon. The exportable production from Honduras is about 181.43 tons and approximate area of 578 hectares is cultivated with this crop. Papaya: Papaya cropping is not very developed; approximately 600 tons are processed in 65 hectares in the departments of Comayagua and Olancho. Papaya is produced during all months of the year, although the greater availability of this fruit is offered in the months of March and August, which coincides with the increase in the global demand. Like mango, papaya needs a hydrothermal treatment in post-harvest management to destroy fungal spores and treatment against fruit flies. Papaya production in Honduras is almost destined for fresh consumption. Mango: Mango has been part of the Honduran diet since its introduction in centuries past, its cultivation spread all over the country, where traditional small farms for domestic consumption were established. Since 1986, the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research, FHIA, started promoting the mango agro industry, particularly, in the Comayagua Valley as the area with the greatest potential for its commercial production. Other areas identified for this crop are Zamorano Valley, Guayape Valley and Jamastran. Likewise, commercial productions were started in the middle section of the Aguan Valley. Given that the majority of Honduran mango is oriented to be exported to the USA, and that this country requires the application of a hydrothermal treatment to control fruit flies (mandatory requirement to allow its entry into the U.S.), a State-owned plant for this purpose was installed in the Comayagua Valley. In 2008, mango exports amounted to 238 tonnes, 25% more than in the previous year (190 tons). The main destinations of mango exports in 2008 were Belgium and Luxembourg (57.6%), Germany (28.8%) and USA (10.5%). Persian Lime: The main citrus grown and processed by the agro-industry are orange (Citrus sinensis), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and the Persian lime (Citrus latifolia). According to FAO data, in Honduras the areas for the cultivation of Persian lime have increased in recent years. In 2005 a cultivated area of 1207 hectares was registered, with a production of 9.320 tons. In 2005 a cultivated area of 1300 hectares was reported, with a production of 10,250.. Over time, production has been increased as a result of improved crop productivity, since it is produced all year round, although there is a reduced availability in April and December. C. COFFEE AND COCOA CHAIN 1. Coffee 12 a. Current Situation In the past 30 years, coffee has contributed to the economy of Honduras between 13% and 27% of the agricultural GDP (20% on average), and from 3% to 7% of the GDP (5% average.) Honduras is the second largest coffee producer in Central America, 98% of coffee is grown under shadow and 95% of the coffeeproduction is in the hands of small scale producers. Also, the coffee-growing generates more than 1 million direct and indirect jobs which mean more than 8% of job creation in the country and 22% in rural areas, generating more than $ 400 million in foreign currency. This product has spread throughout the country, particularly in the western and southern regions of the country. From the 298 municipalities in Honduras, 75% have coffee production activity and 42% are financially dependent on this production. According to IHCAFE, coffee production for the 2008/2009 harvest was 4,182,821.35 qq., showing a decrease of 6% compared to the output in the 2007/2008 harvest of 4, 443,720.06 qq, this reduction corresponds to climate factors that affected affecting crop areas nationwide. For the 2008/2009 harvest, the total foreign currency earnings on exports were U.S. $ 463.95 million, which represents 23.61% of the total export earnings from major commodities. Nonetheless, there was a 21.9% drop compared to the U.S. $ 594.4 million generated in the 2007/08 harvest. In terms of volume, during the period 2008/09 exports were 3.940 million bags of 46 kilos, which represents 98.6% of the total export sales registered, and records 11% less compared to the 4.427 million bags of 46 kilos exported during the period 2007 / 08, where total registered sales represent 97.15%. For many years, Germany has been the main Honduran coffee buyer. For the 2008/2009 harvest it imported 28.85% of total exports, followed by the United States, with 13.58%, Belgium 12.90%, Italy 7.19 %, South Korea 5.98%, and England 4.84%, which in the 2008/09 harvest tripled their imports compared 13 to the 2007/2008 harvest; France occupies the seventh position with 4.55%, Sweden 3.78%, Japan 3.68%, and Finland 3.20%, Other countries accounted for 11.4% of the total exports. The destination with the best average export price was New Zealand with U.S. $ 165.08 per bag of 46 kilos, followed by Mexico with U.S. $ 160.06, Australia with U.S. $ 134.54, South Africa with U.S. $ 134.28 and Ireland with U.S. $ 132.03 per bag of 46 kilos. Source: IHCAFE b. Exports of Special Coffees It should be noted that coffee is the product where more progress has been made with organic production and a greater number of producers or companies process the product (65% of the total of registered companies). During the 2008/2009 harvest special coffee exports were 293 000 qq, representing 7.4% of exports; considering that this year for Marcala Café, only the Marcala Origin Denomination (PDO Marcala) was considered were considered special exports, and no exports under the Marcala brand and are not within the certified lots. Organic coffee exports accounted for 28.39% of total exports of specialty coffees, UTZ Certified followed with 24.84%, Organic Fair trade 17.32%, and the others 26.34%. 2. a. Cocoa Current Situation Cocoa production in Honduras originated about four centuries ago. Honduras has more than 30.000 hectares with agro-ecological farming conditions, as well as the technology and experienced human 14 resources, both to produce the crop and market and industrialize the product, thus creating an important source of currency and employment in the rural areas. Cocoa farming does not compete with other crops due to the areas where production is concentrated and other possible areas in which cocoa production could be expanded. Cocoa Producing Areas The destination of production, whether grain or processed, is the foreign market. In 2008, Honduras produced approximately 700 tons of cocoa, which represents a 5 to 10% increase compared to the previous year. There are also new farms whose production has begun to yield to expand the export supply. APROCACAOH sells mostly to the chocolate industry and other foods, 3% to the domestic market, 47% in Central America and the rest to other countries like U.S. 35% and Europe 15% (Netherlands, Spain and Italy, among others). Destination of the grains processed by APROCACAHO Currently, cocoa farmers are moving towards producing fine aroma cocoa aroma, which demand is increasing in the international market by gourmet chocolate manufacturers. b. Cocoa Agricultural Food Chain Investment Opportunities a) In addition to the planted area in Honduras there are more than 32,000 suitable for growing cocoa in the departments of Atlántida, Cortes, Yoro, Gracias a Dios, Santa Barbara, Copan, Olancho and with potential development in El Paraíso. 