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Welcome
to your financing expert for the Latin America region

Dörthe Arend

doerthe-arend

Competent local support in Latin America

Since February 2025, Dörthe Arend has been working as an independent representative of Euler Hermes in Latin America. She is currently based in Peru and will be stationed in Colombia from May. Her focus is on the Andean countries of Peru, Colombia and Ecuador - with an open eye for the entire region.

As a local contact, she advises German exporters, their representatives and local companies wishing to source from Germany on the benefits of export credit guarantees in terms of cover and financing.

Through training courses, events and company visits, she strengthens the local network and helps to publicize the export credit guarantees.

Dörthe Arend speaks fluent German, English and Spanish.

Advice and protection for your successful market entry in Latin America

Latin America offers German companies a wide range of opportunities - from industry and mining to renewable energies. However, political uncertainties, fluctuating financial markets and currency risks pose major challenges. This is where the German government's export credit guarantees provide security: they protect against payment defaults and enable attractive financing for local business partners.

Our Latin America expert Dörthe Arend supports you with comprehensive market knowledge: from Ecuador's dollar economy to Peru's economic stability and Colombia's dynamic and diversified economy. With customized advice, she supports German exporters in successfully entering the market and expanding their business in the long term.

Through close cooperation with institutions such as Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and the Latin America Association (LAV), Dörthe Arend supports companies in building networks and successfully developing markets.

Rely on our expertise and local presence - for sustainable, secure business relationships and a successful market entry in Latin America.

Projektleiter im Lager Daumen hoch

Your export opportunities in Latin America

Interview with financing expert Dörthe Arend

Opportunities & support

"Whether Colombia, Peru or Ecuador - the region offers great potential for German exporters. With the right partners and instruments such as the export credit guarantee, even challenging markets can be successfully developed."

Diverse industries

"Whether infrastructure, industry or renewable energies - there are numerous business opportunities for exporters. German solutions are particularly in demand in mining, agriculture and large-scale projects."

Trust & market access

"Business is not only done on the basis of figures - trust and personal relationships are crucial. Those who are present and show genuine interest have a clear advantage."

Successful market entry in Latin America:
Financing expert Dörthe Arend on opportunities, challenges and strategies for success

What tasks do you perform in your role as Mobile Desk for countries in Latin America?

In my role as Mobile Desk Latin America, I am the point of contact for German companies that are active in the region - as well as for their representatives and local companies that want to import from Germany. I advise on the possibilities and advantages of export credit guarantees for securing and financing exports.

Particularly in the countries mentioned, we have found that export credit guarantees are still relatively unknown. I would like to change this - through training courses, participation in and organization of events, as well as visits to local companies, German branches and commercial agencies. Building a local network plays a central role in this.

Incidentally, the term "mobile" is to be understood literally: I am currently working from Peru and will be based in Colombia from mid-May 2025.

What distinguishes the markets in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia?

As similar as the three countries are in many areas, their financial markets differ significantly, which also has an impact on the potential of export credit guarantees.

Ecuador is fully dollarized, while in Peru the US dollar is frequently used in everyday life alongside the local currency. In Colombia, on the other hand, the local currency plays a central role in the financing of projects - regardless of size or sector.

Despite political turbulence, Peru is one of the most macroeconomically stable countries in the region. In Ecuador and Colombia, on the other hand, the current political situation has a greater impact on the economic environment and, in particular, the dynamics of the private sector.

Are there certain sectors that are particularly attractive for German companies in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia?

All three countries offer a wide range of business opportunities for German companies - for example in the areas of industry (e.g. plastics and textile processing) and construction. There is also a great need for investment, for example in the public transportation sector and in the field of renewable energies.

In Peru, mining and the associated infrastructure as well as agriculture are particularly important. Colombia has a larger, diversified economy with potential in many different sectors. Ecuador, on the other hand, is increasingly focusing on investments in large-scale projects - for example in the areas of irrigation, processing, agriculture, fishing and mining.

