Innovation

ILGO 2024 Course concludes with broad participation of women leaders of business associations

Tracking the transformation chain of timber logs from their departure from the forest until they reach an industry, workshop, or supply yard. The Latin American Institute for the Management of Business Organizations (ILGO) held its 39th edition and for the first time in its history, the majority of participants were women. San José, Costa Rica (ILO News). The ILGO course, organized by the Department of Employers’ Activities (Actemp) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the International Organization of Employers (IOE), was held for the second consecutive year in hybrid mode.   The classroom phase was held on the campus of INCAE Business School, the program’s academic partner, from August 11 to 17, where 44 representatives of Latin American business organizations were trained in the latest management trends to improve their skills and strengthen their position in the organized private sector. This face-to-face phase complemented the previous online phase carried out from August 15 to 26 by the ILO’s International Training Center in Turin, which addressed the topics of membership, development of services and financial sustainability of business representative organizations.   With the INCAE Business School, topics such as the challenges of the international context and sustainable development for business organizations and in particular with respect to the defense and promotion of democracy, as well as modern aspects such as “Business Intelligence” and “Design thinking” were developed. In addition, central aspects such as political analysis, negotiation and strategic communication of these organizations were addressed.   Lina Siniestra, Manager of the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (ANDI), Valle del Cauca Branch, summarizes the value of these lessons for her work: “A variety of topics that undoubtedly strengthen my abilities to continue contributing to my region with strategy and method as manager of the ANDI in Valle del Cauca. I shared with colleagues from Latin America and we exchanged experiences and success stories.” The connection and consolidation of professional contacts among participants has been one of the main historical attractions of the program, thanks to team building and leadership activities through workshops, case studies in groups, as well as interaction throughout the stay.   Growth in female participation   Of the 44 people who completed the course, 31 women participated, representing 70% of the total. This is the first time in the history of ILGO that there is more female than male participation, thanks to an effort on the part of Actemp to increase this participation and thus promote greater leadership among women.   Marta Benavides, Technical and Administrative Services Director of the Honduran Maquila Association (AHM), shares that this is her second time in the program and that the increase in women’s participation was very visible. “I took ILGO 10 years ago and at that time it was mostly men and very few women. That indicates that we are growing and we are getting more and more into leadership positions that we were not able to participate in before.”         The ILGO is held annually and nominations are received at the beginning of the respective year, so its business organizations are invited to apply for the 2025 edition, in celebration of its 40th anniversary. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Ecotopia Teak: Promoting responsible teak production in Panama

In order to provide a practical learning opportunity following the current models implemented in Panama in mechanization and automation from the commercial perspective of the forestry sector, the Ministry of Environment and teachers from the Universidad Tecnológica organized a guided tour of the facilities of the company Ecotopia Teak.   Ecotopia Teak, located in Genené, Cañita de Chepo, province of Panama, is the first certified processing plant for wood from forestry plantations and has a production capacity of 1,300 containers of 40-foot teak per year.   For this reason, in addition to being dedicated to forest harvesting, they are committed to the education and training of future professionals, which is why they received a visit from a group of fourth and sixth year forestry engineering students from the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá and five forestry engineering graduates from the Universidad Nacional de Ciencias Forestales (UNACIFOR) of Honduras, at their teak processing plant.   As a pilot industrial development plan and the only teak plant in the region, Ecotopia Teak decided to share this great knowledge and experience with future forestry engineers, in order to have a generational relay that is oriented towards the future based on the changing experiences of international markets, thus moving forward with the commitment to promote sustainable development and excellence in the forestry industry.   The students, accompanied by their professors, gained a great deal of knowledge about the teak marketing system and the different qualities of production.   This visit gave the students a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the mechanization and automation of a teak processing plant. It also gave them a different perspective on the importance of FSC certification and responsible teak production in Panama for the development of rural economies in Chepo and Darien. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Country Brand Symposium, Sustainability, and Nearshoring