15 b) There are investment opportunities in establishing industrial plants to process the grain in Cocoa c) Butter and small industries to produce products for human consumption and for medicinal purposes. Likewise, the construction of storage facilities equipped with the equipment required for the best fermentation of cocoa, which leads to the production of high quality grain. D. FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE CHAIN 1. a. Industrial Fishery Current Situation Industrial fishing is located in Roatán, La Ceiba, Guanaja and Puerto Lempira and based on four major items: shrimp, lobster, conch and scale. The sum of the production of these products in the 2008/2009 season was 2,559.7 metric tons. As for traditional fishing, the areas with the largest number of anglers are located on the north coast and south of the country, as well as in Lake Yojoa and El Cajon. In the Gulf of Fonseca there is shrimp,Curiles, shark and several species of scale are caught. For 2007, the department said DIGEPESCA programming, reported a national scale production of 1.618 MT and in 2008 a production of 2.034 metric tons was reported. Exports of products from fisheries and aquaculture rank third in the national economy with over 27 billion kilograms, which represent U.S. $ 208.79 million. Among the industrial fishing products, the Central Bank of Honduras reported extraction of shrimp, lobster and scale with a value of U.S. $ 43.88 million. However, these exports reflect a reduction of 27% compared to the years 2005 and 2008, this value represents a volume of 2, 493.340 kilograms in 2008. 2. a. Aquaculture Shrimp Current Situation: Shrimp farming began in Honduras in 1973 and grew rapidly especially in the 80's. Shrimp farms are located in the Gulf of Fonseca in artificial ponds created in areas of exchange of freshwater and salty sea water and flats located in old salt mines, and even in the mangrove swamps of the Gulf. Like most farmed shrimp producing countries in the Western Hemisphere, the preferred species of shrimp in Honduras is the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeusvannamei), which accounts for approximately 80% of the total production, the other 20% is shrimp Blue (Penaeusstylirostris) Honduras shrimp industry is made up of 252 projects of farmed shrimp including artisanal, small and medium-sized producers as well as larger extension companies with water surface areas of 18.500 hectares, of which 16.500 are in production. These production units generated an annual average of 48 million pounds of exportable shrimp and 27,000 direct and indirect jobs of which 40% are female workforce benefiting about 170,000 people. In the period 2004-2009, the productive hectares in the country have grown 17.8% going from 14,000 in 2004 to 16.500 ha in 2009, and representing a rational use of 89.2% of the total area of water surface. 16 Export shrimp is prepared for packing in different ways. As the shrimp industry has developed, new ways of processing and packaging with greater added value have appeared. The types of packaging processed are: "Shell On" or shrimp in shell, peeled (without shell), peeled and deveined (no shell or veins), butterfly or ¾ butterfly (individual Quick frozen IQF), pre-cooked (ready to cook). Some companies process innovative products such as IQF shrimp skewers. b. Tilapia Current Situation: Aquaculture is the fastest growing category of livestock activities. This activity is used with great success for both exports and domestic consumption. This activity has grown significantly in recent years, to the extent as to place Honduras together with Ecuador as the Latin American countries with higher levels of tilapia fillet exports. The National Agricultural Survey 2007-2008 states that the country has a cultivated area of 557 hectares of fish, which results in a production of 14.944 metric tons of fresh fish. The highest volume of fish comes from large farms engage in this activity. Data show that 61.1% of production is generated in operations of more than 50 hectares. The rest is shared production on farms in the levelof less than 5 hectares and 5 to less than 50 hectares. The areas for fish farming are located in San Francisco de la Paz, Santa Cruz de Yojoa, Olancho, Comayagua, and Santa Rosa de Copan. The varieties grown are red, black and white tilapia. The culture system used is the extensive, using ponds, also semi intensive and intensive ponds, tanks and floating cages. There are two types of Tilapia culture: industrial produced in Cortés, Olancho, Comayagua, and Copán. The traditional system exists across the country, especially in the central region. According to FAO data domestic production has increased considerably in the last decade. In 2007, production reached 28.356 tons, representing U.S. $ 42.53 million. There are at least 5 tilapia processing plants located on Lake Yojoa. They have the technology and appropriate health measures in compliance with all the technical standards and requirements of the health standards. 100% of its production is exported to the USA, consisting of fresh skinless, boneless fish, without adhering fat and completely clean whole fish. Tilapia exports amounted to 6,773.1 52,515.1 kilos with a value in 2010. c. Investment Opportunities in the Aquaculture and Fishing Chain a) In the field of industrial fishing, future investments should be directed to the exploitation of new resources such as rock shrimp, blue crab and tuna varieties, the latter in the framework of the International Agreement for the Conservation of Tunas Atlantic (ICAAT). b) Artisanal fisheries of the Caribbean have resources such as camaroncillo or bob and the machete fish that despite being commercial resources are not object to direct harvesting. In artisanal fisheries in the Gulf of Fonseca, fishery resources are being captured in its entirety; in that case the investment opportunities can go to add value to resources from artisanal fisheries. c) For shrimp culture, there is now a concession area of 37.012 hectares, of which 18.500 hectares of water surface. Investment opportunities would be located in the remaining 18.512 acres. d) In tilapia, there are currently approximately 250 hectares in total production; however, there is growing potential for both industrial and artisanal farming in suitable land in the departments of Olancho, Cortes, El Paraíso, Comayagua, Copan, Ocotepeque, Santa Barbara, Yoro and La Paz. 17 E. a. MEAT AND DAIRY CHAIN Current Situation Livestock is one of the main productive sectors in Honduras, currently distributed among 96,622 farmers and reaching a herd of 2.5 million heads of cattle. 46% of the exports are from producers with less than 5 hectares of land and are managed by MYPYMES (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). The livestock sector generates approximately 350 thousand direct and 250 indirect jobs. Its contribution to the agricultural GNP is around 15%, positioned in importance second to the coffee sector. The livestock activity is disseminated throughout the entire country in regions that have greater potential for cattle herds that produce either meat or milk. Northwest Region: The Olancho Department has a cattle density of approximately 453,294 heads distributed among 18,648 stockmen. It has approximately 271,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 1.67 heads per hectare of pasture; 261,000 hectares – or 96% of the total area correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from May to November with an average accumulated precipitation of 1,040 millimeters, representing 85% of the total rainfall. Central-Eastern Region. This region covers the departments of El Paraíso, part of Olancho and Francisco Morazán, with approximately 217,946 heads of cattle distributed among 12,621 stockmen. It has approximately 201,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 1.08 heads per hectare of pasture; 167,000 hectares – or 78% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from May to October with 1,186 millimeters of rainfall and an average accumulated precipitation of 1,016 millimeters, representing 85% of the total rainfall. Western Region: This region covers the departments of Ocotepeque, Copan and part of Santa Barbara and Lempira, with approximately 207,143 heads of cattle distributed among 11,305 stockmen. It has approximately 119,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 1.79 heads per hectare of pasture; 112,000 hectares – or 94% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from April to October with 