How can export credit guarantees help German companies gain a foothold in these markets?

Despite the aforementioned potential, there are also challenges - such as political uncertainties, frequent changes of government and ideologically shifting political orientations.

This is precisely where export credit guarantees come in: They protect exporters against payment defaults due to political or economic risks. At the same time, they often offer more attractive conditions than local financing, for example due to longer payment terms. This is a clear advantage for business partners on both sides - and is often the decisive factor for a deal to be concluded in the first place.

Are there programs or partner institutions that support companies entering the market?

Yes - for example Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) and the Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs)which are represented in the region with a high level of local expertise. GTAI provides up-to-date information on markets, trends and economic conditions. The AHKs help, among other things, in the search for business partners or by organizing company trips.

In addition, the Latin America Association (LAV) Offers companies a platform for exchange and networking.

For small and medium-sized companies in particular, the Market development program of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) offers a good opportunity to get to know markets and find reliable business partners.

I work closely with these partners and regularly take part in corresponding initiatives.

What role does sustainability play in the region? Are there any specific ESG initiatives?

It is difficult to give a general answer here, as the topic is dealt with differently in each country.

In Colombia, for example, President Gustavo Petro is strongly committed to the energy transition - for example through a national roadmap for the expansion of wind energy. In Peru, on the other hand, political influence on economic developments remains low, the market operates largely freely - and the issue of sustainability has so far played a subordinate role here. In Ecuador, on the other hand, political commitment depends heavily on the outcome of the elections on April 14, 2025.

What all three countries have in common, however, is that they have an exceptionally high level of biodiversity, are already directly affected by climate change and are dependent on functioning ecosystems in many areas.

What advice would you give to German companies looking to enter the markets of Peru, Ecuador or Colombia?

Patience and relationship building are the be-all and end-all. Building trust takes time - a personal presence is crucial. Those who are regularly on site and show genuine interest gain a clear advantage. Personal encounters, for example at trade fairs or events, are often much more effective than formal emails.

And: language plays a key role - without knowledge of Spanish, it will be difficult.

Read more

Major projects in Latin America

Müllsortieranlage für Brasilien

Waste sorting plant for Brazil

Sanierung Abwassernetz in Ecuador

Rehabilitation of wastewater network in Ecuador

Entwässerungssystem für Argentinien

Drainage system for Argentina

Sanierung des Rio Subterraneo in Argentinien

Rehabilitation of the Rio Subterraneo in Argentina

Do your foreign customers know the advantages of Hermes Cover?

Share our information on Your way to buy 'Made in Germany' for foreign importers with your customers:

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Your way to Hermes cover

Five steps to a secure export business
Talk to me

Do you have a question, need advice or want to send me a message?

Would you like a consultation (together with your bank) on site or via video call?

Contact me and I will take care of your request.

I can advise you on all questions relating to export insurance

During the consultation, we discuss your specific export project in detail, clarify questions and find the right type of cover for your foreign business.

How to submit an application

It's very easy in the myAGA customer portal. Register via this link: my.agaportal.de.

I will assist you with the application process, including the cost indication, and am available to answer any questions you may have.

We check your application

The main criteria when assessing your export business for cover with an export credit guarantee are:

  • The creditworthiness of the foreign customer
  • The respective country risk
  • The proportion of German value added
  • Usual contractual terms (payment terms and term)
  • Compliance with environmental, social and human rights standards
We secure your export business

After a positive check, you will receive

Before signing the contract:

  • a binding, provisional commitment


And after conclusion of the contract

  • the letter of acceptance (final commitment)
  • the declaration of warranty (certificate of cover)
  • the invoice

Which export credit guarantee suits your project?

We offer you various options for securing your receivables from export transactions or from the financing of a foreign transaction:

Bild: Key-Visual der Exportkreditgarantien, Containerschiff am Hafen

With us you are always informed

You can find relevant news in the ECG Report or register directly for the newsletter with all the information on export credit guarantees. You can also find events near you in our event portal, e.g. our IHK consultant day.
 

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