2. About us
PROCOLOMBIA
We promote exports, tourism, investment and industrial expansion for
internationalization. We integrate the work of the Country Brand within the
strategic planning of Colombia’s promotion worldwide.
3. Presence in Colombia
25
Regional Offices8
Information centers
Barranquilla, Bogotá.
Bucaramanga. Cali. Cartagena.
Cúcuta. Medellín. Pereira
Valledupar. Pasto. Palmira. Armenia = Universidad
Gran Colombia – Cámara de Comercio.
Villavicencio. Boyacá = Tunja - Duitama - Sogamoso.
Ibagué. Santa Marta. San Andrés. Aburrá Sur. Neiva.
Barranquilla = Cámara comercio – Universidad del
Norte. Cartagena. Medellín. Bucaramanga. Cali =
Cámara de Comercio. Pereira. Bogotá. Manizales.
Cúcuta.
4. PROCOLOMBIA around the world
United States. Canada. Mexico. Guatemala. Costa Rica.
Caribbean. Venezuela. Brazil. Ecuador. Chile. Peru. Argentina.
Spain. Germany. Portugal. United Kingdom. France. Turkey.
United Arab Emirates. India. China. South Korea. Russia. Japan.
Singapore. Indonesia.
26 commercial offices
Presence in 30 countries
8. General Facts
Colombia is the country with
the highest biodiversity per
km2
It is among the 17most megadiverse
countries of the planet.
55%
of the population is less than 30
years old. There are nine cities
with over 500 thousand people.
With an extension of
1,141,000 km2 almost 3 times
the size of California and twice the size of
Texas.
Colombia is the only
country in South America
with access to both, the
Atlantic and the Pacific
ocean.
9. Times of great economic achievements
GDP III TRIM 2014: +4.2%
GDP III TRIM 2013: +5.7%
Higher than the Latin American average
growth (1.3%).
Controlled
Inflation 2014: 3.66%
Below target inflation
Unemployment rate Nov 2014: 7.7%
Unemployment rate Nov 2013: 8.5%.
FDI III TRIM 2014: US$11,840
FDIIII TRIM 2013: US$ 12,431
Figures in US Millions
1.02 million barrels per
day of oil production
Third largest producer in South America
10. A competitive location with easy access
to markets around the globe
Mexico City
4H45M
Los Angeles
8H20M
Quito
1H30M
Lima
3H00M
Peru
Ecuador
México
United States
Canada
Brazil
ArgentinaChile
Spain
France
Germany
Over 935 weekly direct international flights.
More than 6,197 weekly domestic flights.
Less than 6 hours to the main capital cities in
Latin America.
More than 20 different airlines
operating in Colombia.
New York
5H35M
Toronto
6H05M
Caracas
1H20M
Santiago
Chile
5H00M
Buenos Aires
6H15M
Sao Paulo
5H45M
Madrid
9H40M
Paris
10H40M
Frankfurt
11H15M
11. The second largest spanish speaking country in the
world and the 24th most populated
202,8
117,5
90,6 83,5 81,0
64,6
50,5 47,7
35,6 30,8 30,2 23,5 17,7 10,7 9,7 8,5 8,2 8,1 7,1 5,5 5,1 4,4
Population 2014*
Million
Source: DANE, 2014; EIU - Economist Intelligence Unit. 2014.
12. Colombia is within the 30th largest economy in the
world and one of the largest non-OECD economies
150
226
302
300
397
425
373
432
448
387
401
415
595
600
1.089
1,176
1,790
2,324
New Zealand
Denmark
Israel
Norway
Peru
Hong Kong
Chile
Sweden
Belgium
Singapore
Switzerland
Vietnam
Colombia
Malaysia
Australia
Mexico
Brazil
Germany
GDP at PPP – 2015 en
US$ Billion
Note: GDP adapted to Purchasing
Power Parity PPP. Projected data.
Source: FMI . 2014
13. The highest expected growth in 2014 among Latam’s
major economies
Source: OECD, IMF (World Economic Outlook – October 2014) and DANE.