Liliana Renteria – Ecotopia Teak  This event brought together prominent national and international experts to address crucial topics regarding the attractiveness of countries for external investment and the requirements for foreign direct investment in the current geopolitical context.   Dr. José María Cubillo, professor of international marketing at CEU San Pablo University, opened with a lecture on «Country Brand and the Attractiveness of the Country for External Investment.» His presentation offered valuable insights on how a strong country brand strategy can increase competitiveness and attract foreign investments, highlighting our current advantages and situation in the global market.   David A. Gantz, professor at the University of Arizona, delivered a keynote address on «Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Nearshoring: Requirements for Foreign Direct Investment Destinations.» His detailed analysis of the intersection between geopolitics and sustainability from an academic perspective provided an essential framework for understanding the dynamics of foreign investment today.   This event was enriching and aimed at continuing learning and collaboration to promote sustainable development and attract foreign investments. Look for it on Propanama’s YouTube channel; we highly recommend it. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Panama Teak Participates in Carrefour International du Bois 2024

Liliana Renteria – Ecotopia Teak  Panama Teak has made a remarkable debut at Carrefour International du Bois 2024, a prestigious international event attended by prominent companies such as Apical, United Nature, Ecotopia Teak, Batipa Teak, and Forwood. This event marks a significant milestone for Panama Teak as it enters the premium wood market with the support of ProPanama.   During the trade mission, Panama’s pavilion was inaugurated in the presence of Jean Piveteau, President of the fair, Bianca Moran, President of APEX Panama, and Issamary Sánchez, Panama’s Ambassador to France.   This platform has provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Panama’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in the timber industry. Participating companies have engaged in B2B meetings, establishing new connections, and enhancing Panama Teak’s presence alongside future allies. A notable achievement indeed! About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Ecotopia Teak Participates in the III AI and Sustainability Congress

Liliana Renteria – Ecotopia Teak  Ecotopia Teak had the honor of participating in the III Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability Congress, where it was recognized with a certificate from the National Industrial Competitiveness Program, awarded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Panama. This prestigious recognition highlights our outstanding participation in the Competitive Agroindustry program, alongside other leading companies in the sector.   Throughout the event, crucial topics were discussed regarding the implementation of artificial intelligence to optimize processes and improve sustainability in the agroindustry. This congress served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences, emphasizing the fundamental role of technology in the sustainable development of the agroforestry sector.   As a certified agroforestry company, Ecotopia Teak is proud of its commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. This recognition is a testament to our continuous efforts to integrate sustainable practices with advanced technologies to foster balanced and responsible growth.   We extend our gratitude to all our collaborators, partners, and customers who make our growth and continued success possible. We will continue to work diligently to contribute to the sustainable and technological development of the agroindustry in Panama and beyond. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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The European Green Deal: Driving global sustainability through responsible trade

Angel Ramos – Ecotopia Teak Europe leads the way towards environmental and economic sustainability with the European Green Deal. In the recent seminar organized by ProPanama, Mr. Gabriel Fernández, a specialist in international trade and sustainable development, highlighted key initiatives and regulations aimed at transforming production and trade towards a more conscious model.   The seminar began by contextualizing the creation of the European Green Deal, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its effects. Through significant changes in policies and regulations, the European Union is actively committed to mitigating these impacts and setting ambitious goals for a greener future.   One of the cornerstones of this transformation is legislation on deforestation-free products, which covers a wide range of products, from soy to wood. These regulations establish additional requirements to access the European market, including georeferencing, which allows tracking the origin of products to their place of production.   The European Union has allocated funds until 2050 to support this plan and ensure sustainable and efficient economic transition. The need to keep the economy running while adopting more responsible practices was emphasized, recognizing the importance of managing our finite resources intelligently.   These regulations impact not only companies within the European Union but also those that export to it and importers who receive these products. The importance of establishing collaborative relationships between these companies to ensure mutual benefits and compliance with regulations was emphasized.   It is crucial to understand that these measures are not simply restrictions but an opportunity for countries like Panama to access high-quality markets and greater profits. By complying with these standards, doors are opened to greater competitiveness and sustainability.   The seminar, held at ProPanama’s facilities, attracted representatives from various organizations, public institutions, and companies interested in understanding the requirements for exporting to Europe. Attendance reflects the growing interest in adopting responsible and sustainable business practices globally. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Ecotopia Teak participates in business breakfast organized by APEX