1,823 millimeters of rainfall and 1,697 millimeters of average accumulated precipitation, representing 93% of the total rainfall. Southern Region: This region covers the departments of Choluteca and Valle, with approximately 278,662 heads of cattle distributed among 13,498 stockmen. It has approximately 46,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 5.98 heads per hectare of pasture; 39,000 hectares – or 85% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from May to October with 1.85 millimeters of rainfall and an average accumulated precipitation of 1,653 millimeters, representing 92% of the total rainfall. Central Western Region: This region covers the departments of Comayagua, La Paz and part of Francisco Morazán, with approximately 120,984 heads of cattle distributed among 12,730 stockmen. It has approximately 34,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 3.55 heads per hectare of pasture; the majority of pasture is improved - 26,000 hectares – or 76% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from May to November with 1,212 millimeters of rainfall and an average accumulated precipitation of 1,091 millimeters, representing. Northern Region: This region covers the departments of Cortes and parts of Santa Barbara, Atlántida and Yoro, with approximately 301,207 heads of cattle distributed among 11,581 stockmen. It has approximately 144,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 2.08 heads per hectare of pasture; 137,000 hectares – or 95% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The period of 18 most rainfall in this region is from May to January with 1,465 millimeters of annual rainfall and an average accumulated precipitation of 1,330 millimeters, representing 90% of the total rainfall. Atlantic Coast Region: This region covers the departments of Colon and parts of Atlántida and Yoro, with approximately 280,501 heads of cattle distributed among 6,445 stockmen. It has approximately 101,000 hectares of grazing land and the cattle density is 2.76 heads per hectare of pasture; 94,000 hectares – or 93% of the total area - correspond to improved pasture. The rainfall period in this region is from May to March with 2,253 millimeters of rainfall and an average accumulated precipitation of 2,179 millimeters, representing 96% of the total rainfall. According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, the value of exports in 2010 was US$ 6.2 million, representing a 20% increase compared to exports in 2009 (US$ 4.9 million). This increase was stimulated by SENASA (National Service for Farm Sanitation and Animal Husbandry), which included the introduction of high quality genetic materials from Brazil, Uruguay and USA. Currently, the USA receives 80% of the exports and the rest are sold in México, El Salvador, Guatemala and recently, the first 200 thousand pounds were sold to Bolivia. In the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU) there is an opportunity to export 2,500 tons of meat in 2012. According to projections, the exports in this sector will grow by 33% in 2011. b. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MEAT AND DAIRY CHAIN a) Installation and operation of Meat Processing and Packaging Plants according to each region, to supply the growing internal market. b) Establishment of industrial plants to process milk at regional level c) Strengthen the entrepreneurial development services to energize the primary production sector d) Introduction of improved genetics and herd refresh for an efficient primary production F. BIO-ENERGY CHAIN 1. a. AFRICAN PALM Current Situation The development of African Palm crops dates back to the 1930´s when work was started to adapt different genetic materials from Africa to the Lancetilla Botanical Garden and soon after - in the 1940´sthe first plantations were planted by United Brands. The African Palm plantations are located on the Honduran Atlantic coast in the departments of Colon, Atlántida, Yoro and Cortes and distributed among Cooperatives, Independent Producers and Producer Associations and classified into small (1 to 10 hectares), medium (11-50 hectares) and large scale more than (100 hectares). It is important to note that the small and medium scales producers constitute 90 % of the country´s African Palm product yet they possess only 58% of the plantations. There are 11 extraction plants in the country, three of which belong to a group of agricultural cooperatives. The palm oil industry has grown considerable in the last few years. The country has 127,500 cultivated hectares of which approximately 110,000 are under production. A Project supported by the Government of Malaysia has been promoting the mass cultivation of this crop since 2008. Palm cultivation is in the hands of 43 producers – cooperative, enterprises and independent growers – while processing the fruit is managed by 11 extraction plants installed in the Atlántida and Colon Departments. The sector generates around 130 direct and 390 indirect jobs. 19 At present, five extraction plants are dedicated to generating biodiesel. According to the Central Bank of Honduras, the value of exports in 2010 reached US$ 142.1 million, compared to US$ 125 million in 2009, while US $ 200 million is projected for 2011, the amount obtained in 2008. There has been an upturn in this activity in the last 5 years given the strong demand of African Palm fruit derivatives in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala where the oil is used for manufacturing margarine, oils, lard, candles and other sub-products. México is another important market. b. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BIO-ENERGY CHAIN a) There are more than 150,000 hectares of land in Honduras that meet the agro-ecological conditions to cultivate African Palm, mainly in the departments of Cortes and Colon. Furthermore, research is being carried out in the Gracias a Dios Department that is located in the Mosquitia area in order to incorporate this crop in more than 30,000 hectares as well as in Olancho, specifically in the area around Los Altos del Patuca with 20,000 hectares. This could turn Honduras into the main producer of African Palm in America. It is estimated that 15 extraction plants are needed to process the crude oil production from 150,000 hectares, thereby requiring an investment of 2,280 million Lempiras, in addition to the investment for manufacturing the products for human consumption like: vegetable oil, lard, margarine and other products including soap and biodiesel, an investment around 2,000 million Lempiras. b) Moreover, there are other investment opportunities for clean fuel production from methane captured in the lagoons that treat the residual water from the extraction process and from the vapor produced by using the solid residuals. c) Additionally, the sale of Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) or Carbon Credits in the framework of the Kyoto Protocol is other excellent investment opportunities that several companies in the country are benefiting from. G. APICULTURE CHAIN 1. CURRENT SITUATION Apiculture has been an ancient tradition in Honduras. The native peoples explored the trigona and melipona bees, the biological material from which honey is obtained and black beeswax as a sub product. From the time of the Spanish colonization, bees with stingers were introduced into the hives since they were a more productive species than the stingless bees, but in both cases using rudimentary techniques applied mostly by peasant producers. Even though the apiculture development in Honduras has been limited, this activity has constituted a source of economic income for small scale producers who direct their production to the national market, self-consumption, and occasionally for export. With the arrival of the Africanized bee in 1985, the apiculture production declined due to the characteristics themselves and to not knowing the management