"It became clear [during the meeting] that a new generation of LDC entrepreneur/exporter was emerging, characterized by an entrepreneurial daring to venture into new fields and by dedication to quality and customer satisfaction." noted ITC’s Executive Director, J. Denis Bélisle.
"Models of perseverance and long-term commitment to their businesses, this new generation believes in its workers and gives attention to building their skills and sharing the fruits of success with them. It is keenly sensitive to social goals and to the importance of strategic partnerships, networking and linking up with the rest of the economy."
This mix of entrepreneurial daring, social sensitivity and perseverance can be found in many other successful entrepreneurs we identified in LDCs. Each of their stories has a lesson in turning opportunities into commercial deals. Here are some of them:
-Fortuna Apparels, Bangladesh: exploiting a dynamic market
-APGF, Burkina Faso: promoting women
-ID Art Mony, Madagascar: artisanal products with a special touch
-The Coconut Residence, The Gambia: finding a niche in five-star luxury
-SAR and Co., Bangladesh: taking a risk to move up the value chain
-Manda, Madagascar: staying competitive against the multinationals
-Galerie Indigo, Mali: West African artisans find an international outlet
-Dipag, Guinea: targeting the ‘natural’ market
-Cotriex, Burundi: exporting agricultural products from a country in crisis
-Tiviski, Mauritania: creating a niche in camel milk and cheese
-Cheetah Paprika, Zambia: foreign investment turns comparative advantage into competitive advantage
-Meskel Flowers, Ethiopia: exporting cut flowers against competition
-Nonu, Samoa: adding value through new products
-Frager, Haiti: shortening the perfume chain to become world number one