Among the main countries in the region in terms of GDP. ** OECD estimation
e = estimated
4.9% **
3,6%
2,4%
2,0%
1,3%
0,3%
-1,7%
-3,0%
Latin America and
Caribbean
(Average growth)
Expected growth of Gross Domestic
Product, 2014e
High investment in housing and infrastructure (12% growth)
Growth in private consumption (4.6%)
Solid labor market
Public expenditure
Colombian growth drivers
according to OECD
14. Peru and Colombia, the top growing economies in the
coming years
Source: IMF (World Economic Outlook – October 2014)
e = estimated
Data of Argentina is for the year 2015 only.
5,4%
4,5%
4,0%
3,7% 3,5%
2,3%
0,1%
-1.5%*
Gross Domestic Product, average growth
2015e – 2018e
15. Low inflation
2,9% 3,3% 4,0% 4,2%
6,2%
69.8%
Peru Colombia Mexico Chile Brasil Venezuela
Average Latin America
and Caribbean*
3.98%
Inflation, percent variation
2014e
Source: IMF (World Economic Outlook – October 2014)
* The average doesn’t include Venezuela and Argentina
e = estimated
16. Macroeconomic stability and strong economic
performance in the long term
P: Projected
Source: DANE; Banco de la República; Fedesarrrollo July 2014, EIU - Economist Intelligence Unit .
2014
* 2014 inflation given by DANE
Inflation
GDP
Unemployment rate
15.6
14.1 13.7
11.8 12.0
11.2 11.3
12.0 11.8
10.8 10.4
9.6
7.0 6.5
5.5
4.9 4.5
5.7
7.7
2.0
3.7
2.4 1.9
9.1 9.0 8.9 8.9 8.6
3.6 3.4 3.6 3.5 3.3
2.5
3.9
5.3
4.7
6.7 6.9
3.5
1.7
4.0
6.6
4.0
4.7 5.0 5.0 4.7 4.6 4.6
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014p 2015p 2016p 2017p 2018p
GDP Growth, Inflation and unemployment Rate 2002 –
2018p (%)
17. Colombia's per capita income has nearly doubled since
2000
Per capita National Income (PPP)
2000 – 2018p, US$
High Income
Middle High
Income
Middle Low
Income
Low Income
Income
Source: EIU – Economist Intelligence Unit. PPP = purchasing power parity.
Economies are divided according to 2012 income per capita, calculated using the World Bank Atlas method. The groups are: low
income, US$1,035 or less; lower middle income, US$1,036 - US$4,085; upper middle income, US$4,086 - US$12,615; and high income, US$12,616
5,805
8.850
10.800
14,110
0
2.000
4.000
6.000
8.000
10.000
12.000
14.000
16.000
18. Economic growth has been fueled by high rates of
investment
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)
2000 – 2016f
14%
16%
18%
25% 24%
27%
28%
31%
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014p 2015p 2016p 2017p 2018p
Source: EIU – Economist Intelligence Unit
Figures at constant prices of 2005.
p- Projected
19. A rapidly expanding middle class
2,9%
4,1%
4,2%
4,7%
5,5%
Average real growth of consumer
expenditure, 2014 – 2018
Middle class* in Colombia as a percentage
of total population
16%
25%
37%
46%
2002 2012 2020 2025
24.7
6.7
11.6
19.0
Million
inhabitants
* Calculus based on a 4.6% GDP growth
Middle class: Monthly household income between 3.2MW and 13MW
(MW) Minimum wage in Colombia 2014: USD 320.
Source: Fedesarrollo (2013) and Euromonitor
20. Economic growth, Investor Confidence and Security
* Figures do not include FDI registered for SabMiller adquisition of Bavaria in 2005 (USD 4,800 MM).
** Perception of insecurity as a key issue affecting industrial growth in the country. Monthly Industrial Survey -ANDI.
Source: National Business Association of Colombia - ANDI. Balance of Payments – Banco de la República.
