#colombia Our World See this report at worldfolio.co.uk Monday, April 14, 2014 Colombia in the international spotlight EDITOR IN CHIEF: ALBERTO LEANDRO LLARYORA

This supplement to USA TODAY was produced by United World Ltd., Suite 179, 34 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RH – Tel: +44 20 7409 3106 – [email protected] – www.unitedworld-usa.com PHOTOS: MARCA PAIS & GOBIERNO DE CHILE PAIS MARCA PHOTOS: The Latin American nation’s next chapter of success is to build on free trade with the U.S. and the development of the Pacific Alliance

olombia’s imminent and of building a community of significant for North Ameri- zón acknowledges this relation- very good club of countries and exchanges and free movement accession to OECD like-minded, economically am- can businesses and investors in ship, stating that “both the U.S. obviously Colombia wants to of capital and people. membership is a bitious regional nations into the Colombia, bringing a common government and the U.S. people be there, continuing with good The alliance’s economic significant marker wide-ranging Pacific Alliance. framework for bilateral trade are two great allies of Colombia”, practices and learning from strength is undeniable; already it of international recognition of Colombia now represents and investment, as well as the while Aurelio Iragorri, Minister those countries in order to im- ranks as the world’s eighth larg- Cthe country’s economic suc- one of Latin America’s most protection of intellectual prop- of the Interior, adds that “we prove more.” est economy and seventh larg- cess story. However, the success attractive investment oppor- erty, labor rights and the envi- have had an extraordinary re- Besides the FTA with the U.S. est exporter, and reaps in more extends much further as the in- tunities. The groundwork for ronment. Colombia already had lationship with the American and entry into the OECD, Co- FDI than Mercosur. terlinked policy initiatives and sustained progress is being an excellent record on investor authorities”. lombia now has a third trump Colombia is resolving with strategies of the Juan Manuel laid through structural reform protection; in the World Bank Entry into the OECD enables card to strengthen its creden- determination issues that had Santos administration over the aimed at tackling and resolving rankings it comes in at number Colombia, in the words of Mr. tials as a regional ally and as a held it back for decades, car- last three-and-a-half years also long-standing economic, re- one in Latin America and fifth Garzón, “to belong to the club key gateway country to Latin rying out structural and so- start to bear fruit in areas such as gional and social issues and thus in the world. And while U.S. of countries with good gover- America. This is its member- cial reforms to ease the way national and regional social de- providing a firm basis for inter- agricultural exports have ben- nance practices [and] with new ship of the Pacific Alliance, a re- ahead. The country is set on velopment, poverty reduction, nal stability, for citizens and for efited greatly from the CTPA, levels of economic and social gional integration initiative with securing internal peace and the persecution of drugs-linked business alike. IMF figures show Colombia still had in 2013 a fa- development.” Meanwhile, for Mexico, Chile and Peru. The security, positioning itself stra- criminality and, of course, the growth in the period 2012-2014 vorable trade balance with the Gabriel Vallejo, Director of the union seeks to act in common tegically as a key gateway to process to bring an end to de- averaging 4% per annum – sub- U.S. of over US$3 billion. Department for Social Prosper- on trade and investment mat- Latin America. It is building cades of internal unrest. stantially higher than the rates The trade agreement has fur- ity, it “denotes recognition by ters, and the Inter-American on growth and bursting with This comprehensive success being achieved by countries ther strengthened the close liai- the major economic powers of Development Bank considers self-confidence, as well as set- story is now propelling a very such as Brazil and Mexico. son between the two countries, the world”. These comments are the Pacific Alliance as “the most ting up trade structures with confident Colombia into a new The United States-Colombia forged over decades of fighting echoed by Ricardo Triana Soto, ambitious integration proposal major trading partners – the era, one of welcoming the chal- Trade Promotion Agreement together illegal drug cartels and Executive Director of the Coun- in decades”, covering trade mat- principal of these being the lenges of competing in the wider (CTPA), in effect since May money laundering. Colombia’s cil of American Enterprises, ters but also technology trans- U.S. A new chapter of success arena of free trade with the U.S. 2012, has already been very Vice-President Angelino Gar- who says that “the OECD is a fer, educational and academic is already being written.

