The moto that represents the project AUMENA is "expand your borders". To facilitate the process of expanding borders for companies, as
well as to help them better understand the business culture of each project target country (Morocco, Georgia, Uruguay), the project partners have organized online events "Fact Finding Missions". The aim of these activities is to bring together European and target countries organizations and companies to explore joint opportunities for entrepreneurship, cooperation and innovations. "Culture eats strategy at lunch", that’s why, when entering new country market, it is crucial to get familiar with its business culture specifics and offered opportunities. Therefore, each of these activities begins with a comprehensive insight into the business structure of each country.

So far this year, six online visits have taken place, two of which were with Georgia, two with Morocco, one with Uruguay and one with Latin America, representing Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.

MOROCCO
Thanks to the rapid development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, ambitious sectoral strategies, high-speed industrialization and green energy, Morocco has established itself over the last 20 years as a competitive country globally, as well Morocco has become number#1 financial center in Africa. Moroccan business culture in the webinars were presented by Mr. Adel Abbou Charradi (Business manager in the Athisa Group International) and Mr. Said Chafi (Head of the Support and Promotion Department at the CCIS TTA, Tetuán and Director of the Higher School of Commerce in Tetouan and Director of the Mediterranean Specialized Institute of Management).
“Morocco offers an enable environment for investment in different sectors. We are classified in the ranking of the most competitive economies in the region, presenting very attractive conditions for national and foreign investors,” said Mr. Said Chafi. Business culture differences were unraveled by Mr. Adel Abbou Charradi, for example "Punctuality is not considered a virtue in Morocco. However, it is important to arrive on time, even if you will often have to wait for the meeting to start.”

GEORGIA
Georgia is known for its hospitality in almost every life situation, including business. In the recent years, its business model is becoming more and more similar to the European business model, making it easier to build new collaborations between Caucasus countries and Europe.
Gateway & Partners representative from Georgia Gvantsa Meladze explained some differences in her country business culture, which needs to be seriously considered when creating new connections. “Many meetings in Georgia take place in an informal atmosphere, due to the importance of mutual respect and trust for Georgians in their dealings. Face-to-face meetings are more important than telephone or e-mail communications, so it is recommended that the company has a representative or partner in Tbilisi. Local customers are also more loyal to companies established in Georgia,” says Gvantsa Meladze.

LATIN AMERICA
Latin America, land of opportunity, is becoming increasingly accessible to European entrepreneurs. Latin America is very open for collaboration and finding new opportunities for development. In the webinars Paraguay and project target country Uruguay were represented. As well Municipality of Armstrong in Argentina, with whom project partners UNIMOS from Poland signed cooperation agreement, which will boost business and innovation coolaboration between European and Argentinian SMEs located in the he heart of Argentina’s agricultural machinery and equipment production – Armstrong.
The representative of Paraguay, Martin Ruiz (Union Industrial Paraguaya), spoke about the business opportunities, mentioning the importance of helping different industries, because "how good the industry is, the country is doing well."
The representative of Uruguay, Maria Ines Mailhos (CPA Ferrere), mentioned 3 success factors that can help successfully enter the country's market:
1) Value to use Uruguay as gateway to Latin America;
2) Combination of strong institutions and the history of respect for political, social and economic freedom, ensures a stable framework;
3) Human relations often play an important role.

AUMENTA GLOBAL MATCHMAKING
To even more strengthen and build new business connection between European companies and organizations with Caucasus, North Africa and Latin America countries, Aumenta project partners are organizing AUMENTA GLOBAL MATCHMAKING online networking event will take place on 1-2 December. More about the event and registration: https://events.b2match.com/events/aumenta-global-matchmaking