“It is important to highlight that one of the most promising developments in recent years is the rise of digital tools and technologies that can help Indigenous entrepreneurs access export markets and compete on a global scale. For Indigenous businesses, digital tools offer a gateway to global markets that were previously inaccessible,” Renato Reyes, Senior Official for APEC Peru, said in a news alert.
Reyes said e-commerce platforms, social media and digital marketing enable indigenous entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to an international audience, connecting directly with consumers who value cultural heritage and sustainability.
He said digital tools can help indigenous businesses overcome some of the logistical challenges related with international trade.
“Online payments systems, digital supply chain management, and virtual trade shows allow businesses to manage their operations more efficiently and connect with buyers and suppliers across borders,” he added.
A home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, Reyes said investing in digital tools and infrastructure to connect indigenous businesses to global markets promotes the trade and services that leverage indigenous knowledge and expertise and ensure that trade policies support sustainable development.
This, as many indigenous communities, particularly in remote areas, still face significant barriers to accessing digital technologies, including limited internet connectivity and a lack of digital skills, he said.
“Public and private sector must work together to address these gaps, ensuring that indigenous entrepreneurs have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital economy,” he added.
As sustainable economic growth is a key priority for APEC, Reyes said, indigenous businesses have a key role to play in achieving this goal.
“Trade offers a powerful means of achieving economic empowerment, allowing Indigenous peoples to leverage their resources, knowledge and skills allowing them to operate in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, creative industries, among others, where they bring unique products and services that reflect their cultural heritage and sustainable practices,” he added.PHILEXPORT News and Features
August 28, 2024