0,0
5,0
10,0
15,0
20,0
25,0
30,0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
2000-I
2000-II
2000-III
2000-IV
2001-I
2001-II
2001-III
2001-IV
2002-I
2002-II
2002-III
2002-IV
2003-I
2003-II
2003-III
2003-IV
2004-I
2004-II
2004-III
2004-IV
2005-I
2005-II
2005-III
2005-IV
2006-I
2006-II
2006-III
2006-IV
2007-I
2007-II
2007-III
2007-IV
2008-I
2008-II
2008-III
2008-IV
2009-I
2009-II
2009-III
2009-IV
2010-I
2010-II
2010-III
2010-IV
2011-I
2011-II
2011-III
2011-IV
2012-I
2012-II
2012-III
2012-IV
2013-I
2013-II
2013-III
2013-IV
IED - US$ million* Insecurity perception**
21. Colombia, an investment-grade country with positive
outlook
Source: S&P Ratings; Revista Dinero, Colombian Treasury.
Rating DateRating
Agency
Long Term–
Foreign Currency
Long Term– Local
Currency
Outlook
Stable
BBB
BBB +
24– Apr- 2013
5 – Mar - 2007
Long Term–
Foreign Currency
Long Term – Local
Currency
BBB
BBB+
13 – Dic- 2013
22 – Jun - 2011
Long Term–
Foreign Currency
PositiveBaa2 28– Jul - 2014
Term
Stable
The key drivers for Moody´s upgrade on July 2014 were:
1. Expectations of continued strong growth dynamics despite external headwinds and robust long-term growth
prospects supported by the fourth generation (4G) infrastructure investment program;
2. Sound fiscal management that has led to moderate fiscal deficits coupled with continued compliance with the fiscal
rule and expectations that this will continue.
22. Colombia tops the region in the World Bank’s Doing
Business Report
Factors with positive behavior
2014 – 2015
Positions change 2014 – 2015**
19
Colombia, 34*
Peru, 35 *
-1
Mexico, 39 *
+4
-2
Chile, 41 *
+3
Panama, 52 *
Position out of 189 economies
Change in rank 2014 – 2015**
0
Ecuador, 115 *
+3
Brasil, 120 *
53
12
2
1
Getting credit
Registering
property
Trading across
borders
Dealing with
construction
permits
42
93
61
2
Position out of
189 economies
Source: Doing Business Report 2015. World Bank
* Position between 189 economies. ** Positive numbers indicate an improvement in the business environment
23. Colombia is the leader in terms of Investor Protection in
the region and 10th worldwide.
Source: Doing Business 2015 – World Bank
* Índex: 0-10 and 10 = the best score
7,2
6,3 6,2
5,8 5,8 5,8 5,6
4,8 4,7
4,2
Colombia
Brazil
Peru
Chile
Mexico
Argentina
Panama
Uruguay
Ecuador
ElSalvador
Ranking Country
10 Colombia
35 Brazil
40 Peru
56 Chile
62 Mexico
62 Argentina
76 Panama
110 Uruguay
117 Ecuador
154 El Salvador
Investment Protection Index
Doing Business - 2015
24. Total trade increased fivefold in the last 10
years.
24.915
25.151
24.671
27.008
33.475
42.395
50.553
62.888
77.295
65.683
80.502
111.628
118.758
118.219
84.509
Comercio total (X+M)
United States
•Exports: US$10,895 million
•Imports: US$ 12,142 million
China
•Exports: US$ 4,887 million
•Imports: US$7,449 million
Mexico
Exports: US $712 million
Imports: US$ 3,355 million
India
•Exports: US $2,410 million
•Imports: US$ 914 million
Exports and Imports.
2000 – 2014 Sept
US$ millions
Top commercial partners 2014 – Sept
25. Colombia shows a remarkable growth of its
exports.
Variation 2010 - 2011: 43%
Variation 2011 - 2012: 5,7%
Variation 2012 -2013: -2.2%
Source: DANE .
Taking into aacount tradtional and non – traditional exports.