PathThe Santos administration to with negotiationspeace continuing cess maywith involve a national millionprosperity people out of poverty so income from the develop- to a decades-old conflict and pursues various interlinked on the others. Nevertheless, compact for a new start or, and more than 1.3 million ment of oil and mineral re- for remedying circumstances strategies to achieve peace Vice-President Angelino Gar- as Mr. Garzón states, “in the out of absolute poverty”. He sources is being redistributed that have historically fostered and poverty reduction zón emphasizes the govern- search for peace, we have to emphasizes programs such as so that poorer regions are now social discontent. Dr. Cor- ment’s will to reach a peace secure a road of forgiveness ‘More Families in Action’ in able to invest locally in social rea states that “peace must The government of Juan Man- agreement that will “allow the and reconciliation.” Dr. Cor- which an allowance is paid to development and job creation. come from within a society”, uel Santos is determined to country to move forward in rea remarks that “justice is one mothers, provided their chil- Interior Minister Mr. Iragorri something amplified by Mr. finally turn the page on more consolidating economic de- of the key pillars in building a dren attend school and have adds that this redirection of Iragorri when he says that “a than four decades of internal velopment, in reducing pover- stable and lasting peace; its ab- prescribed vaccinations, thus resources to the local level is country which doesn’t invest unrest through a path of dia- ty and in implementing a more sence [previously] has resulted linking payments with respon- essential in the government’s in its people will never be logue, agreement and national equitable distribution of land.” in wounds not healing and we sibilities and fostering social fight against inequality. able to achieve peace.” The reconciliation. Minister of Former Minister of Justice have learned that lesson.” and personal development. The Santos administration goal is peace with prosperity, the Interior Aurelio Iragorri Dr. Ruth Stella Correa notes Poverty reduction is rec- The poverty reduction has clearly interlinked strate- for the whole country and for states that “the first decision that land and social justice ognized as one of the key el- program also aims to redraw gies for both bringing an end all its people. we made was to disarm our are the vital components of ements in bringing greater income distribution between words...and try to find a point a peace agreement and that social inclusion and social jus- different regions of the coun- of convergence in dialogue.” the government already has tice. Gabriel Vallejo, Director try. Rafael Pardo, the Minis- A UNITED WORLD SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY: The peace process started in policies in place to promote of the Department for Social ter of Labor, is clear that “the Laura Llames, Project Director; Miguel Rodríguez-Villa, September 2012 and agree- restitution of land and the Prosperity, highlights the suc- backwardness of rural areas Editorial Director; and Gemma Gutiérrez, Regional Director. ment has been reached in two provision of justice for victims cess of the Santos administra- has a great deal to do with the of the six peace agenda points, in the conflict. The peace pro- tion in taking “more than 2.4 persistent violence there” and Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 2 Monday, April 14, 2014 Distributed by USA TODAY COLOMBIA The cradle for outstanding ventures The country’s sustained economic growth and confident, well regulated financial sector demonstrates that Colombia is a serious competitor

