Corpei

What Corpei does

CORPEI (Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones) is a private non-profit development and business competitiveness agency headquartered in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with a secondary office in Quito. Founded in 1997, it operates as a public-private partnership tasked with promoting Ecuadorian exports and attracting foreign direct investment. The organization delivers its mission through three core service lines — Consulting (strategic advisory for export development), Capital (financial facilitation for trade operations), and Servicios Transversales (cross-cutting support services such as training and technical assistance) — supplemented by a portfolio of EU-co-financed cooperation programs including Export Des (SME internationalization to the EU market), SERPAZ-Carga Segura (export logistics chain security), +ECI (circular economy adoption), and Bionegocios Ecuador (biodiversity commercialization).

The organization's technology profile is that of a traditional services and program delivery body rather than a technology product company. Its primary "platform" assets are institutional: a 15+ year franchise organizing Ecuador's national pavilion at international trade fairs (Fruit Logistica, ANUGA, SIAL, Biofach), a virtual matchmaking platform (E-urope 2.0), and a dense network of partnerships spanning FEDEXPOR, ProEcuador, AEBE, ANECACAO, ASOTEP, AMCHAM, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, DP World Posorja, IPD Germany, UNHCR, UNITAR, UNIDO, CAF, and the European Union.

CORPEI does not generate revenue through commercial pricing; it is funded principally through international cooperation agreements led by the European Union, with supplementary support from CAF (via GEF), the Netherlands, UN agencies, and bilateral partners. The organization serves Ecuadorian MIPYMES in food processing, floriculture, agriculture, and agroindustry as its primary beneficiary segment, alongside producer associations, the broader Ecuadorian export sector (banana, cocoa, shrimp), and government institutions. Documented outcomes include 450+ new exporting companies, 150+ new export products, and 25,000+ new jobs attributed to export promotion activities since the 2017 EU-Ecuador Trade Agreement.

Name

Corpei

Legal name

Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones

Website

https://corpei.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CORPEI is a Guayaquil-based non-profit development agency founded in 1997 that promotes Ecuadorian exports and foreign direct investment through EU-funded programs, consulting, trade fair participation, and international cooperation projects serving MIPYMES, producer associations, and export sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Export Promotion and Trade Development Services

NAICS

Management of Companies and Enterprises (55)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAC

Corporate Foundations & CSR Grantmaking

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPADALAM

Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development Programs

SECONDARYBPAGALAF

Circular Economy & Sustainable Products (Reuse, Repair, Upcycling)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Enterprises & Impact Organizations

Keywords

• Export promotion services
• Foreign investment facilitation
• Trade development consulting
• SME internationalization support
• International trade cooperation

Headquarters

HQ city

Guayaquil

HQ country

Ecuador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. International Cooperation Funding: CORPEI operates primarily through international cooperation projects co-financed by entities such as the European Union. Projects like SERPAZ, Export Des, and +ECI (Ecuador Circular Inclusivo) receive EU funding. The organization also collaborates with UN agencies, development banks, and foreign governments for project implementation.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Corpei (Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones) is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 in Guayaquil, Ecuador that promotes Ecuadorian exports and attracts foreign investment. It provides consulting, capital facilitation, and cross-cutting services to Ecuadorian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MIPYMES) seeking to internationalize and access foreign markets, with a particular emphasis on the European Union.

Product overview

CORPEI (Corporación de Promoción de Exportaciones e Inversiones) is Ecuador's export and investment promotion agency offering a unified platform of business development services. The core offerings include CONSULTING (professional advisory for export strategy), CAPITAL (financial facilitation for trade), and SERVICIOS TRANSVERSALES (cross-cutting support services). These are supplemented by specialized programs including: Export Des for SME internationalization to the EU market, SERPAZ-Carga Segura for logistics security, Bionegocios Ecuador for biodiversity commercialization, +ECI for circular economy practices, and Huella de Carbono for environmental certification. Additional services encompass coaching, tax refund assistance, and international trade fair organization. The portfolio is primarily funded through European Union cooperation programs and operates across key export sectors including banana, cocoa, shrimp, and floriculture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Carga Segura: Component of SERPAZ program focused on securing export logistics chain
• SERPAZ
• +ECI (Más Ecuador Circular Inclusivo)
• Export Des