Exports. 2000 – 2013
FOB Values US$ millions Top export destinations 2014 – Sept
13,158 13,129
21,190
37,626
56,954 58,822
42.950
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
- Sept
United States
•US$ 10,895 million
•Part. 25.3%
Panama
•US $2,847 million
•Part. 6.6%
China
•US $4,887 million
•Part.11.3%
Spain
•US $2,592 million
•Part. 6%
26. Imports also have increased rapidly.
Variation 2011 – 2012: 7.2%
Source: DANE
11.757
16.764
39.666
32.891
54.233
59.397
41.559
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Top imports by origin 2014 –SeptImports 2000 – 2013
CIF Values - US$ million
United States
• US$ 12,142 million
• 29.2%
Mexico
• US$ 3,355million
• 8%
China
• US$ 7,450 million
• 17.9%
Brasil
• US$ 1,677 millones
• Participación: 4%
27. Colombia has access to more than 45 countries and
1,500 million consumers through its network of FTAs.
Source: Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. 2014.
Canada
United States
Mexico
Guatemala
Honduras
El Salvador
Ecuador
Brazil
Peru
Argentina
Paraguay
Uruguay
Liechtenstein
Switzerland
Island
Norway
European
Union
Turkey
Israel
Japan
Panama
Chile
Bolivia
Costa Rica
Venezuela*
Pacific
Alliance
South Korea
Cuba*
Nicaragua*
*These are Partial Scope Agreements (PSA)
- - - The dotted line refers to member countries of The Pacific Alliance other than
Colombia. – Chile, Peru and México.
In force
Signed
In negotiation
28. International Investment Agreements - IIA
Source: Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. 2014.
Canada
United States
Mexico
Guatemala
Honduras
El Salvador
Peru
Switzerland
Turkey Japan
Chile
Note: The International investment agreements (IIA) include Agreement Investment
Treaties – BIT (agreement) and Free Trade Agreements – FTA- with investment section
(chapter).
Spain
China
India
United
Kingdom
Kuwait
Singapore
Azerbaijan
Qatar
Russia
France
UAE
In force
Signed
In negotiation
Costa Rica
South Korea
Israel
Panama
Pacific
Alliance
29. Double Taxation Agreements - DTA
Canada
Mexico
Peru
Switzerland
Japan
Chile
South Korea
Spain
India
Belgium
France
Czech
Republic
Portugal
United States
Bolivia
Ecuador
Netherlands
In force
Signed
In negotiation
United Kingdom
30. Colombia: A gateway to the Pacific Alliance
Source: MCIT, 2013
GDP of USD 2,123 billion
The members generate 35% of
the region´s GDP
Population of 214 million
Almost Brazil´s Population
47% of the regional FDI
Total FDI of US$ 85,488
million (2013)
FTAs with 60 countries
Access to benefits of
markets that represent
85.7% of the World GDP
Mexico
Colombia
Peru
Chile
MILA is the first cross border initiative to integrate equities
markets, without any sort of merger or global corporate
integration, using only technological tools along with
Listed companies: 590
31. Two years in a row as one of the top 20 destinations
for FDI
Top 20 host economies in 2012
USD billion
Top 20 host economies in 2013
USD billion
18
19
Source: UNCTAD – World Investment Report 2013 and 2014
32. In 2013 Colombia reached a new record in FDI:
Nearly 10 times of what it received 10 years ago
Source: Balance of Payments - Banco de la República.
Share of all countries with positive cumulative investment, The information includes reinvested
profits or investments in the oil sector
Note: the list of the top countries investing in Colombia does not include Panama.
Top Investing Countries in
Colombia 2000– 2014 III Trim
FDI Inflows. 1994 –2014 III Trim
US$ million
United States
•US$ 27,277 million
•17.6 %
England
•US$ 16.633 million
•8.7%
Spain
•US$ 9,990 million
•5.9%
Chile
•US$ 4,546 million
•2%
Oil and Gas
Other sectors
6,085 6,426
6,347 5,412
2013
(III Trim)
2014
(III Trim)
Var.
-4.8%
2,504
7,821
15,039
16,199
Prom.
1994 - 2002
Prom.
2003 - 2011
2012 2013
Var.
8%
33. The stock of Colombia’s outward FDI increased
elevenfold since 2002
Source: Banrep, 2014; World Investment Report, Overview 2013; FDI Markets, Global Greenfield Investement Trends. 2013; CEPAL 2013.