Colombia’s economy is on a Juan Pablo Córdoba, also planned. There will also roll. For over a decade, the President of the Colombian be an ETF covering the main country has averaged more Securities Exchange (BVC), quoted companies in Co- than 4% annual growth and recognizes that the challenge lombia, Chile and Peru, the it is now consistently reg- for the Colombian economy three countries that com- istering higher rates of ex- is to now “sustain growth of prise the Integrated Latin pansion than Mexico and 5-6% over a decade, since America Market, or MILA. Brazil – even in 2008 and this is what is going to make Mr. Córboda goes on to 2009, when just about ev- a difference in terms of pov- say that he sees the strong ery other country in Latin erty reduction, expansion of local stock exchange as America was suffering seri- the middle class and wealth “the ideal framework for ous downturns. improvement”. channeling U.S. capital He adds that capital in- for major projects”, stating DUring the worst of vestment, presently at about that infrastructure devel- the global economic 29% of GDP, is what will opments, the likely next recession, colombia’s drive growth over the next major growth engine of the GDP growth never two years. Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutiérrez, David Bojanini, President of the Juan Pablo Córdoba, President of the Colombian economy, may dropped below María Mercedes Cuél- President of the Aval Group Sura Group Colombian Securities Exchange (BVC) require the mobilization of 1.7%, well above its lar, President of Asoban- between US$40-US$60 bil- regional neighbors, caria seconds this, seeing ing the worldwide crisis of The Colombian financial purchases, as well as help- lion. He says the Colombian including peru, infrastructure development 2008-2009. sector is, rather exceptional- ing micro-entrepreneurs get Securities Exchange has “a mexico, brazil and as a key element in future Luis Fernando Mejía, Di- ly, largely Colombian-owned started. very direct role to play, es- growth, as well as a sector at- rector of Macroeconomic and is now confidently ex- Mr. Bojanini sees similar pecially in the canalization chile tractive to foreign investors. Policy at the Ministry of panding into Andean, Cen- potential in expanding in- of resources to investment It is a country now rightly The financial sector is in Finance, concurs, saying: tral American and Carib- surance coverage to a much sectors.” bursting with confidence good health and has been “When the crisis came we bean countries. wider public, mentioning Mr. Bojanini adds that the and with determined and well regulated. David Boja- were not in such a vulner- With the coming into ef- the Sura Group’s success in infrastructure requirements interlinked strategies to cre- nini, President of the Sura able position. Colombia fect of several free trade selling insurance products cover everything from ate the structural conditions Group, highlights that “the grew at a rate of 1.9%, being agreements, notably that through retail outlets, by roads to ports, airports and to bring even faster growth, economy has been managed probably the only economy with the United States in means of which they have railways – all that is needed while simultaneously imple- in a very orthodox way with in Latin America that had a 2012, and the founding of “been able to reach people to lay the foundations for menting wide-ranging pro- close control of financial noted growth in a context of the Pacific Alliance with who, before, had no access achieving the country’s grams of regional and social companies, ensuring pru- regional recession.” He also Mexico, Chile and Peru, to insurance.” aim of sustained long-term development. The financial dent behavior” and so were points out the country’s con- the Colombian economy is The financial sector is growth. sector is a lynchpin in the better placed than their trolled inflation of 1.9% and opening up fast while op- also responding to the The financial sector of country’s ambitions. counterparts elsewhere dur- fiscal deficit of just 2.3%. portunities for Colombian growing need of the bur- Colombia is fully conscious companies now abound outside the country. Luis the president of the colombian securities Carlos Sarmiento Gutiér- exchange highlights the need for US$40-60 rez, President of the Aval billion to carry out infrastructure projects Group, one of those building over the next few years a strong regional presence, highlights the advantages of Colombian banks as hav- geoning middle class for of the crucial role it has to ing “good portfolio quality, financial products and ser- play in the country’s eco- balance sheet strength, suf- vices, with Mr. Córdoba nomic transformation into ficiency of available funds, of the BVC underscoring a regional powerhouse and efficiency and profitability.” that pension funds in the in offering the world a dy- Ms. Cuéllar says “there has country now have “between namic gateway to Latin been a financial revolution US$80-$100 billion of assets American markets. It is ac- in Colombia in terms of fi- under management...some- cepting the challenge, inno- nancial inclusion”, referring thing very positive for the vating, investing and initiat- particularly to the spread of development of the coun- ing ideas. As Mr. Sarmiento personal banking into even try’s capital markets.” Gutiérrez of the Aval Group the poorest sections of the The Securities Exchange says, “Colombia is now the population. She also high- President also mentions prettiest girl at the ball and lights the growth of micro- the first Colombian Ex- everyone wants to dance credits to individuals, which change Traded Fund (ETF), with her.” The country’s fi- now number 1.7 million and launched two years ago, with nancial sector will surely be are usually for consumer a fixed-income ETF now her vigilant chaperone.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, April 14, 2014 3 COLOMBIA Open for business and open to the world Colombia’s newfound confidence is spurring it to take on the challenge of successfully competing with the world’s best

