A safe investment

The World Bank rated Colombia as the most business-friendly country in Latin America (2010) and first on the continent for investor protection. Moreover, the country adheres to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Declaration on International Investment, guaranteeing foreign investors the same treatment and privileges as domestic businesses. FDI increased fourfold in the 2003-2009 period, growing from $1.7 billion to $7.2 billion. Between 2010 and 2011, FDI increased 113%, from $6.8 billion to $14.4 billion, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The C in CIVETS

The CIVETS (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, South Africa) have shown greater stock performances since 2009 and have replaced the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) as the next generation of rising economies to track over the next decade. Market experts have welcomed Colombia’s pro-business government, which has been reinvesting oil revenues in infrastructure and other business areas to guarantee a wider and more competitive economy. 

Young workforce

67% of the nation’s population of 45 million is in the 15 to 64 year old age range, constituting a young workforce within a thriving entrepreneurial culture. It is also the world’s second most numerous Spanish-speaking population.
Strategic location
Just over three hours away by plane from Miami, Colombia is at an ideal point for access to other markets on the continent,  located in the same time zone as global business hubs such as New York, Toronto and Miami. Further afield, permanent contact is maintained with Europe, particularly Spain, due to the workable six-hour time difference and language affinity.

Premier tourist destination

International visitors to Colombia increased from 668,000 to 1.7 million during the 2003-2009 period. While tourism in the world fell 4%, in Colombia it rose 10.2% in 2009. Tour operators in the country almost doubled in 2011 to cater to demand.

For more information: Proexport