techniques, thus reducing the honey export levels. The impact caused by the Africanized bees reduced the apicultural units in Honduras from 1,200 to 50. Nevertheless, when this race starts to become known and adequately managed, the apiarists decide to return to this productive activity. The Honduran apiculture sector has seen a gradual development in recent years in terms of production, productivity, quality and number of apiarists, illustrated by the following chart with behavioral characteristics for the 2003 – 2009 period: Behavior of the Apiculture Chain 20 2003-2009 Concept No. Of Hives No. Of Apiarists Kg productivity/hive-year Yearly honey production (tons) 2003 21,000 550 15 300 2008 33,000 1,200 20 500 2009 38,870 1,690 22 600 The chart illustrates that honey production has been on the rise since 2003, from 300 to 600 metric tons in 2009, with a 20% increase from 2008 to 2009, jointly with the increase in the number of beehives, apiarists and an enhanced productivity per beehive as of 2003 The national apiculture sector forms part of the development hubs and is addressed by the promotion policies applied by the SAG, working jointly with the National Apiarists Association of Honduras (ANAPIH). Furthermore, by equipping 7 extraction centers in different regions of the country, the quality was enhanced, resulting in an increased of honey production per beehive (from 12 to 22 kilograms). The advantage of producing honey is that it can be done in any part of the country. Nevertheless, the largest scale production is in the departments of El Paraíso, Copan, Ocotepeque and Valle although this productive activity is being expanded to regions like Olancho and Colon. Honey exports are mainly to Guatemala and the USA and the total volume of exports for 2008 was 2,075 kg, valued at US $ 84,561.00, still a small amount yet in comparison, the exports for 2007 totaled US $ 5,058. The country most of the honey was exported to during 2007 and 2008 was the USA, with a volume of 1,517 kg in el 2007 and 1,730 kg in 2008, representing 14% increase. a. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE APICULTURE CHAIN a) Honduras has the necessary agro-ecological conditions to carry out this productive activity b) c) d) e) f) g) throughout the entire country, especially in the coffee growing and wildlife areas. Currently, there are 38,000 beehives producing 600,000 kg of honey which is insufficient to satisfy the national demand (35,000 additional beehives are required just to cover the domestic demand). Honduras has the potential to cultivate 400,000 beehives for exportation purposes. The 38,000 beehives need annual replacement and therefore the opportunity exists to establish breeder hives for worker and queen bees. The average potential yield per beehive is 40 kilos and the domestic Price for honey is US $ 4.20 per kilogram. Other beehive products can be exploited, making this a very profitable productive activity (sub products ) Industrialization of products and sub products for cosmetics, pharmacology and nutritional supplements. Investment opportunities are available for special honeys – floral honeys, (citric, for example), organic honeys, crystallized honey, combined honeys (fruits), and Fair Trade. There is a demand for bee pollen as a nutritional supplement, and currently only 3% of producers make use of this valuable bee hive sub product: a co-investment can be arranged between the industries and producers to expand the exploitation of the apiculture sector. 3800 hectares of export crops (cantaloupes, watermelon, cucumbers) need to be pollinated and there are other emerging crops that can benefit from pollination such as citric and avocado IV. HONDURAS IS OPEN TO INVESTMENT On its road toward development, Honduras is motivating a market economy with cautious fiscal and monetary policies, accompanied by a social policy fundamentally geared toward reducing poverty and 21 achieving higher levels of sustainable development, and a competiveness that will redound in a better life quality for Hondurans. Its abundance of natural resources makes Honduras a privileged country and turns the food and agriculture sector into a main player for a sustainable, equal and balanced development, as proposed in the Country Vision (2010-2014). Making Honduras a country that optimizes its farming and livestock potential has led us to promote a transformation process that is accompanied by trade agreements, endorsing a renovated and energized agrarian policy escorted by the capacity of producers and exporters to interpret the new global level market trends. A. COUNTRY VISION /NATION PLAN As of 2010, the Country Vision and Nation Plan constitute the policy framework adopted by the State of Honduras as its main planning tool with an economic growth and development horizon that extends to the end of 2038. As for encouraging national and foreign investment, the third objective of the Country Vision aims for a Honduras that is productive, that generates opportunities and decent employment, which makes sustainable use of its resources and reduces environmental vulnerability. By the year 2038, 400,000 hectares of farming land will be irrigated, supplying 100% of the national food demand and increase the dam, reservoir and use rates to 25% for energy, production and flood control. B. STATE POLICY FOR THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND THE RURAL SETTING (2004-2014) Honduras has been developing a State Policy for the Agriculture and Food Sector and the Rural Setting (2004-2014) which was broadly agreed by all sectors and which seeks to transform the agriculture and food sector to significantly increase its contribution to the country´s economic growth, raising the competitiveness and capacity to successfully insert into the international economy and fundamentally to competitively supply the domestic market through the sustainable use of its resources. This productive transformation entails the expansion, strengthening and modernization of the agriculture and food production and business which will result in a dynamic economic growth for generating wealth at the rural level. The transformation and its achievements improve the rural conditions and establish and strengthen the bond among small, medium and larger producers and other agents of the productive chain and the rural population in general. C. STRATEGY OF THE PUBLIC AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECTOR AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2010-2014 Commencing with the strategic guidelines of the abovementioned State Policy, the 2010-2014 Government Plan drives the generation of employment and income through the productive competitiveness/transformation, contributing to the agriculture and food sustainable growth to aid in reducing the poverty in rural families with differentiated support actions for the farming and livestock producers and other actors in the sector. The strategy´s fundamental objective is: “Reduce poverty and extreme poverty of rural families by 10% through the sustained and sustainable growth of the agriculture and food GNP, at a yearly rate of 3% while improving the distributive equality with the incorporation of 50% of the target population into the value chains and business plans.” 