Liliana Rentería – Ecotopia Teak Ecotopia Teak, a sustainable export company, is pleased to have participated in the business breakfast organized by the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX). The event, facilitated by Mr. Sergio Tertusio, Director of IFADESA, focused on traceability and export regulations using blockchain technology.     This business breakfast provided Ecotopia Teak with a valuable opportunity to acquire knowledge on how blockchain can optimize its export operations. The company is committed to applying these learnings to improve its processes and continue to be a leader in its industry. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Ecotopia Teak participates in Expocomer 2024: Connecting with the world and generating alliances

Liliana Rentería – Ecotopia Teak Ecotopia Teak is proud to have been part of Expocomer 2024, a landmark event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. On this occasion, we had the privilege of being integrated into the Panama Pavilion, alongside prominent institutions such as the Association of Exporters of Panama, Propanamá, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, during three days filled with opportunities and learning.   Expocomer is much more than a fair; it is a space where companies can weave networks, establish solid relationships, and explore new growth opportunities in the international market. For Ecotopia Teak, it was an enriching experience to share this space with other sector leaders in an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie.   The inauguration of the Panama Pavilion was a moment of special relevance, with the presence of distinguished authorities, including the President of the Republic, the President of the Exporters Association, and prominent Ministers. This gathering marked the beginning of a day full of possibilities and meaningful connections.   We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Expocomer 2024 and to contribute, modestly, to the growth and development of our industry. We will continue to work with humility and dedication to consolidate our presence in the international market and to remain a reference in the field of sustainable trade. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Positive Impact: Ecotopia Teak celebrates the Corporate Social Responsibility award at Conexport 2023.

It is an honor for us to celebrate this significant achievement for our company, Ecotopia Teak, as we receive the Corporate Social Responsibility award at the memorable Gala Dinner for the Exporter of the Year 2023.   This heartfelt recognition took place during the 8th National Export Congress, CONEXPORT 2023, a unique experience that fills us with gratitude. We immerse ourselves in nostalgia, recalling the moments that have led to this exceptional achievement, and we cannot help but reflect on Ecotopia Teak’s tireless commitment to social responsibility.    «This distinction is a reflection of the values in our company and the community we serve. We extend our gratitude to the Panamanian Association of Exporters, @apexpanama, for organizing such a meaningful event that highlights the successes and efforts of the export industry. This award is not only a recognition of business excellence but also a testimony to the positive impact we can achieve when we strive to be responsible corporate citizens.»    We celebrate this achievement with joy and, at the same time, fondly remember the steps that have brought us here. May this be just the beginning of more successes and inspiring contributions for our community and the world. Congratulations, @ecotopiateak, on this well-deserved honor. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

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Sustainable Innovation: Ecotopia Teak introduces processed teak flooring at Conexport, raising the standard in exports.

At a standout moment during the 8th National Conexport Congress, Ecotopia Teak showcased its agroforestry innovation: processed teak flooring that redefines sustainable elegance and promises to make a milestone in the export market. Ecotopia Teak’s certified processed teak flooring is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a testament to the company’s ability to merge natural beauty with sustainability. Each carefully processed teak plank represents the balance between art in wood and environmental responsibility. The choice of sustainable teak is no coincidence. Ecotopia Teak is committed to leading by example in sustainable agroforestry practices. The flooring not only provides elegance but also supports forest conservation and responsible resource management. The unveiling of this flooring at Conexport highlights Ecotopia Teak’s vision of establishing meaningful connections with nature through its products. The company aims not only to export merchandise but also to share a story of environmental respect and commitment to ethical business practices. Ecotopia Teak envisions new opportunities in the global market with this innovation. The combination of aesthetics, sustainability, and technical quality positions itself as a key differentiator to attract conscious and ethical buyers who seek more than just a product; they seek a sustainable narrative. This processed teak flooring reflects Ecotopia Teak’s commitment to conscious innovation and sustainability. As Conexport progresses, the company not only introduces a product but also a vision of how exports can be both stylish and eco-friendly. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Sustainable Innovation: Ecotopia Teak introduces processed teak flooring at Conexport, raising the standard in exports. Leer más »