The weekly meeting held at the Carrefour des entrepreneurs de Toliara, a venue created by Lanto Rakotoarivelo, a female entrepreneur in Toliara, took place last Thursday. During this occasion, representatives from a company specializing in import-export presented direct import opportunities from China to entrepreneurs who came to learn and exchange information. They explained that it is possible for entrepreneurs in Toliara and those interested to import directly from China. "The system is based on cargo consolidation. Multiple importers can use a single container if they cannot afford the cost alone. The shipping rate by boat from China to Toliara is 390 dollars per cubic meter. That's roughly equivalent to six bales of secondhand clothing," explained agent Tsiory R. Cargo consolidation for imports is used by many entrepreneurs in Toliara, who pool their shipments with those from Antananarivo. However, exports from Toliara remain very weak, according to the explanations. An exporter of cassava flour and derived products shared the process and steps required for exporting, particularly perishable goods like hers. "It is preferable to ship packages by air, which involves certain costs," she emphasized. Some entrepreneurs in Toliara are nevertheless considering venturing into exports. Mirana Ihariliva