22 The following goals are prioritized for the 2010 – 2014 period 2010-2014: Goals: General Objective Indicator 2009 2014 Increase of the agriculture and food GNP by 4% yearly Contribute to decreasing the poverty by 10% by 2014 Contribute to decreasing the extreme poverty by 10% Added value for the food sector – in millions of US $ 1022 1196 % reduction of rural poverty 72 62 % reduction of the absolute rural poverty 58 48 Goals: Competitiveness Indicator 2009 2014 1663 2827 440 572 Millions of dollars generated by exporting coffee 532 644 Millions of dollars generated by substituting the imports 18 0 Kilometers of rural roads built or rehabilitated 0 5000 Goals: Production and Productivity Indicator 2009 2014 Facilitate the increase of basic grain production by 15%, by 2014 Increase the strategic reserve of corn and beans by 10% Millions of ´quintals´ /qq (100 pound sacks) of basic grains produced Number of qq of corn and beans as strategic reserve Number of new hectares under irrigation 15,9 18,4 80704 8900 9000 117000 Millions of dollars saved by substituting the imports 0 18 Kilometers of rural roads built or rehabilitated 0 5000 Contribute to increasing the agriculture and food exports by 70% by the end of the period Improve the value of fruit and vegetable exports by 30% by 2014 Contribute to increasing the coffee exports through the value chain by a 5% yearly cumulative value Contribute to substituting the importation of onions, potatoes, carrots and garlic for the amount of US $ 18 million, by 2014 Build or rehabilitate 5000 kilometers of new rural roads Increase the irrigated land area by 30%, by 2014 Contribute to substituting the importation of onions, potatoes, carrots and garlic for the amount US $ 18 million by 2014 Build or rehabilitate 5000 kilometers of rural roads Millions of dollars generated by exporting agriculture and food products Millions of dollars generated by exporting fruits and vegetables D. CENTRAL AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL POLICY At the regional level, the Central American Agricultural Policy is being developed, emphasizing the implementation of strategies to create added value to regional products with the intention of accessing and successfully remaining in the market. In order to make the general agricultural sector, and particularly the agro businesses, more competitive, the first core of the Policy (competitiveness and agro businesses) includes several regional priority measures, especially for the small scale agricultural enterprise, among which range from the promotion of agro chains to reviewing and harmonizing the sanitary and phyto-sanitary norms in the region. 23 Also contemplated is the modernization of intermediate commercial services, private services for the agricultural sector, customs posts (peripheral quarantine posts), and the official laboratories. Programs are promoted for pest prevention, control and eradication, and climate change, along with the mechanisms to address exceptional situations that arise in the domestic or international markets and which affect the agricultural sector or that represent an opportunity. Finally, another set of measures is aimed at strengthening and integrating competitive information and intelligence systems so that members of the agricultural sector can access key information to analyze the environment or situation and make their businesses grow. Another of the areas that will be strongly focused is the technological innovation and the entire regional platform for developing and managing the agro-biotechnologies and bio-safety. Equally promoted is the dialogue on research and cooperation for developing new technologies, best practices and business opportunities for agro energy production. Strategic alliances are encouraged among the private, public and academic sectors with the purpose of improving the competitiveness of the commercial agro productive chains, among others. V. TRADE OPENING The Honduran trade policy is based on market openings to obtain a greater insertion into the international trade. The country has subscribed important agreements in the field of trade negotiations at the multilateral level (WTO), regional level (Central America) and bilateral level (Free Trade Agreements and Association Agreements). This represents that Honduras has preferential trade conditions and greater permanency in its relationships with trade partners. Our trade policy has been active, in alignment with the fundamental premise of guaranteeing a preferential access of its export offer to the main markets through the consolidation of preferences and opening new trade opportunities with strategic partners. In this regard, several Free Trade Agreements have been signed since the year 2000 to date and other relationships in the framework of the Central America integration process have been solidified. In complementation of the previous, the multilateral negotiations have a constant participation in WTO Doha Round. List of Trade Agreements in Effect and Others in the Negotiation Process: Trade Agreements in Effect Name of Agreement Date of Signing Free Trade Agreement between the United Mexican States and the Republics of June 29, 2000 Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala April 16 , 1998 (1st Protocol) Free Trade Agreement -Central America – November 29, 1998 Dominican Republic ( 2nd Protocol) February 04, 2000 (3rd Protocol) Free Trade Agreement – Dominica Republic, Central America – United States of America August 2004 (DR-CAFTA) October 18, 1999 Free Trade Agreement - Central America- Date of Effect Type of Agreement or Treaty July 1, 2001 Bilateral December 19, 2001 Bilateral April 1, 2006 Multilateral Bilateral 24 Name of Agreement Date of Signing Date of Effect Chile Bilateral Protocol: November 22, 2005 July 19, 2008 Free Trade Agreement - Honduras, El Salvador and Taiwan May 7, 2007 Free Trade Agreement - Central America Panama February 6, 2002 Bilateral Protocol: June 15, 2007 Free Trade Agreement CA3 (Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala) Columbia July 15, 2008 January 8, 2008 March 26, 2010 August 9, 2007 Type of Agreement or Treaty Bilateral Bilateral Bilateral Treaties and Agreements Being Negotiated: Negotiation in process Free Trade Agreement CA4 – Canada Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union Free Trade Agreement between Central America and CARICOM Undergoing the Ratification process (Final Stage) Negotiation in process. Other instruments Name of Agreement Date of Signing January 1, 1995 Member of the WTO Member of the Central American Common December 13, 1960 Market ( MCCA) Status Type of Agreement or Treaty Effective Multilateral Effective Customs Union In this context, Honduras faces important challenges related to trade insertion and international competitiveness. One example of this is the Free Trade Agreement among Central America, the Dominican Republic and the United States of America (DR-CAFTA) and the recent Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union which represents an excellent window of opportunity for our products to effectively make incursions in these markets. In practice, this implies that Honduras must encourage the agro exportation development from a standpoint of making good use of comparative edges based on basic farming and livestock commodities and work toward competitive edges based on high value products; those products differentiated by quality attributes, good farming, production and trade practices and solid environmental sustainability. In this regard, Honduras, through the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock has especially emphasized the issues around Technological and Agriculture & Food Innovation, Agro Business Training and Development, Agriculture and Food Market Information and Intelligence, Production Promotion and Integration of Agriculture and Food chains in addition to addressing Food Safety issues and other topics in the National Service for Farm Sanitation and Animal Husbandry. VI. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECTOR With the world´s strong demand for food, the agricultural sector in Honduras has a great opportunity to reach an important growth level by promoting exports, keeping in mind the following external factors that can influence the sector: a) Every day there are more people demanding food: by 2015 the world´s `population will reach 7,800 million. 