Colombia is an economic Council of American Enter- success story with growth prises (CEA) notes the large now consistently some way numbers of U.S. corpora- ahead of that of Brazil and tions already very much at Mexico, and inflation, at home in Colombia, stating below 2% per annum, sub- that “companies in the CEA stantially lower. This is account for 12-14% of Co- complemented by a fiscal lombia’s GDP, a very impor- deficit of only 2.3% and un- tant participation”. employment at its lowest The virtuous circle level in 13 years. In fact, as brought by FDI in the oil and Bernardo Noreña, President extractive industries, which of Citibank Colombia, points accounted for 81% of total out, “Colombia’s economy foreign investment in 2013, hasn’t seen negative growth is highlighted by Javier Díaz- throughout the last 15 years”. Molina, Executive President This country with such of the National Associa- an exceptional record of tion for Foreign Commerce sound economic manage- (ANALDEX). He comments ment is now bursting with that “foreign investment has self-confidence and ready to generated a dynamic and take center stage, not only positive cycle of higher in- in Latin America but in the vestment, higher growth and wider world, and to accept higher employment.” all the challenges that brings. AmCham’s Mr. Reyes Ro- One sign that the world is dríguez now sees tremen- waking up to the attraction reach such an important Foreign Direct dous potential for foreign of Colombia as a major econ- market as the U.S.” investment hit a investors in support services omy, trading partner and Luis Fernando Mejía, Di- record US$16.8 billion to the oil and extractive in- investment destination is rector of Macroeconomic in 2013, more than dustries, as well as in infra- the recent invitation for the Policy at the Ministry of double the 2010 figure structure development. The country to join the OECD. Finance, adds that the FTA latter is believed by Juan of US$6.9 billion Additionally, The Econo- is a critical step in the gov- Pablo Córdoba, President mist includes Colombia ernment’s strategy of diver- of the Colombia Securities among the top 10 countries sifying exports, opening to Exchange, to have potential which will most drive global “Colombian entrepreneurs a foreign investors includes amounting to US$40-60 bil- growth. Free trade agree- very large new market with the absence of retrospective lion over the next five years. ments with the EU and Can- preferential treatment.” changes in legislation, com- Clearly, the welcome car- ada, and now, most impor- Besides building booming mercial arbitration under pet is out for the world’s tantly, with the United States two-way trade relationships, international auspices, and businesses to discover Co- have radically reshaped the Colombia is also becoming a freedom of remittance of lombia and write their own country’s business environ- magnet for foreign direct in- profits. Ricardo Triana Soto, chapter in this continuing ment, transforming its rap- vestment, which hit another Executive Director of the success story. idly modernizing economy record of US$16.8 billion in into a secure and attractive 2013, having increased in place to do business. each of the past three years The relationship between and more than doubling the U.S. and Colombia has since 2010. been close for decades, The interlinked strategies forged in the fight against of structural economic re- drugs trafficking, money forms within the country and laundering and terrorism, free trade agreements with and broadening in recent some of the world’s leading years to include trade, devel- economic powers, together opment and human rights. with sound management of Vice-President Angelino the national economy, mean Garzón emphasizes that that investing in Colombia the United States-Colombia now means investing for the Trade Promotion Agree- world market. ment (CTPA), now nearly Camilo Reyes Rodríguez, into its third year, is “an Executive Director of the Angelino Garzón, Camilo Reyes Rodríguez, Executive agreement of reciprocal Colombia American Cham- Vice-President of Colombia Director of the Colombia American benefits in economic and ber of Commerce (Am- Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) social matters.” It is a new Colombia’s trade surplus with the United States in 2013 was just over US$3 billion Cham), notes that the re- chapter in a relationship of gional Pacific Alliance with ever-closer ties, establishing Colombia, which had in nies and provides them with Mexico, Chile and Peru adds a common framework for bi- 2013 a trade surplus with the the incentive to learn and the further prospect of Co- lateral trade and investment United States of over US$3 innovate in response to the lombia as a major compo- together with wide-ranging billion, has seen 57% of its requirements of American nent of “a bloc with huge ne- provisions on labor rights, exports benefiting under the customers. gotiating capacity in dealing environmental protection FTA, including a third of In this respect, Gabriel with Asian countries.” and the protection of intel- its agricultural exports, and Vallejo, Director of the De- Mr. Reyes Rodríguez also lectual property rights. with some almost doubling partment for Social Pros- emphasizes the importance The implementation of in volume, including sugar, perity, remarks that “there is of the FTA in providing the CTPA brought an imme- confectionery goods, textiles, nothing better for a country “norms and rules of legal diate boost to trade between tuna and dairy products. than transferring technol- stability for foreign invest- the two countries with sharp The CTPA really has been ogy, knowledge and human ment.” In this respect, the increases in exports of U.S. a two-way success story, en- talent.” Bertha Cecilia Rojas, World Bank has recognized agricultural products, hy- abling the U.S. to plug into Manager of the Pacific Free Colombia as the leader in drocarbon products, phar- a now regional opportunity Trade Zone, highlights that Latin America (and fifth in maceuticals, aircraft, ma- of sustained fast growth. It “our focus is on develop- the world) in terms of le- Javier Díaz-Molina, Executive President Ricardo Triana Soto, chinery, and iron and steel greatly expands the markets ing all kinds of agricultural gal protection for investors. of the National Association for Foreign Executive Director of the Council products. open to Colombian compa- products in a big effort to The level playing field for Commerce (ANALDEX) of American Enterprises (CEA)

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 4 Monday, April 14, 2014 Distributed by USA TODAY COLOMBIA Investors dig deep to tap natural riches Economic, territorial and legal conditions favor investment in the mining and energy sectors

