The Hispanic Social Assembly (HSA) has taken a key step in its mission to transform economic and social dynamics in Latin America by solidifying an alliance with the Latin American Federation of Cities, Municipalities, and Associations of Local Governments (FLACMA). In the first meeting with members of this organization, held via Zoom from its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, HSA board representatives Carlos Artiles and Virginia Vivas outlined fundamental points for developing an action plan focused on strengthening support for local producers in the region.
Among the topics discussed, the need to create trade corridors that allow small and medium-sized producers to access international markets directly, without monopolistic intervention, was highlighted. In this regard, the expansion of ongoing strategic projects was proposed, including the export of mangoes from Mexico to the United States, the consolidation of the salt cooperative in Mexico, and the strengthening of Guatemalan coffee commercialization in Hispanic stores in the U.S. Additionally, the feasibility of replicating a successful model implemented in Córdoba, Spain, was discussed. There, a cooperative of 1,000 families transitioned from selling olives as raw material to producing their own olive oil, generating greater profitability and autonomy.
This alliance with FLACMA represents an unprecedented opportunity for HSA to expand its reach and create a structural impact on Latin America’s economic development. With the support of local governments, it will be possible to implement policies and mechanisms that facilitate producer organization, access to financing, the creation of logistical infrastructure, and the opening of new marketing channels. HSA is making steady progress toward a fairer and more equitable economy where producers are the true protagonists of regional and international trade.
