USAID's support has enabled Productos Alimenticios DIANA, S.A. de C.V. to improve its export, import, logistics, and security processes in international trade, achieving the three certifications granted by the Dirección General de Aduanas.

USAID and COEXPORT have assisted 25 salvadoran companies through this program, with advice on customs risk management, implementation of best foreign trade practices and support in certification processes to import and export in a more agile way.

As a result, Productos Alimenticios DIANA has reduced the time required for customs procedures at land border points.

For example, at the San Cristóbal border, before DIANA improved its international trade procedures, customs procedures took about two hours.

Now, border operations are completed in 45 minutes, which translates into greater logistical efficiency for the company and significant savings, to contribute to economic development and job creation.

The award ceremony was presided over by the Ambassador of the United States in El Salvador, William Duncan; the General Director of DIANA Food Products, Armando Mendiola; the President of the Board of Directors of DIANA, Gustavo Figueroa; the member of the Board of Directors of DIANA, Ildiko de Tesak; the Legal Director of Corporate Affairs of DIANA, Luis Núñez, and the President of COEXPORT, Silvia Cuéllar, who after the handover took a tour of the facilities to see first-hand the results of the technical assistance implemented in the company's operating processes.

"At DIANA we are very proud to be the second company nationwide to obtain three certifications: importer, exporter and reliable customs carrier. This motivates us to continuously improve our standards and strengthen our operations in El Salvador and at a regional level, for the benefit of economic and commercial development", said Gustavo Figueroa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DIANA.

Silvia Cuellar, president of COEXPORT, said: "This initiative has strengthened the productivity and efficiency of Productos Alimenticios DIANA in its customs management, as well as that of the other companies that have participated in the program; COEXPORT will continue to work with the export sector and the public sector to make foreign trade operations flow and make us more competitive.

"Thanks to the support of the United States and the work with our partners like COEXPORT, companies like DIANA, and 24 more, have improved their foreign trade processes, cargo security and their facilities which translates into a reduction of time in land border procedures. To date, with the support of the U.S. government, six salvadoran companies have received this certification", said Ambassador Duncan.

In addition to DIANA, the other certified companies are Lactolac, Bemisal, Industrias Consolidadas (INCO), Compañía de Logística y Transporte (CLT) and Transportes Calpi.

Translated by: A.M