Stock of outward FDI. 1994 – 2014 III Trim
US$ million
FDI outflows by sectors,
1994 – 2014 III Trim
United States
US$ 7,524 million
17.9%
England
US$ 5.636 million
13.4%
Panama
US$ 6,934million
16.5%
3,652
39,578
Stock… Stock…
Financial
services: 30.7%
Industry
, 23,8%
Oil & Mining:
20.1%
Electricity, wat
er & gas: 11.5%
Transport &
Communication
s: 6.0%
Commerce, Res
taurants &
Hotels: 4.6%
Others: 3.2%
-606
7.652
2.368
2012 2013 2014 -III
Trim
Peru
US$ 2.765 million
6.5 %
34. Low barriers to FDI
AVERAGE ALL
OECD average
0,000
0,050
0,100
0,150
0,200
0,250
0,300
0,350
0,400
0,450
China
Myanmar
SaudiArabia
Indonesia
Jordan
India
NewZealand
Malaysia
Mexico
Tunisia
Russia
Canada
Iceland
Kazakhstan
Korea
Australia
Israel
Ukraine
Austria
Brazil
Mongolia
Peru
UnitedStates
Norway
Switzerland
KyrgyzRepublic
Poland
Morocco
Egypt
UnitedKingdom
Turkey
Sweden
Chile
SouthAfrica
Japan*
Italy
CostaRica
SlovakRepublic
Latvia
France
Ireland
Lithuania
Belgium
Argentina
Denmark
Greece
Hungary
Colombia
Germany
Spain
Finland
Estonia
Netherlands
CzechRepublic
Romania
Slovenia
Portugal
Luxembourg
FDI regulatory restrictiveness index, 2013
Closed = 1; Open = 0
Source: OECD
35. Sectors of opportunity – Tourism
Source: Migración Colombia, MCIT, Banco de la República. Cálculos de PROCOLOMBIA
1,053
1,195 1,223 1,354 1,475 1,582 1,692 1,832 1.760
51
127 228
285
296
313
254 306 278
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 -
Nov
Arrivals (Migración Colombia) Visitors in cruises
Main nationalities of foreign visitors
in Colombia, 2014 Nov
Foreign visitors in Colombia
2006 – 2014 Nov, thousands
United States
• 330,439 visitors
• 18.8%
European Union
• 285,218 visitors
• 16.2%
Venezuela
• 234,822 visitors
• 13.3%
Ecuador
• 113,539 visiors
• 6.5%
36. Some examples of high profile Colombian
“multilatinas”
One of the largest food companies in
Colombia, Nutresa has presence in 12
countries in Latam, with manufacturing
plants in 8 of them.
Recently, the company signed an
agreement to acquire 100% of the shares
in Tresmontes Lucchetti S. A. in
Chile for USD 758 million.
SURA Brand is currently well known in the
insurance, pension and investment fund business
through its operations in Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and
Chile.
In 2011, the group bought ING assets in Latin
America for USD $ 3,614 million.
It is the largest financial conglomerate in Colombia.
The Group has subsidiaries in El
Salvador, Panama, and Puerto Rico.
In 2012, Bancolombia acquired 100% of the
ordinary shares and 90.9% of the preferred shares of
HSBC Bank in Panama.
37. Some examples of high profile Colombian
“multilatinas”
Carvajal SA, is a conglomerate with
presence in 15 countries and
recognized for its role in the field of
packaging, stationery, design and
advertising.
In 2013, Carvajal S.A made an
investment of $ 23.7 million for the
construction of a manufacturing and
distribution center in Peru.
Colombiana SA is one of the country's leading
companies in the production and marketing of
sweets, chocolate and biscuits.
The company has strengthened its international
strategy with the opening of 11 branches
throughout the Americas and has a production
plant in Guatemala to supply the American market.
Tecnoquímicas is specialized in heath products and
services, personal care and household
cleaning, processed foods, and agricultural and
veterinary products in Colombia and Latin America.
The company has direct presence in Central
America through its 3 production plants in El
Salvador.