25 b) Life expectancy has increased: when nearing 2050, 29% of the world´s population will be over the c) d) e) f) g) h) age of 60, a population segment that consumes healthier foods and with a higher added value. The world´s purchasing power is increasing, the number of persons that opt for a healthier and balanced diet is doubling and there are more consumers that choose organic products. There is a strong concern regarding cultivation methods, the use of pesticides, social and environmental impact as well as Fair Trade. Consumers are more educated and demanding in their consumption likes and dislikes Consumers in the markets of developed countries have a high purchasing power The consumer pays attention to the social image and responsibility of the company that exports its products Consumers purchase through the Internet. There is a change in the way people eat; more women are joining the work force and thus increasing the purchase of prepared foods. As mentioned above, and because of the possibilities for diversifying the production and increasing the added value of primary products, the agriculture and food sector is most important in the Honduran economy and has an enormous potential for development. As you can see, the gross added value of farming and livestock production is concentrated on just a few products - coffee, bananas, corn, and African Palm, among others. In 2010, coffee is the crop that carries more weight with 26.3%, followed by bananas with 12.0%. Nevertheless, in terms of nontraditional products,, Honduras is one of the Central American countries that has had the greatest growth in export volume. For decades, coffee and bananas have been the main products in supporting the Honduran economy yet this situation has undergone certain changes with the agro business potential in the country. Undoubtedly, this sector that centers on the export of fresh and semi processed products responds to the current consumption trends in developed countries through its healthy and attractive products, produced sustainably and aimed at the more demanding segment of the consumer population. Furthermore, there is a huge potential for developing the agricultural and food industry that adds value to the farming and livestock production and allows adapting to the new forms of food and beverage consumption. The following are among the main agro business activities in the country: production of dairy products; cattle slaughtering, preparation and conservation of meats and cold cuts; raw sugar; manufacture of vegetable oils and fats; manufacture of corn flour and processed rice; feed for animals; processed fish; and, processed fruits and vegetables. Other items and areas must be added to the list of activities described above: several worthy of mention are: apiculture, and aromatic and ornamental plants that increasing become important trends and turn into emerging productions, positioning themselves in the domestic and foreign markets given their magnitude and quality. Based on the above, the priority projects with the highest possibility of being structured under the Private-Public Association (APPs) are presented for their consideration by potential investors. (Link Agro Business Projects). 26 VII. LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT The regulatory provisions that govern foreign investment in Honduras establish, in a harmonious and systematic way, the commitments and provisions that should be observed by foreign capital. The internal regulations are constituted by constitutional and legal provisions. Attracting investment is a priority for Honduras A. LAW FOR THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENT The primary interest of the State is to attract, promote and protect national and foreign investments, which will be given facilities and guarantees for their development. Guarantees: For Domestic and Foreign Investment a) Unlimited access to foreign exchange. b) Right to open bank accounts and withdraw deposits, in full or in part, in freely usable currency. c) Protection of intellectual property rights. d) Right to property. e) Right to repatriate 100% of compensation received for expropriation. f) Freedom to produce and market goods and services. For Foreign Investment a) b) c) d) e) f) Equal treatment to domestic investment. Unrestricted market access. Transfer of utilities, profits, royalties and compensations, or of all investment, in money or securities. Access to credits in the financial system. Free shareholding in a company. Unrestricted right to establish branches, subsidiaries, representatives or joint ventures. Sectors Excluded by Law o o Activities for the treatment of toxic pollutants or radioactive waste. The manufacture, import, distribution and sale of weapons, ammunition and the like. Preventive Conflict Regime Those interested in developing real estate investment projects may qualify under this regime to prevent future conflicts, and have 2 years to start investing; after this period, its benefit is terminated. To apply this regime, a request must be submitted to the Technical Secretariat of the National Investment Council. If a dispute is submitted over the property object to investment and if its value exceeds US$500,000, it must be submitted in the following order: direct settlement, conciliation and arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Law. 27 Guarantee Regime for the Completion of Projects When a property object to an investment project is being disputed, the applicant is eligible for this regime provided they have permits and licenses for its development, has available financing, has started construction, and if a third who is not in possession of the property claims ownership. To attend the above, the applicant may request to the Technical Secretariat of the National Investment Council, the constitution of a trust or that the legal action is resolved by arbitration. Legal Stability Contracts Investors who commit US$2 million in the form of: Capital injections, Acquisition of more than 50% of shares owned directly or indirectly by the State, or Public-Private Partnerships; will be insured for 15 years, maintaining the same tax conditions when developing the project. If it is a forestry project, these contracts may be extended to 25 years. Dispute Settlement The Law for the Promotion and Protection of Investments guarantees the legal subjection to foreign jurisdiction between foreign and domestic investors, or between foreigners and the State; as well as full recognition of international arbitral awards in accordance with the provisions of the following instruments: o o o o Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration. Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. Treaty of Reciprocal Protection of Investments ratified by Honduras. The Law also provides for possible variables and leading arbitration mechanisms. Tax Benefits If the Executive Branch, through SEPLAN, declares the investment project of priority interest: o o Amortization of pre-operating expenses incurred within 5 years. Normal and accelerated depreciation. Investment by region: those investments over US$2 million will enjoy the benefits: o Partial Exemption of Income Tax, which shall not exceed: 50% of the investment in priority projects without considering activities or regions as restriction, only increased investment shall apply. 60% on projects of priority activities or regions. 