Colombia, the “C” of CIVETS, identified as a new high-growth market with huge potential, stands out from the rest of Latin America. The country was recently awarded “investment” grade rating by the three main rating agencies, as it enjoys stable economic growth with a 5,5% growth rate for 2011, it achieved the highest stock market performance of the region end of 2011, and it has a relatively low inflation for the last decade.
The business-friendly environment, as well as tough security policies, has made Colombia safer and has brought in a new wave of foreign investment into the country. FDI has grown significantly in recent years, and now hovers around 9bn US$ a year. Most growth comes from mining and oil and gas, but the economy is starting to diversify, with investments in service centers, agro-business, hotels and financial services.
The biggest obstacle to economic growth is infrastructure. President Santos has vowed to improve infrastructure by setting up a 10 year 55 billion $ investment plan, doubling the size of Colombia’s roads, upgrading the airports, reviving railways and expanding shipping by boat.
The Colombia Business Summit will provide top executives with clear insight into the Colombian investment climate, in a constructive and peer-to-peer setting. Join us to: