Online export guides for Paraguayan MSMES and handicraft producers
In response to Paraguay’s need for greater export diversification and inclusive economic growth, this project focused on strengthening the export readiness of Paraguayan MSMEs and handicraft producers. It also involved the development of tailored training courses for the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts (IPA) and the Vice-Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (VM/MSME).
This project was delivered by Globally Cool under the Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development (EDM) program. EDM is managed and implemented by Cowater in collaboration with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). We were commissioned to lead the initiative and design comprehensive export guides and checkers for MSMEs and handicraft producers, aimed at building institutional capacity, producing practical export tools, and empowering marginalised groups with actionable trade knowledge.
Year
Country
ParaguayType of activity
- Connecting
- Strategy Development
Activities
- Validated a detailed work plan, budget, and delivery timeline, co-designed with institutional partners to align the mandate with national priorities and digital accessibility needs.
- Developed two tailored written export guides. One for MSMEs and one for handicraft producers, covering 10 practical chapters on all steps of the export process, including product adaptation, logistics, compliance, and market entry.
- Created two animated explainer videos embedded in institutional websites to guide users in navigating the export guides and checkers.
- Integrated interactive, web-based versions of the guides and two export readiness checkers into the websites of VM/MSME and IPA, transforming them into sustainable self-assessment and guidance tools.
- Delivered onsite training sessions to 30 institutional officials using simulations and group exercises to build confidence in using the tools.
- Provided follow-up virtual coaching sessions to support strategic tool implementation and cross-institutional coordination.
- Produced a final performance measurement framework and report, documenting impact, lessons, and forward recommendations.
Results
- 30 officials trained (70% women), with high satisfaction scores averaging 5.25/6 (women) and 5.5/6 (men).
- Online Export guides and readiness checkers are now publicly accessible and embedded in institutional platforms.
- Five-year support agreements signed between Globally Cool and the institutions for the maintenance of digital tools.
- Institutional staff demonstrated improved capacity and confidence in advising SMEs on export readiness using digital tools.
- Gender equality and environmental sustainability were systematically integrated into tools and training.