The U.S. Grains Council has a long history of working in challenging environments, but site visits in an armored embassy van is not usually part of the program.
A U.S. Grains Council team, in-country to explore opportunities to renew ties and reengage with loyal partners in the feed, livestock, poultry, and dairy sectors, was on the ground when longtime Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez succumbed to cancer. There were safer places to be during the first week in March, but the timing provided a unique opportunity to assess the future of the Council's engagement in Venezuela at a critical turning point in the country's history.
Security was a concern even before President Chavez' death. From the moment they stepped off the plane, Latin America Regional Director Kurt Shultz and Alvaro Cordero, manager of global trade, were cautioned not to wear or show items such as watches, to avoid taxis and public transport, and to use only prearranged transportation from reliable firms. The homicide rate is among the world's highest, and kidnappings are commonplace; at one meeting, a sixty-seven year old businessman described a 25-day ordeal before he succeeded in ransoming his son.
Nor is security the only concern: one meeting, at a modern business office, was interrupted six times by power outages. Unpredictable spot shortages of basic consumer goods are frequent. Import licenses for grain can take four to six months. Government controls business access to capital, while a 400 percent spread between the official and the black market exchange rates makes every transaction a currency play. In short, Venezuela is a challenging place to do business.
Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. (CBS Inc.), has announced the addition of a new front-line sales and technical specialist to its team. Dr. Sergio Sosa brings extensive experience working across livestock sectors and will bolster the CBS Inc. roster for all markets including a special focus on Latin America.
"Sergio is well known in the industry and brings a wealth of experience along with a broad network," says Owen Jones, president of CBS Inc. "He will help solidify our North American team while also helping to grow our presence in Latin America, which represents a burgeoning market for new approaches to livestock feeding that are a strong fit with CBS Inc. products."
"Sergio is well known in the industry and brings a wealth of experience along with a broad network," says Owen Jones, president of CBS Inc. "He will help solidify our North American team while also helping to grow our presence in Latin America, which represents a burgeoning market for new approaches to livestock feeding that are a strong fit with CBS Inc. products."
Dr. Sosa is a veterinarian with over 20-years of experience working in technical support and sales in the livestock feed industry. He is bilingual in Spanish and English and has worked widely with producers, companies and other industry players internationally, particularly in his home country, Mexico, more generally in Latin America, and also in the U.S. and Canada.
