Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones (CORPEI) is Ecuador’s leading private non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the country’s export capacity and attracting foreign investment. Headquartered in Quito and Guayaquil, CORPEI plays a strategic role in shaping Ecuador’s global economic engagement through public-private collaboration, policy advocacy, and international promotion.
Brief History
Established in 1997, CORPEI emerged from a joint initiative between the Ecuadorian private sector and government to promote non-oil exports and stimulate sustainable economic development. Over the last two decades, CORPEI has expanded its mandate to include comprehensive investment promotion, market intelligence, trade facilitation, export training, and cluster development. It is recognized as one of the most effective trade promotion organizations (TPOs) in Latin America.
Core Mandate
CORPEI’s mission is to support Ecuadorian companies—especially SMEs—in accessing global markets and attracting strategic foreign direct investment (FDI) to priority sectors of the national economy. It operates across four key pillars:
- Export Promotion
- Foreign Investment Attraction
- Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
- Trade Intelligence and Market Access
Programs and Service Offerings
Export Promotion
- Organizes participation in over 30 international trade fairs annually
- Provides B2B matchmaking services, facilitating over 1,200 business meetings per year
- Develops national pavilions in key markets such as the EU, USA, China, and the Gulf
- Supports branding strategies for Ecuadorian sectors like "Ecuador Exquisito" (gourmet foods) and "Ecuador Premium & Sustainable"
Investment Promotion
- Targets high-value FDI projects in sectors such as:
- Agribusiness (e.g. bananas, cacao, flowers, shrimp)
- Renewable energy
- Manufacturing
- Logistics and infrastructure
- Operates investment roadshows and investor roundtables globally
- Acts as technical advisor for Ecuador’s Investment Promotion Law
Capacity Building
- Trains over 2,500 SMEs annually in export readiness, compliance, and digital commerce
- Offers programs on quality certification (GlobalG.A.P., BRC, HACCP) and sustainability practices
- Supports cluster formation in key industries (e.g. cocoa, textiles, seafood)
Market Intelligence
- Maintains proprietary market research tools and databases
- Issues sectoral export guides and investment climate reports
- Provides tariff & non-tariff barrier analysis for over 60 target markets
Specialization and Core USP
- CORPEI serves as the operational arm for Ecuador’s trade and investment policies, bridging the gap between policy and execution
- Leverages strong partnerships with international bodies like UNCTAD, EU-LAC Foundation, ProEcuador, and CAF
- Recognized by ITC (International Trade Centre) for best practices in export development
Financial and Operational Overview
- Non-profit status; receives project-based funding from both public and private institutions
- Supported by strategic alliances with GIZ, EU Commission, IDB, USAID, and private corporations
- Has facilitated over $300 million in export deals and $1.1 billion in FDI commitments over the past 10 years
Impact Metrics
- 6,000+ Ecuadorian companies supported since inception
- $60+ million in technical assistance grants disbursed since 2000
- Helped double non-oil exports from $4.5 billion in 2002 to over $10 billion in 2023
- Over 70 national brands positioned internationally with CORPEI support
Target Market and Stakeholders
- Export-ready SMEs in agroindustry, manufacturing, textiles, processed foods, and services
- Foreign investors targeting sustainable sectors in Ecuador
- Public institutions collaborating on trade policy and regional development
- Trade associations and chambers for coordinated promotion
Capabilities
- Expert staff with specialization in international business, economics, trade law, and logistics
- Regional presence through offices in Quito and Guayaquil
- Virtual export promotion tools and digital B2B platforms
- Certified trainers in global trade facilitation and investment standards
Certifications and Partnerships
- Strategic partner with UNCTAD’s World Investment Network
- Participant in ITC’s SheTrades and GreenToCompete initiatives
- Accredited trainer in ISO, HACCP, Fair Trade, and Organic certification schemes
- Works with ProColombia, APEX-Brasil, and PromPerú in regional integration efforts
Recognitions and Testimonials
"CORPEI has been instrumental in opening new markets for Ecuador’s cacao. Their matchmaking and technical support are world-class."
— CEO, Fine Chocolate Exporter (Ecuador)
"Thanks to CORPEI’s investment platform, our company committed over $40 million in Ecuador’s aquaculture industry."
— Managing Director, Foreign Investment Firm (Netherlands)
Major Achievements
- Coordinated Ecuador’s national pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, resulting in trade leads worth $100M+
- Led Ecuador’s accession process to the European Union’s GSP+ scheme
- Supported development of over 40 geographical indications (GIs) for Ecuadorian agricultural products
- Developed Green Export Strategy for climate-smart supply chains (2022–2025)
CORPEI continues to be a cornerstone institution in Ecuador’s global economic strategy—driving inclusive growth, enhancing export competitiveness, and positioning Ecuador as a prime destination for sustainable investment.