Ecuador, at the core of commodities, namely petroleum and agricultural products

Ecuador has a developing economy with + 16 million potential consumers. The economy is highly dependent on commodities, namely petroleum and agricultural products.

The exploitation of oil increased production, and proven reserves are estimated at 6.51 billion barrels as of 2011.

In the agricultural sector, Ecuador is a major exporter of bananas (first place worldwide in production and export), flowers, and the seventh largest producer of cocoa. Ecuador also produces coffee, rice, potatoes, cassava (manioc, tapioca), plantains and sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork and dairy products; fish, and shrimp; and balsa wood.

The country's vast resources include large amounts of timber across the country, like eucalyptus and mangroves. Pines and cedars are planted in the region of La Sierra and walnuts, rosemary, and balsa wood in the Guayas River Basin.

The incomes due to the tourism have been increasing during the last years because of the efforts of the Government of showing the variety of climates and the biodiversity in Ecuador.

The rehabilitation and reopening of the Ecuadorian railroad and use of it as a tourist attraction is one of the recent developments in transportation matters.

Drinking water supply and sanitation in Ecuador is characterized by a number of achievements and challenges.