Products and services

• Consulting Strategic consulting service for Ecuadorian MIPYMES to support their internationalization processes and access to foreign markets, particularly the European Union.
• Capital Capital facilitation service connecting Ecuadorian exporters with financing sources and investment partners to support trade operations.
• Servicios Transversales (Cross-cutting Services) Specialized support services covering areas such as coaching, carbon footprint measurement, circular economy advisory, and VAT refund assistance for Ecuadorian exporters.
• SERPAZ – Carga Segura Secure cargo logistics program supporting safe export shipments of Ecuadorian products.
• Bionegocios Ecuador Program promoting bio-business opportunities and biodiversity-based exports from Ecuador.
• +ECI (Más Ecuador Circular Inclusivo) Program supporting inclusive circular economy practices for Ecuadorian small businesses.
• Export Des Export destination support service helping Ecuadorian businesses identify and reach target export markets.
• Huella de Carbono (Carbon Footprint) Carbon footprint measurement service for Ecuadorian exporters to support sustainability compliance in destination markets.
• IVA Devolución (VAT Refund Service) Value-added tax (IVA) refund assistance for Ecuadorian exporters.
• Coaching en Comercio Exterior Foreign trade coaching and capacity-building service for Ecuadorian entrepreneurs and SMEs.
• Proyecto Ecuador-Venezuela Bilateral trade initiative supporting commercial exchange between Ecuadorian and Venezuelan businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 450+ new exporting companies emerged since 2017 EU Trade Agreement
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ASOTEP (Asociación de Terminales Portuarios Privados del Ecuador)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Strategic cooperation agreement to protect Ecuador's export logistics chain. ASOTEP represents private port terminals promoting ethics, security, sustainability and operational efficiency. The partnership aims to standardize custody chain processes and unify security protocols across the export chain.
• AEBE (Asociación de Exportadores de Banano del Ecuador)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2025Partnership to strengthen security and competitiveness of banana exports. AEBE represents Ecuador's major banana exporters and works with CORPEI's Carga Segura component to address logistics security challenges in the banana export chain.
• ANECACAO (Asociación Nacional de Exportadores e Industriales de Cacao)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2025Cooperation agreement to reaffirm commitment to traceability and security of the cocoa export logistics chain. ANECACAO represents Ecuador's cocoa exporters and collaborates with Carga Segura to enhance supply chain integrity.
• UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2023CORPEI received the UN flag as part of alliance with UNITAR, marking formal cooperation for training and capacity building programs under the UN system.
• BanEcuadorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 September 2019State development bank. CORPEI collaborates with BanEcuador and MAG to promote development of Ecuador's Northern Border region, addressing rural poverty and supporting agricultural sector recovery.
• MAG (Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 September 2019Ministry of Agriculture. Joint initiative with CORPEI and BanEcuador to foster development of Ecuador's Northern Border, addressing structural rural poverty and palm oil sector challenges.
• Fundación Innovación y Desarrollo (FID)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2019Strategic alliance for academic excellence. FID and CORPEI signed agreement to offer quality academic services in training programs, combining institutional capabilities for business development education.
• UNPD (United Nations Procurement Division)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2019UN Procurement Division seeks to expand its supplier network in Ecuador for global programs. CORPEI facilitates workshops for supplier identification and registration with UNPD, helping Ecuadorian companies qualify as UN vendors.
• AMCHAM Manabí (Cámara de Comercio Ecuatoriano Americana)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 October 2018Cooperation agreement for promoting foreign trade and investment. The agreement aims to benefit the business sector and development of Ecuador through joint commercial missions, business rounds, prospection missions, and training programs oriented toward international trade.
• IPD (Import Promotion Desk) GermanymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2018Cooperation agreement (MOU) to develop commercial opportunities between Ecuadorian SMEs, Germany and other European markets. IPD is Germany's import promotion agency funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, connecting German importers with exporters from developing countries.
• ONUDI (Organización de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo Industrial)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 September 2018UNIDO promotes sustainable industrial development. CORPEI facilitates encounters with ONUDI representatives to discuss financing lines, international agreements, clean industries, productivity and expansion to international markets. Collaboration includes shrimp industry projects and renewable energy conversion in the fishing sector.
• FEDEXPOR (Federación Ecuatoriana de Exportadores)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing strategic partner in executing export promotion programs. FEDEXPOR collaborates with CORPEI on SERPAZ-Carga Segura, Export Des, and other export development initiatives. The federation provides sector representation and operational support for program implementation.