In recent years, Colombia the country’s second main ex- Colombian enterprise agrees has expertly harnessed its re- port after oil. Primary destina- that growth must be main- sources in such a way that its tions in 2012 included Europe, tained in a sustainable way, oil, gas and mining industries the rest of Latin America, as and they are well aware of the have seen a rise in production, well as the United States, with important challenges they face. exports and investment. Asia recently joining that list, Nevertheless, they are focused According to Colombian led by China. on operating responsibly with Central Bank estimates, the Says Santiago Angel Urdi- consideration for the environ- country received a record nola, Vice-President of Mining, ment at all times. US$16.8 billion in foreign direct Oil and Energy of ANDI (the “Colombia is one of the most investment in 2013, of which National Business Association), demanding countries in terms the hydrocarbons and mining “Colombia is one of the world’s of environmental awareness sector received the lion’s share: top producers in mining and and responsibility. It is about US$13.7 billion in total. hydrocarbons. We must con- more than complying with reg- The country has always tinue to increase our strength ulations; decision-making must been known for its mineral en- in non-renewable natural re- be ethical. It is crucial to oper- dowment, but now more than sources, and that’s only possible ate with foresight,” says Beatriz ever it is leveraging the entire through clear government and Uribe Restrepo, President of breadth of its bounties of na- forward-looking regulations.” Mineros S.A. ture. New infrastructure, the Colombia’s robust position Colombia has a long-stand- discovery of hitherto unknown in these industries has been ing tradition in mining and oil reserves, growing export enhanced by a battery of regu- energy, both of which are in- destinations and favorable latory reforms, further boost- grained in the communities. It regulations are paving the way ing the appeal of its natural has every interest in continu- to prosperity. gas and oil sector vis-à-vis for- ing to exploit its resources in a As of the first of January eign investors and driving the way that is responsible, while 2014, Colombia was Latin increase in production. Says also providing the conditions America’s fourth-leading oil Camilo Marulanda, President which favor investment. María producer, with proven crude of Cenit (a subsidiary of Eco- Constanza García Botero, oil reserves amounting to 2.4 petrol): “The mining-energy President of the National Min- billion barrels. It is in an elite sector is one of Colombia’s fore- ing Agency, calls for “a three- group of just 22 countries in most economic drivers. It has pronged approach that aims the world with an output of 1 expanded notably in the last to achieve a balance between million barrels per day (bpd), four years, and now we must economic development, en- and production is expected to figure out how to maintain that vironmental preservation and reach 1.3 million bpd by 2020. Last year, Colombia’s mining and oil and gas sectors were the target of some US$13.7 billion in FDI growth going forward.” progress for society.” With consumption of less than 300,000 bpd in 2012, that leaves Leading export destinations feet, Colombia’s Ministry of the bulk available for export. for Colombia’s oil include the Mines and Energy maintains Going forward, the idea is U.S., Panama, China and Spain. that it has enough natural gas full steam ahead. According to In 2012, it exported 432,000 to meet its own needs for the Alejandro Martínez Villegas, bpd of crude oil and refined next 14-15 years. In 2011 alone, President of the Colombian As- products to the U.S., a steady the country produced 387 bil- Local expertise sociation of Petroleum (ACP), increase over the last six years, lion cubic feet (bcf) of dry nat- the government’s objective is according to Germán Arce ural gas and consumed 312 bcf, to increase daily output, with Martínez, former President of while slightly more than half of works towards filling “a high quantity in investment the National Hydrocarbons total gross natural gas produc- and exploratory activity in Agency, “whereas Mexican tion was reinjected to aid in search of growth”. and Venezuela oil exports there enhanced oil recovery. Expanded oil production will have both declined”. Production originally started the housing gap require discoveries of reserves China is also looking to get to outstrip consumption back and improvements to infra- involved, primarily by financing in 2007, and by March 2011, Grupo Valor, a reliable local and international partner in real estate development, structure safety, and fortunately investment projects to trans- the government published a is doing its part to provide Colombians with homes and more there are parts of the country port Colombian oil to the Pa- decree outlining a plan to in- that are largely untapped and cific coast. crease natural gas output with While many countries in certified reserves continue to Natural gas is also one of Co- a view to boosting exports. The the developed world are suf- be discovered. lombia’s fortes. With current country recently began export- fering from burst real estate Says former Minister of reserves of 5.7 trillion cubic ing to Venezuela, and has seen bubbles and crippling mort- Mines and Energy Federico an increase in new export op- gage crises, Colombia’s con- Rengifo: “We want our re- there are parts of portunities. struction sector is still sailing serves to grow. The challenge the country that are Most of Colombia’s reserves smooth waters and is expect- is achieving the conditions in largely untapped and are in the Llanos and Guajira ed to do so indefinitely. Colombia which are favorable Basins in the east and, like oil, According to Sergio Mutis certified reserves of for both the country and for en- production has climbed nota- Caballero, President of terprise to increase output in a oil continue to be bly in recent years due to grow- Grupo Valor, this real estate socially responsible way”. discovered ing investment in exploration stability is due to several fac- and development. Additional tors. Firstly is the fact that a growth is currently a govern- huge housing deficit guar- ment priority. antees that demand out- According to Mining and En- strips supply. Some 280,000 Colombia’s housing deficit stands at around 145,000 homes per year ergy Minister Amylkar Acosta, houses are needed yearly yet mining investment in Colom- in a good year, only about forming partnerships not fund partners find our vi- bia has increased by 17% since 135,000 are built – essentially only with suppliers, build- sion, size, emphasis on in- 2012, outpacing Latin America meaning that no houses go ers and promoters, but also novation and environment, as a whole. unbought. with domestic and foreign and our strong partnerships Coal is a leading resource, Secondly, Colombians in investors. One of its biggest very attractive.” and output has risen steadily general put a down payment partners is the L.A.-based The president also high- over the years. Total produc- of 50% towards their homes private equity fund Paladin lights that Valor always tion in 2012 amounted to 98.1 with relatively low interest Realty Partners, with whom seeks – as its name rightly million short tons (MMst), and rates, which combined, re- Valor last year signed a suggests – extra value. “We consumption totaled just 5.1 sult in zero property value US$20 million agreement. don’t take on a project un- MMst, leaving the remainder depreciation and a lower The joint venture, called less there’s something inno- Some of the world’s most prized green beryl, or emeralds, are found in Colombia’s for export. This mineral plays a risk of loan defaults. PALVAL Homebuilding vative about it, whether it be Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor mining areas vital role in the economy and is Thirdly, says Mr. Mutis, Platform, will build ap- innovation in the product, in Colombian culture places proximately 1,000 middle- the project concept or in the great value on home own- income housing units in building system. We even ership. As a result, 70% of high-density areas in Bo- have a section of the com- houses are bought by indi- gotá and beyond. pany called the Innovative viduals and families as resi- Why have Paladin and and Sustainable Building dences, while just 30% are various other equity funds Department.” bought as investments. chosen Valor as their local Although the company Grupo Valor S.A. is a Colombian partner? Mr. focuses mainly on middle well-reputed, mid-sized Mutis explains: “We’re not and upper-middle housing, real estate developer with the biggest but we’re solid it also participates in social projects throughout Co- in terms of economics and housing and commercial lombia and who excels at market knowledge. Our and tourism projects.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, April 14, 2014 5 COLOMBIA A vital engine of growth The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the central government demonstrate their ability to leverage Colombia’s strong points and address its challenges