70% in projects that: are of major interest to develop priority activities and to develop regions of priority interest. The criteria for the benefit timeframe shall be drafted by SEPLAN and adopted at the Ministers’ Council. The benefits will be granted provided that the investor does not have to pay taxes in other countries on income earned in Honduras. Megaprojects Megaprojects are those that SEPLAN qualifies as national interest, and require an investment of no less than US$50 million. The National Investment Council will implement an accelerated investment 28 procedure, with prior request, which will be approved by the Executive Power during the Ministers’ Council. Competent Entity The Law for the Promotion and Protection of Investments establishes the National Investment Council as the responsible entity for the promotion and development of private investments, the establishment of offices for facilitation and assistance to investors, and public policies to foster a favorable investment climate. Other Provisions o o o Creation of Agro-industrial Export Parks, which promote SMMEs and enjoy the benefits provided by it. Linking with PPPs and CoALIANZA. Reforms the following laws: Article 310 of the Code of Commerce. Articles 55, 60 and 61 of the Industrial Property Law. o Article 21 of the Law of Representatives, Distributors and Agents of National and Foreign Companies. Repeals the following laws: Articles 308 and 309 of the Code of Commerce. Section 1565 of the Civil Code. Articles 32, 33 and 34 of the Immigration and Nationality Law. Investment Law (Decree 80-92). B. LAW FOR PROMOTION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS This law governs and regulates the public-private participation contracting processes for the execution, development and management of public works and services. What is Public-Private Participation? It is a strategic alliance -formalized in a contract- by which the State agrees to firm or contingent commitments, and its contributions may be: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Contributions in cash Technical studies Subscription of shares and purchase of other securities that can be negotiated in the financial market Assignment of goods of public domain (concessions, without assignment of title) Granting permits and licenses to conduct the authorized activity Assignment of rights over State or Municipal property Public-Private Partnership The Law for the Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships establishes that the partnership will adopt the modality agreed by the Parties, such as: (a) (b) (c) Co-investment (joint venture) For profit or non-profit juridical persons Participation contracts 29 (d) (e) (f) Management contracts Trust funds Any other modality that may be suitable for the execution of the works and/or supply of services Risks The risk and cost distribution that the Public-Private Partnership implies should be agreed based on the specific needs of the alliance, and they maybe: (a) (b) (c) (d) Financial Commercial Operating Risks imputable to unforeseen causes Awarding Process The Public-Private Partnership is awarded after a simple process that considers the following two criteria: economic and technical. The economic criterion evaluates who renders the service with the lowest cost, who offers more benefits to the State, and who requires low co-financing or small contribution from the State. The technical criterion only determines who meets the technical requirements. Co-partnership The Law for the Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships creates a facilitating institution: The Commission for the Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (COALIANZA). COALIANZA directly reports to the Presidency of the Republic and is responsible for the management and promotion of PublicPrivate Partnership projects and processes. In principle, projects to be executed under the Public-Private Partnership modality should be part of the National Public Investment System, and have a feasibility study with cost-benefit analysis and feasible funding methods that ensure their execution. The evaluation is conducted by COALIANZA. Prior to this evaluation, other public entities acting as initiators should request COALIANZA’s support for the formulation of projects in order to join the System. Regulation, Control and Follow-Up Sector regulatory entities created by special laws will be responsible for the execution of works and supply of services through the Public-Private Partnership modality. In the absence of a regulatory entity, the Superintendence of Public-Private Partnerships created by the Law for the Promotion of PublicPrivate Partnerships will be in charge. Public-Private Partnerships are subject to a stringent transparency regime. The Law for the Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships establishes that the financial and non-financial risks, guarantees, future commitments and fiscal contingencies are determined by the Finances Secretariat (SEFIN) based on a fiscal risk analysis conducted by the National Commission for Public Credit. SEFIN also has authority to issue provisions to register the firm and contingent quantifiable commitments as well as the enforced guarantees. 30 C. FREE TRADE ZONE LAW The objective of the Free Trade Zone Law is to grant a free trade zone status to all the territory of Honduras where foreign or domestic commercial and industrial business, basically engaged in export and export-related or complementary activities, can be established. How to operate in a Free Trade Zone? A permit to receive the free trade zone status must be requested to the Secretariat for Industry and Commerce. An annual rate for the permit to operate in a free trade zone is paid through the Secretariat for Industry and Commerce and the Executive Directorate of Revenues. Benefits (a) (b) (c) (d) Introduction of merchandise free of customs duties, charges, surcharges, internal revenues taxes and any other taxes directly or indirectly related to import and export customs operations. Sales and production as well as real estate and commercial and industrial establishments within a free trade zone are free of municipal taxes and contributions. All profits from operations carried out within a free trade zone are income-tax free. Right to 100% currency repatriation. Free Trade Zone Activities The following operations and activities will be carried out in a free trade zone: Introduce, withdraw, store, manipulate, crate, exhibit, pack, unpack, buy, sell, exchange, manufacture, mix, refine, distill, assemble, cut, benefit and, in general, handle all kinds of merchandise, products and raw materials, containers and other trade-related goods. Permanent or incidental operations, transactions, negotiations and activities pertaining to the establishment and operation of a free trade zone will also be carried out. Free Trade Zone businesses According to the Free Trade Zone Regulation, a business may be: (a) (b) (c) (d) A business mainly engaged in exports: At least 50% of its annual sales are for the export or re-export of products. An industrial business mainly engaged in exports: A business with related or complementary activities: The production is intended for the supply of production processes or services to other businesses established in the free trade zone or to the workers who provide services to the Free Trade Zone and Industrial Processing Zones (ZIP, for its acronym in Spanish). A service business: Carries out economic activities that provide direct or indirect support to free trade zone users, including the commercial businesses established within that zone. D. FREE TRADE ZONE REGULATIONS Establishes the norms and procedures to apply the Free Trade Zones Law. Types of Businesses The Regulation defines the operating and user businesses of the free trade zones: 31 (a) (b) (c) (d) Trading Company Basically for Exports: Operates in a restricted zone and at least 50% of its sales go to exports or re-exports. Industrial Company Basically for Exports: Operates in a restricted zone and works on the mechanical, physical or chemical transformation of raw materials, semi-manufactured products or finished articles, and which 95% of its production is marketed abroad. Service and Related or Complementary Activities Companies: Operates in a restricted zone and its production or activity goes to supplying productive processes of their companies established in the same zone or to supply services tothe same. Company for International Services through Electronic Services : Operates in a