THE FUNDAMENTAL ROLE OF THE ENTREPRENEUR AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY

2020-09-14

There are many problems that our Ecuadorian society faces: poverty, inequality, insecurity, discrimination, lack of education, etc. Many of these problems should be faced responsibly by the public sector, however, we have seen over time that it has been unable to solve them and on the contrary they have worsened. That is why we must ask ourselves as a business sector, how much more can we contribute from our role and with our social responsibility programs in the face of this harsh reality of our society?

The business sector is an engine capable of generating development and well-being in societies. Its contribution has different levels and impacts. To begin with, companies provide the solution to a problem or need through the products or services they offer: food; medicines; technology; construction; in short, a number of products and services that human beings need in their daily lives and that contribute to generating well-being and a better quality of life. Behind this there is a vision, as well as an important effort and leadership towards investment in infrastructure and research, development of human talent, innovation and working capital.

Likewise, for this to be possible a team of dedicated people is needed, who unite their talents and abilities so that the entire production process works. The team has a purpose and work well done has its rewards. Customers are satisfied; the demand grows; the company, along with its workers, also grow; and that impact generates a virtuous circle that develops society.

In my experience as an entrepreneur in the agro-industrial sector for decades, I have been able to witness the multiplier effect that is achieved when there is discipline, commitment, organization and a responsible vision of development. In its early days, Reybanpac employed 30 workers who only exported our Ecuadorian bananas to emerging markets. Today, we are more than 6,300 collaborators throughout the integrated value chain that we control, proudly sharing the best banana in the world that is in demand on five continents. The greatest success of our business project is that we are one of the main generators of formal employment in Ecuador, with a direct impact on thousands of families in rural areas.

At the value chain level, every company influences its dynamism and the sustainability of other businesses, which in turn also generate prosperity. The Ecuadorian banana industry supports to a large extent the links in its chain: agricultural products, cardboard packaging industry, transportation, shipping logistics, plastic industry and other small family businesses. At Reybanpac, we value and care for the relationship with our suppliers, whom we see as strategic allies. For this reason, we foster long-lasting commercial ties, based on transparency and trust. This has become one of the strengths of our company, which was further evidenced by the challenges of the current pandemic.

The macroeconomic effect is undeniable. Only the banana sector in Ecuador generates annual foreign exchange of more than 3 billion dollars and contributions to the State coffers for hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition, it supports 250,000 direct jobs and more than one million indirect jobs. That added to the microeconomic and inclusive impact in the rural communities surrounding the plantation areas. For this reason, it is essential that the banana sector be seen and treated as a strategic sector of the economy due to its capacity to generate wealth and well-being for society.

Of course, every business exercise must go hand in hand with true corporate social responsibility, so that its impact has a positive and constructive effect, from an ethical and sustainable perspective. That is the commitment we have in Reybanpac. Responsibility, excellence and respect for compliance with labor, social and environmental standards are values that govern our operation. These values have also prompted us to have an active and supportive role through our Wong Foundation, placing special emphasis on education, community development and the protection of biodiversity. In this way, we contribute to the greatest possible extent to mitigate the problems that afflict our society.

From the business world we have a lot to continue contributing to society. Since around a successful business, its workers, suppliers, community and the country also prosper. I invite all entrepreneurs to assume that role with conviction, responsibility and optimism. Let's put creativity to work and continue generating responsible development for our country.

Vicente Wong, CEO Reybanpac

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