Demand for consumer-oriented The country has exhaus- agricultural products, such tively identified the climate as fresh and processed fruit, change challenges it faces, vegetables, beer, red meat, allowing it to prioritize adap- and fresh and frozen pork, tation measures according to has been on the rise in Co- risk. Moreover, farmers have lombia over the past two de- worked side-by-side with the cades. This has been driven government in this process, by two main factors: ongoing which will foster implemen- appreciation of the currency, tation and increase the suc- which has increased purchas- cess rate. Measures include ing power, and sustained eco- new farming technology, nomic growth. Strong foreign greater crop variety, and the direct investment is also ex- use of area-specific manage- pected to continue in Colom- ment techniques and low- bia, which bodes well for both carbon production systems the currency and imports. which use minimal water. The country’s primary crops, These methods and models including coffee, cut flowers, can be exported to other Latin bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, American countries, making and oilseed, continue to per- Colombia a true pioneer in form well. this area. Colombia is also leverag- Another way the govern- ing its current position as the ment is working for the ag- third-largest palm producer riculture sector is through in the Americas. According to the agricultural bank, Banco Jens Mesa Dishington, Presi- PAIS MARCA PHOTO: Agrario. According to the dent of the Colombian plan- Colombia’s primary crops include coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn and oilseed bank’s President, Álvaro tation owners’ association, Miguel Navas Patrón, the Fedepalma, the palm industry should address both micro- nomenon battered 60% of its Food and Agriculture Or- is one of the country’s most economic and macroeco- territory, flooding more than ganization of the United dynamic. Moreover, national nomic rural needs, noting 800,000 hectares, causing Nations ranks Colombia agriculture companies such as that the ministry was ac- damages in excess of US$12 among the top eight econo- Team Food, Mayagüez, Man- tively “collecting guidelines, million and affecting more mies in terms of agricultural uelita, Colombina, and Hari- projects, critiques and rec- than 2.5 million people. The and agro-industrial develop- nera del Valle remain com- ommendations to build a prolonged and intense rainy ment. And, since its creation mitted to socially responsible true state policy for the agri- season led the government to in 1999, Banco Agrario has growth, employment, and to cultural sector”. declare an economic, social endeavored to further sector their role as drivers of the Co- When tensions flared again development in every way lombian economy. recently, Mr. Santos met with Banco Agrario possible. One of the country’s fore- sector representatives and the reaches out to provide “Firstly, we reach parts of most departments is the Cau- two sides agreed on a set of loans to small and Colombia that other banks ca Valley. Located in the west, measures, including provid- medium-sized farmers don’t, which means we are it is the Pacific Door of Co- ing farmers with credit cards who would otherwise able to serve even the most lombia, home to the country’s with special conditions, eas- rural of populations,” says not have access to largest seaport and an agricul- Rubén Darío Lizarralde, Minister of Álvaro Miguel Navas Patrón, ier access to loans, and rais- Mr. Navas Patrón. “Secondly, tural powerhouse. This region Agriculture and Rural Development President of Banco Agrario ing prices for their products. funding we play a vital role in that is the country’s second-largest A commission will also be we provide loans to small- producer of sugar cane, and it bor unions, and much of the prosperity”. He added that it created to regulate fertilizer, and ecological emergency and mid-sized farmers, who produces almost 9% of total country’s rural population. would also provide a platform insecticide and seed prices. and a nationwide national di- would never be able to access domestic coffee production. Through dialogue, howev- where the government, farm- Although the situation is not saster that year. funding if not for us.” But the sector is not with- er, progress was made in the ers, peasants and indigenous entirely resolved, both sides But since La Ñiña, the Min- The Colombian govern- out its challenges. In Au- form of the Grand National tribes could work together on are working together to find a istry of Agriculture and Rural ment has proven adept at tak- gust and September 2013, Pact for the Agricultural a collaboration that will lead solution, and the government Development has taken the ing advantage of its assets and the country was immersed Sector and Rural Develop- to “a truly agricultural, mod- has proven especially dedi- bull by the horns, investing agile in confronting its obsta- in tense protests against the ment, announced several ern and fair policy that looks cated to returning the sector heavily to ensure end-to-end, cles. As a result, the country government’s agricultural weeks after the unrest began. toward the future”. to a path of growth. multi-crop, multi-regional is proving resilient and capa- policies, tension which took Colombian President Juan Rubén Darío Lizarralde, Climate change is perhaps adaptations. It has teamed up ble of guiding its agricultural the shape of an agrarian strike Manuel Santos said the pact Colombia’s Minister for Ag- the biggest risk factor Colom- with the International Center sector, an important source by a broad coalition compris- “would convert the agricul- riculture, highlighted the bia’s agriculture sector faces. for Tropical Agriculture to im- of wealth and employment, ing the farming industry, la- tural sector into a center of importance that the pact In 2010, the La Niña phe- plement important initiatives. towards further growth.