restricted zone to offer international services of contact centers or call centers, data processing, back offices, information technology or any other electronic service, using wired or wireless means. Competent Entity The Ministry of Industry and Trade (SIC, in Spanish) receives a request from the company interested in becoming Free Trade Zone operating companies or user companies. Upon the granting of the Resolution that authorizes the company and which also states the benefits and duties of the company; the company shall sign an Operations contract with DirecciónEjecutiva de Ingresos(Executive Revenue Directorate) (DEI). E. TEMPORARY IMPORT SYSTEM The Temporary Import System is a Mechanism That Promotes exports by companies Which Do Not Receive the Benefits contemplated In Other Laws in effect in Honduras. Companies must submit their applications for the Temporary Import System to the General Directorate of Productive Services of the Secretariat for Industry and Commerce. Benefits (a) Suspension of payment of customs duties, general sales tax and other import taxes on: (i) (ii) (iii) (b) Raw materials, semi-finished products, containers, packaging and other inputs to produce goods or services exported to non-Central American countries, or when they are assembled, processed, modified or physically incorporated into products or services that are exported to non-Central American countries. Machinery, equipment, molds, tools, parts and accessories exclusively to assemble, transform, modify or produce goods or services for export to countries outside of Central America. This property may be sold freely after five years from the date of temporary admission, prior authorization from the Ministry of Finance. Samples, tutorials, patterns, mannequins and models necessary to adjust the production of goods and services and design standards required in international market and for demonstration, research or instruction purposes. 10-year income tax exemption on profits from exports of goods to countries outside the Central American region, starting from the exportable production date, provided that they meet the following requirements: (i) (ii) (iii) Industrial or agro-industrial company. Maintain a minimum of 25 direct jobs. Production of non-traditional products as defined in the Exports Promotion Law 32 F. NATIONAL HOURLY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Promote programs and projects to increase employment opportunities by boosting the creation, increase, improvement and access to sources of employment for the neglected social sectors. Objectives (a) (b) (c) (d) Promote decent jobs. Promote workers education, training and formation. Take advantage of the use of the total installed capacity of the production units. Promote investment and employment among the private and public sectors. Duration The National Hourly Employment Program is an anti-crisis program with duration of 3 years starting in the month of November 2010; however, this term can be extended. Contracts and Modalities Contracts for an indefinite term or for specific works or services can be: (a) (b) (c) Hourly Half daily, mixed or night shift. Ordinary full, daily, mixed and nigh shift. The minimum work shift in the urban area is 3 hours/day and in the rural area is 2 hours/day. Any effective work outside a full shift is considered an extraordinary shift. Which Production Units apply to the Program? (a) (b) (c) Production Units starting operations will be able to hire a number of employees not exceeding 40% of their permanent personnel. Production Units with 1 to 15 permanent employees will be able to hire an equal number of workers. In Production Units that have signed a contract with a labor union, workers will enjoy the benefits of such contract as they may apply, provided that they pay the corresponding fees. Companies will give preference to workers from vulnerable sectors and will hire 5% of the total payroll of permanent workers; in the case of companies or production units with 1 to 15 employees, such percentage will be up 10%. Remuneration It is defined based on two concepts: (a) (b) Basic wage (per hour and not less than the minimum wage). Non-customary compensation (equivalent to 20% of the agreed basic wage). Workers’ Rights Workers hired under the Program will have the rights established in the Labor Code, will be protected by the Law of the Honduran Social Security Institute and the laws concerning health, hygiene and safety of the Labor Code, and will be subject to the fees contemplated by the Law of the National Institute of Professional Formation. 33 Workers hired under the National Hourly Employment Program have the right to first option to cover a permanent position open in the companies or production units included in the Program. Competent Entity and Coordination The Secretariat for Labor and Social Welfare is responsible for monitoring and controlling the execution of the National Hourly Employment Program. It will also chair the Follow-Up Commission that is formed by 3 representatives of the Workers’ Confederation and 3 representatives of the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise. Financial Resources and Training The Technical Secretariat for Planning and External Cooperation will provide support to the Secretariat for Labor and Social Welfare for obtaining resources to train the workers included in the Program. G. REQUIREMENTS TO ESTABLISH A FOREIGN BUSINESS IN HONDURAS (All applications are resolved within 15 days) a) Applications must be submitted by a Law Practitioner with the relevant power of attorney granted in his/her favor. Articles of incorporation of the company. Establish that it can open branches according to the laws of the country of origin and its bylaws. Submit proof of the appointment of permanent representatives in Honduras. Submit the Certificate of Demand Deposit, not an account deposit, of the capital intended for the commercial activity. f) Sworn Statement of agreement to be governed by the Honduran laws and authorities. g) Exact address of the branch that will operate in Honduras. h) Address and legal personal data of the permanent representative. i) Legalized documentation officially translated into Spanish, as it may apply. j) Photocopied documents should be authenticated. a) Publication of the resolution in the Official Gazette “La Gaceta” or in a major local newspaper, to be registered in the Public Commercial Registry. b) c) d) e) H. PAPERWORK FOR EXPORTS Documents Exports Phytosanitary Certificate Production Registry Exports Declaration Currency Entry Declaration Free Sales and Institution Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock ( SAG) CENTREX Window Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock ( SENASA) Central Bank of Honduras (2010b). Description Form available in To export products www.icf.gob.hn To export products www.sag.gob.hn To export any product www.bch.hn In the case that exports of any products are carried out in the Banking Institution with which the form of Advance or External Indebtedness (sub paragraph 1 operation was made and 2 of Section Gof the Exports Declaration. For all food products exports www.sag.gob.hn Ministry of Public Health (Food 34 Institution Documents Consumption Certificate and Control Division) Ministry of Public Health (Food Health License and Control Division) Ministry of Public Health (Food Health Registry and Control Division) Description Form available in For all food products exports www.sag.gob.hn For all food products exports www.sag.gob.hn VIII.RELATED ENTITIES Entity WEB PAGE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock www.sag.gob.hn Other State bodies Ministry of Industry and Trade Central Bank of Honduras (2010b). www.icf.gob.hn www.bch.hn Private Sector Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) National Federation of Farmers and Cattle Raises of Honduras (FENAGH) www.cohep.com www.fenagh.net