Procurement Fair: Turning Public Procurement into Business Opportunities

Public procurement represents a significant opportunity for companies looking to expand their business across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The Procurement Fair , held in June 206, brought this ecosystem closer to companies, with 1,478 registered participants representing 1,158 companies from 59 countries around the world. The event provided practical insights into how procurement processes work and what it takes to participate successfully. Through expert-led sessions, participants gained a better understanding of procurement requirements, project pipelines, and the considerations that can shape successful bids. More than 700 participants connected live each day on average, while the event website attracted more than 61,000 visits, reflecting strong interest in procurement opportunities across the region. The Procurement Fair also highlighted that accessing procurement opportunities is not only about responding to tenders. Building relationships and identifying the right partners can be equally important. Through B2B matchmaking, participants held 256 business meetings involving 190 companies, creating opportunities to explore partnerships, alliances, and potential consortiums. Another key takeaway was the scale and diversity of opportunities available across LAC. The Fair presented US$1.89 billion in procurement opportunities, covering 16 tenders across 12 projects in areas such as technology, energy, transportation, water and sanitation, and trade and investment. These opportunities demonstrate the breadth of sectors in which companies can engage with IDB-financed projects across the region. For companies looking to expand in LAC, the Procurement Fair demonstrated that understanding the procurement ecosystem, preparing early, and building the right connections can make the difference between simply identifying an opportunity and being ready to pursue it. Public procurement can be a pathway to long-term business partnerships and growth across the region.