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Colombia knocks on the door of innovation and modernism foreign investment reach our people could help generate opportunities, as long through the most representative entities as we don’t forget that a job must be paid on time, with adequate social benefits and with projection in the future.” As peace gains momentum and the economy takes off, some Colombian busi- The Forum of Presidents also believes that the process of winning the peace is ness leaders are keen to play an active role in building the country anew. But complex and that authorities and businesses must help former fighters to learn it’s not only because they foresee more profits. What they really are interested another way of life. “It has to be done with intelligence because these people come in is to assume fully their role as leaders in order to bring about social changes. from holding a rifle and they want to be part of society again. It is possible to find Such is the belief of the Forum of Presidents (Foro de Presidentes), an orga- them jobs they will feel comfortable with, for instance as border or forest guards.” nization set up in 2004 that gathers some 170 top executives of the country’s Decidedly innovative and forward-thinking, the Forum of Presidents has largest companies. been inspired by research on management conducted at the Massachusetts “The participation of businessmen in public policies is a theme that will become Institute of Technology (MIT). “Our philosophy is to go from an ego-system – increasingly relevant in time. Entrepreneurs and businessmen must accompany a system centered in ‘me, us, our environment’ – to a truly eco-system focused the government in building a better society,” says Omar González, President of on society as a whole and on how each of us can take part in improving it,” the Forum of Presidents. “Improving the conditions for businessmen and helping explains Mr. González.

Grupo Nutresa Always thinking out of the box The former Compañía Nacional de Chocolates keeps quality and people at the core of its business