• Puerto de Amberes-Brujas (Belgium)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic support partner for the SERPAZ-Carga Segura program. Provides technical expertise in port operations and security best practices from one of Europe's leading ports. Facilitates knowledge transfer and exchange of experiences for Ecuadorian port modernization.
• Kingdom of the NetherlandsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic support partner for trade security and logistics programs. Collaborates with CORPEI and FEDEXPOR on initiatives to strengthen export chain security and competitiveness. Provides expertise in port management and international trade facilitation.
• DP World PosorjamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for safer and more competitive logistics chains. DP World Posorja is a key Ecuadorian port operator working with CORPEI on the Carga Segura initiative to improve port security and export logistics efficiency.
• ProEcuadorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcuador's export promotion institute. Collaborates with CORPEI on Export Des program and international trade initiatives. ProEcuador and CORPEI coordinate on market access support and export development activities.
• Fondo Ecuatoriano Populorum Progression (FEPP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeneficiary of Export Des associative component. FEPP implements the 'Consolidation of APROCANE cocoa commercialization company' project to increase capacity for acopio, processing and export of fine aroma cocoa, benefiting 1,000 producer members.
• Cámara de Comercio de Quito (CCQ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeneficiary of Export Des associative component. CCQ leads a project supporting approximately 800 producers from 10 productive initiatives in Esmeraldas, Napo and Pichincha provinces, focusing on cocoa-chocolate and plantain-chifles agroindustry for export.
• ACNUR/UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement 'Companies with Refugee Persons' - CORPEI collaborates with UNHCR to support integration of refugees into Ecuador's productive sector and workforce, promoting employment and economic inclusion.
• Fundación Heifer EcuadorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecuting entity for Bionegocios Ecuador project. Implements biodiversity sustainability initiatives on behalf of CORPEI and the Ministry of Environment, with GEF funding through CAF.
• KIWA BCSminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerQuality certification training partner. KIWA BCS provides workshops on EU quality requirements, mandatory and voluntary standards, and consumer trends for Ecuadorian exporters under the Export Des program.
• AMCHAM Guayaquil (Cámara de Comercio Ecuatoriano Americana)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner for US trade relations. AMCHAM Guayaquil coordinates business councils and commercial dialogues between Ecuador and the US, working with CORPEI to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ProColombia: Colombia's export, investment and tourism promotion agency. Closely comparable to CORPEI as a national trade promotion entity running EU and US market-access programs, trade fair missions, and SME internationalization services.
• PromPerú (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism): Peru's export and tourism promotion agency. Directly comparable in mandate (export promotion, trade fair organization, SME internationalization) and in serving a Latin American economy with strong agro-export sectors.
• ProChile: Chile's export promotion bureau under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Comparable as a public export promoter that organizes national pavilions at major trade fairs and supports SME access to EU and US markets.
• FEDEXPOR (Federación Ecuatoriana de Exportadores): Ecuador's leading private export federation and a strategic partner of CORPEI. Comparable as an export-sector representative body that co-implements SERPAZ, Export Des, and other programs alongside CORPEI.
• Import Promotion Desk (IPD): Germany's import promotion agency that connects European importers with exporters in developing countries. CORPEI has an active MOU with IPD, and the organizations address the same match-making function from opposite sides of EU-Latin America trade.
• Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI): Dutch government programme (under RVO) supporting SME exporters from developing countries access the European market. Strong programmatic overlap with CORPEI's Export Des and +ECI activities, particularly given CORPEI's Netherlands partnership footprint.

Broad incumbents

• ProEcuador: Ecuador's governmental export and investment promotion institute. Overlaps with CORPEI in trade promotion and is identified as a core partner in CORPEI materials; functions as a broader, government-affiliated incumbent in the same export-promotion space.

Regional players

• Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export): Regional export development agency for CARIFORUM countries funded by the EU and others. Comparable mission (SME internationalization, EU market access, trade fair participation) but focused on the Caribbean rather than Ecuador/Latin America.

Others

• UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization): UN agency with which CORPEI partners (e.g., shrimp and renewable energy projects). Comparable as a multilateral channel through which CORPEI accesses funding, technical assistance, and international program co-financing.
• Heifer International: International development NGO that executes the Bionegocios Ecuador program on behalf of CORPEI. Comparable as an ecosystem participant that provides on-the-ground delivery for CORPEI-managed biodiversity and sustainable-agriculture programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/corpei
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9R-U0mEh1_BcwXPEhaFjZw
• Facebookfacebook.com/corpei
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/corpei
• Instagraminstagram.com/corpei_ecuador

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Corpei