Sustainability as a Key Factor for Competitiveness, Inclusion, and Market Access

Samborondón, June 5, 2026. – Reybanpac, Banco Guayaquil, and Duragas Abastible, members of the Pasos con Futuro (Spanish for Steps with Future) business alliance, participated in the roundtable discussion “Business Strategies for Sustainable Growth”, a forum that highlighted how sustainability has become a strategic pillar for business competitiveness, social inclusion, and access to global markets.

The discussion addressed key topics such as governance, financial inclusion, strengthening the MSME ecosystem, agricultural traceability, and international certifications.

Reybanpac: sustainability, traceability, and certifications to compete in high-value markets

Mónica Molineros, commercial manager at Reybanpac, emphasized that sustainability is now a requirement for accessing demanding markets: “Europe no longer buys just quality fruit; it buys trust, traceability, and evidence of responsible practices”. Regarding the company’s traceability system, she explained: “Every box of bananas can be traced from the farm to the port. That transparency is what international customers demand today”.

Molineros also highlighted the importance of certifications: “SMETA, Rainforest Alliance, or GRASP are not just a formality: they are proof that we do things right and consistently”. Finally, she emphasized sustainability as a strategic investment: “Sustainability is not a cost; it is a long-term decision that strengthens the company, the communities, and the markets where we operate. At Reybanpac, this approach is managed through a Sustainability Committee, which drives the company’s sustainable development goals.”

Banco Guayaquil: Sustainability Through Governance, Inclusion, and Social Impact

David Balladares, Manager of Corporate Affairs, emphasized that sustainability cannot be viewed as an isolated project, but rather as a long-term vision consistent with the institution’s history. “A bank with over 100 years of history can only survive if it grows alongside its environment. Our financial performance is directly linked to the country’s social and environmental well-being”.

Regarding governance as a central pillar of its ESG strategy, he emphasized that “transparency is not just another component: it is the starting point. Without integrity, no environmental or social commitment is credible”.

Regarding financial inclusion, Balladares highlighted the bank’s role in democratizing access: “Social sustainability becomes a reality when a person can open an account, make payments, save, or start a business without barriers. Inclusion isn’t just talk; it’s everyday access”. He also addressed the gender perspective in lending products, noting that “when we finance businesses led by women, we’re not just boosting the economy—we’re closing structural gaps”.

Finally, she explained why the bank tackles complex social issues: “We cannot ignore realities such as child malnutrition or the recruitment of minors. If we want a sustainable country, we must engage with the challenges that hinder its development”.

Duragas Abastible: Agile Payments as a Development Tool for MSMEs

Duragas representative Mirella Calderón, Administration and Finance Manager at Duragas Abastible, explained how a financial decision can become a sustainability policy: “Reducing payment terms isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about giving breathing room to thousands of MSMEs that depend on their cash flow to survive.” Regarding the internal transformation required to implement agile payments, she noted that “we had to redesign processes, automate, and, above all, change mindsets. Sustainability is also organizational culture.”

Calderón emphasized the role of large companies in the productive ecosystem: “When a large company strengthens its value chain, the impact multiplies. A country with strong MSMEs is a more competitive country.”

Pasos con Futuro: Collaboration to Accelerate Sustainable Development

From the Pasos con Futuro business alliance, we emphasize that these types of forums allow us to connect visions, share lessons learned, and accelerate the transition toward more responsible business models. “Sustainability is built through partnerships. No single actor can transform the country on their own.”