Strategic Proposal for Increasing and Diversifying Foreign Trade in the Ecuadorian Metalworking Sector towards the Andean Community of Nations

This project focuses on designing a comprehensive Strategic Proposal to mitigate import dependency within Ecuador's metalworking sector, specifically targeting goods sourced from CAN member countries. The primary goal is to optimize supply chains and promote local production by identifying import substitution opportunities. The methodology employed is predominantly exploratory and documentary, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis of secondary data. The qualitative research will concentrate on the documentary analysis of trade agreements, safeguards, and bilateral treaties, consulting official sources such as PROECUADOR and FEDEXPORT. Documentary collection tools (files, journals, slides) will be utilized, supplemented by interviews and focus groups to gather broad perspectives. The expected outcome is an actionable strategy designed to enhance the competitiveness of the national metalworking sector against its Andean trade partners.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To design a Strategic Proposal aimed at reducing imports within the Ecuadorian metalworking sector, enabling local companies to optimize their procurement from countries belonging to the Andean Community (CAN).<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Organization of production and technological innovation