38. Sectors of opportunity – Energy: A diversified source base
and a pivotal location in the Americas
Source: World Economic Forum 2014 and UPME
* UPME (Colombian Planning Unit of Mines and Energy)
0,66
0,67
0,67
0,7
0,71
0,72
0,72
0,72
0,73
0,75
Latvia
Costa Rica
Spain
Colombia
Denmark
Switzerland
Sweden
France
New Zealand
Norway
The Global Energy Architecture Performance
Index 2014
Colombia was ranked first in
Latin America and seventh in the
world according to the “Energy
Architecture Performance Index
2014”. WEF, 2014.
103 Power Generation projects in
different stages: Installed capacity of
4,974 MW*
13 power transmission projects in
different stages*
High potential in Biofuels and
alternative energies
39. Source: Ministry of Transport
Fourth Generation of PPP’S (4g) –
Roads: US$ 24 Bill.
-Intervention of 8.000 Km of Roads
- 1.300 Km of new Roads
- 40 new concessions
Ports: US$ 2,1 Bill.
(2015-2018)
Improvement of the
Magdalena river
navigability:
US$ 1.3 Bill.
Airports: interventions US$ 1.8 Bill
(10 projects) and constructions US$
2.3 Bill (2 projects). (2015-2018)
Step Rail Ways Concession
Program (feasibility study – step 2)
US$ 4.2 Bill.
Opportunities to develop
air, road, river and airport
infrastructure
Sectors of opportunity – Infrastructure: A major drive for
growth
40. Opportunity sectors – Manufactures for the local
and foreign markets.
Medellín
2.441,123 hab.
Cali
2.344,734
hab.
Barranquilla
1.212,943 hab.
Bogotá
7.776,845 hab.
Cartagena
990,179 hab.
Cúcuta
643,666 hab.
Ibagué
512,631 hab.
Bucaramanga
527,451hab.
Soledad
599,012 hab.
Building materials, cars and
parts, clothing, cosmetics and cleanness
products, electric machines, others.
Colombia has a business network of more
than 3,700 industrial companies with
export experience
More than 400.000 graduates and
specialists in engineering related areas between
2000 and 2011
9 cities with more than 500 thousand
citizens
41. Sectors of opportunity – Services :
IT, BPO, ITO, Shared Services, Apps
Source: MinTic and IDC
Colombia is the 4th largest provider
of Software and IT services in the
region.
Sales growth rate : 13% between
2012 and 2013
Some foreign players in Colombia
The broadband connections
increased from 2,2 to 8,8 millions
between 2010 and 2014
In the next 4 years, the
broadband connections will
be tripled reaching 27
million connections
42. Labor incentives
New employees with incomes lower than
1.5 Minimum Wages (US$ 476). Length of
benefit by employee : 2 years.
New women employees above 40 years old
with more than 1 year unemployed. Length of
benefit by employee: 2 years.
New employees under twenty eight (28)
years old. Length of benefit by employee: 2
years.
New employees certified in displacement
situation, reintegration or disability. Length of
benefit by employee: 3 years.
Discount in the income tax and supplementary contributions, and other contributions from payroll.
(Do not include positions generated by mergers or replacements)
43. Incentives for job creation and formalization
Start of main economic activity: date of registration in the commercial register.
Small firms: staff no more than 50 employees, total assets not exceeding 5,000 SMMLV.
Payment of income tax.
Payment of levies and other contributions from payroll.
The business registration and renewal.
0% - 2 first years
25% - third year
50% - fourth year
75% - fifth year
100% - from the sixth
year.
0% - first year
50% - second year
75% - third year
100% - from the fourth
year.
Application of escalation
44. Free Trade Zones: Reduced income tax and sales
allowed to the local market
Free Trade Zone
Permanent Free
Trade Zone
Special Standing
"Uniempresarial"
(FTZ)
Guajira
MagdalenaAtlántico
Bolívar
Valle del
Cauca
Cauca
Norte de
Santander
Santander
Boyacá
Cundinamarca
Huila
Antioquia
Caldas
Risaralda
Quindío
FTZ requested or
approved prior to
December 31, 2012.
• 15% Income tax.
