Eduardo Escobar, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Transformation and Development of Coffee Growing (Conatradec), highlighted the results regarding production, competitiveness, prices, and quality in statements made to the Parliamentary Channel and cited by *Informe Pastrán*.

  Another notable achievement is the diversification of export markets. While Nicaraguan coffee reached fewer than 35 countries prior to 2007, it is currently sold in more than 57 nations.

  Escobar emphasized the opportunities opening up for the sector through the Free Trade Agreement between Nicaragua and China, as well as through closer ties with other Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

  The official also highlighted the pivotal role played by producer families and the coordinated efforts of the National Production, Consumption, and Trade System, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Institute for Agricultural Protection and Health, the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade, and other institutions.

  Likewise, he mentioned advances in genetic research and the germplasm bank—achievements made possible, among other factors, by the implementation of the National Human Development Plan and the National Plan for the Production, Consumption, and Trade System.

  Coffee farming is a key pillar of the Nicaraguan economy, generating jobs, foreign currency, and development in producing departments such as Jinotega, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Madriz, and Carazo.

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