Second Edition of the National Exporter Award Launched

The Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce (MIFIC), in coordination with the Secretariat for Investment Promotion and Export (SPIEX), the National Free Trade Zone Commission (CNZF), and the National Commission for the Transformation and Development of Coffee Farming (CONATRADEC), launched the second edition of the National Exporter Award 2026.

This award aims to promote exports and foster an export-oriented culture by recognizing the excellence of companies that showcase Nicaraguan quality and talent in international markets.

This edition will feature three categories: Small Exporter (export value between US$40,000 and US$550,000); Medium Exporter (export value between US$550,001 and US$5,000,000); and Large Exporter (export value between US$5,000,001 and above).

The Minister of Development, Industry, and Commerce, Erwin Ramírez, stated that this award is another instrument of the government's policies, strategies, and plans to recognize the importance of this sector, which, despite numerous challenges, continues to contribute to Nicaragua's development.

"With this launch, we extend an invitation to all those exporters who continue to invest in Nicaragua's economic and social growth to participate in the 2026 National Exporter Award," he affirmed.

Award Phases

- Launch (June 29)
- Registration (July 1-31)
- First Evaluation (August 3-14)
- Second Evaluation (August 17-31)
- Award Ceremony (October 16)

He added that Nicaragua has a diverse range of export sectors, including coffee, cattle, palm oil, peanuts and peanut products, clothing, tobacco, cheese, sugar, and others.

Requirements
Cristopher Gutiérrez, Director General of Export Promotion and Development, stated that this award recognizes the coordinated and committed work of the economic sectors. He explained the requirements that must be met, which are:

- Engaged in the production and export of goods in one of the categories.

- Participate in the established category.

- Have at least two years of operations as of the registration date.

- Complete and submit the registration form as a participant.

He also stated that the award “is in line with the general objective of bringing our quality products to the world, to international markets, to boost our exports and contribute to the economic and social development of our people.”

Likewise, Gutiérrez mentioned that the evaluation criteria include job creation, export experience, export volume, market diversification, corporate responsibility, certifications, innovation, value-added, among others.

For his part, Fernando Sánchez, executive director of the CNZF, mentioned that together they are working to open the doors of the world to the talent and effort of Nicaraguan families, highlighting that last year this sector contributed approximately 40% of exports with items such as automotive wiring harnesses, premium cigars, textiles, and high value-added agro-industrial products.

“This dynamism is not by chance; it is the direct result of the unwavering effort of our working people and a clear vision of development with the implementation of economic policies and strategies guided by our Co-Presidency, productive diversification, export promotion, fiscal and macroeconomic prudence, and investment in infrastructure,” he pointed out.

Sánchez also indicated that world-class infrastructure is the backbone that allows industries to place their products in global markets quickly, efficiently, and with complete security.

“This is a tribute to SMEs, cooperatives, and large industries under all customs regimes that demonstrate Nicaragua produces goods with world-class quality standards. Given this growth and diversification, we are pleased to announce the opening of the call for nominations for the 2026 National Exporter Award,” he stated.

Source: 19 Digital