FTZ filed after
December
31, 2012.
•Income tax
of 15% +
9% tax
CREE.
Caribbean Region
Andean Region
Pacific Region
45. Free Trade Zones: Reduced income tax and
sales allowed to the local market
No import duties. VAT exemption for goods
sold from Colombia to FTZ.
Benefit from international trade
agreements.
Allows sales to the local market.
Free trade zones for different investor
styles.
46. A country of regions and differentiated opportunities for
investors Caribbean Region
• Strategic location to access North America and the Caribbean. Just two
hours and one hour away from the US and Panama, respectively.
• The 5 ports in the Caribbean move more than 55 million tons.
• 38% of the people in San Andres and Providencia are bilingual.
• It has 8 of the country's 9 submarine cables.
• There are 14 clusters in the Caribbean region with different initiatives
that support health services, IT, agribusiness, logistics, and the dairy
sector.
• According to the International Congress and Convention Association
(ICCA), Cartagena is the second Meetings and Corporate Tourism
destination in Colombia.
• Productive investments in: agribusiness, logistics and tourism
services, and production of industrial supplies.
• Its business sector is comprised by more than 2,600 companies, with
322 manufacturing companies, for example:
• 28 plastic container companies
• 24 metalworking companies
• 16 chemicals companies, etc.
Population 10.2 million
Economically Active
Population
4.6 million
GDP (Billion USD) $ 55.198
Source: DANE, 2014
47. A country of regions and differentiated opportunities
for investors
Population 26,5 Millones
Economically Active
Population
5,9 Millones
GDP (Billion USD) 234.959
Source: DANE, 2014
Andean/Central Region
• It is home to more than 50% of the population in Colombia.
• It is the main industrial and services hub in the country, representing
69% and 73.3% of the domestic GDP respectively.
• It clusters 70% of the business sector, with more than 26,400
companies.
• It offers 4 international airports with more than 1,800 air cargo
routes handling over 730 million tons per year.
• Medellin was acknowledged as the most innovative city in the
world. There are noteworthy developments in CO2 emission
reduction processes, cultural attractions, and reduced criminal rates.
Urban Land Institute, 2013. (El tiempo)
• The Santander Free Trade Zone is the number one in terms of job
creation among the Free Trade Zones created since 2009. Noticia
Vaguardia Liberal, 2014.
• Bogota is the sixth most attractive city in Latin America to engage in
business activities, according to América Economía, 2014.
•
48. A country of regions and differentiated opportunities
for investors
Population 8,2 Millones
Economically Active
Population
4,1 Millones
GDP (Billion USD) 48.535
Source: DANE, 2014
The Pacific Region
• In 2013, the 2 public service ports in the department of Valle
del Cauca handled 44.5% of the foreign trade operations in
Colombia by sea.
• It gathers approximately 10% of the business sector in Colombia
with more than 3,100 companies.
• Valle del Cauca is the 4th department in Colombia with the
highest arrivals of non-resident foreign travelers. In 2013, this
figure increased by 10.3%.
• Valle del Cauca is a strategic location to address the domestic
market. Also, Buenaventura is one of the closest ports to Asia in
the Americas.
• Valle del Cauca gathers 29% of the central distribution logistic
platforms for the main companies in the country.
• Valle del Cauca is the most cost-efficient region to
invest, according to the Financial Times, 2014.
49. A country of regions and differentiated
opportunities for investors
Population 2,7 Millones
Economically Active
Population
4,3 Millones
GDP (Billion USD) 39.157
Source: DANE, 2014
The Orinoquia and the Amazon Regions
• Great opportunities regarding agribusiness, oil goods and
services, hotel infrastructure, and tourism.
• In 2013, 13,955 foreign travelers arrived in these regions,
showing a 29% growth compared to the previous year.
• In 2013, more than 1,979,067 acres were planted with
agricultural products, showing a 6.6% increase.
• With over 3,212 acres cultivated with different clones, this
is the main rubber-producing region in Colombia.
MinAgricultura (Ministry of Agriculture)
• It gathers nearly 40% of the area suitable for reforestation
for commercial purposes in Colombia. UPRA