Born in 1920, Nutresa is anything but old. It’s one of the most dynamic compa- nies in Colombia and indeed Latin America. The fourth largest food company in Latin America in market capitalization, Nutresa Group manages a portfolio of 70 brands and distributes its products in 65 countries. It employs 30,000 people, including 6,100 out of Colombia. GRUPO ÉXITO Ranked by Euromoney as “one of the best managed companies in Latin Everywhere for everyone America”, Nutresa recently created “Out of the Box”, a US$7.5 million venture capital fund that will encourage and finance radical inno- The chain that keeps customers happy vation projects and is open to employees. “We are an through experience agile and customer-oriented company,” says its President, Carlos Ignacio Gallego. Colombia’s retail leader, Grupo Exito, is on a path of growth that is seem- One of its recent achievements is the deal ingly without obstacles. With three brands (Carulla, Exito and Surtimax), signed between its brand of locally grown Grupo Exito already has 487 stores in 84 towns, but where Carlos Mario Giraldo coffee, Colcafé, and Starbucks, who plans Moreno, Group CEO, sees huge potential is in 200 new townships around the to open 50 coffee shops across Colom- country that “have space for a formal retail proposal.” bia in the next five years. “This is a He adds that the group’s US$1 billion in liquidity is being used for both domes- very big vote of confidence,” tic and international expansion. adds Mr. Gallego. Grupo Exito pioneered online retail in Colombia, offering its products through its digital platforms exito.com and carulla.com. In addition, Grupo Exito has its own brand of shopping malls – VIVA – through its real estate arm, as well as its own private food and clothing labels. Throughout its history, the group has remained constant in its dedication to people. “One thing that is fundamental from our founders is that we owe everything to our customers, we work for them PROCAPS and try to find new ways to The success of exporting satisfy them,” says Mr. capsules worldwide Giraldo. Gel and capsule exports rise significantly with FTA and FDA

Colombia’s pharmaceutical industry is big business, and Procaps, a pioneering soft gelatine capsule manufacturer, is one of the biggest exporters, accounting for approximately one-third of the country’s US$350 million worth of exports. The free trade agreement with the U.S. has facilitated product entry into the United States and the recent Food and Drug Administration’s approval of its progesterone capsule plant in Barranquilla has truly opened the door wide for Procaps in North America’s US$250 billion pharmaceutical market. The approval, which management considers one of its most important triumphs in the company’s history, came after several years of investment, research and waiting – a long process that is considered worthwhile, given the fact that Co- lombia’s pharmaceutical market is worth just US$6-7 billion. Established in 1977 in Barranquilla, Procaps ranks among the top five globally for gelatine cap- sules and exports to more than 35 countries worldwide, while constantly innovat- Grupo AVAL ing and differentiating its dozens of lines of pharmaceutical products, The accomplishment of thanks to a 250-person strong shopping in Central America team dedicated solely to R&D. The biggest holding company of Colombia continues to expand its business in the region

The businessman whom Latin Trade magazine named ‘Most Dynamic CEO of 2011’ is Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutiérrez, President since 2000 of Colombia’s largest holding: Grupo Aval de Acciones y Valores. Engaged in a broad range of financial activities, including banking, telecoms and real es- tate, Aval Group has seen its regional presence grow significantly thanks to Mr. Sarmiento Gutiérrez’s vision and ambition to make strategic investments that “are not merely symbolic” but rather strong and “controlling”. Of course, with 30% of Colombia’s financial system’s assets already under the Aval umbrella (its major subsidiaries include Banco de Bogotá, Colombia’s second largest bank, as well as Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular, and Banco AV Villas), the group president was all but forced to look beyond his country’s borders. “We realized that inorganic expansion was going to be difficult, given our large market share,” he says. “So we began looking at Central America and we came to the conclusion that enter- ing each country there wouldn’t make much sense because they’re so small. However, buy- ing a regional bank would be logical so we waited. Soon enough BAC Credomatic, which was not long before acquired by GE Capital Global Banking, was up for sale in 2010. The stars aligned and we said ‘That’s exactly what we’ll buy’.” US$1.9 billion later, “We Grupo Aval had a very strong foothold in Central America. do not The top bank in Costa Rica and a market leader in Honduras, El Sal- only talk vador and Nicaragua, where BAC Credomatic trailed slightly was in about the coming Guatemala and Panama. To up the ante in those countries, last year international Aval acquired Reformador in the former and BBVA in the latter. Also in 2013, Banco de Bogotá’s Porvenir pension fund ad- expansion, ministrator bought out Horizonte from BBVA for US$530 we make it million. Today, the group’s portfolio includes some 10 real” million clients, 70,000 employees and as- sets worth $70 billion.

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GRUPO SURA Roadmap to profitability Innovation plays a big role in this investment portfolio

Now in its 70th anniversary year, Grupo Sura has plenty to celebrate. In March, Euromoney named it ‘Best Managed Company in Colombia’ in 2013 and ranked it second in the Financial and Banking Services category for Latin America. Grupo Sura also boasts investment grade from both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. The holding company is dedicated to managing a portfolio of investments in economic sectors as wide-ranging as cement and chocolate, in addition to its core business of insurance, finance and asset management. Grupo Sura is the majority shareholder in companies such as Bancolombia, Grupo Nutresa, Inversiones Argos, Protección, and SURA Asset Management. David Bojanini, Group President, says that the holding has grown thanks to its passion for in- novation, especially in the insurance sector. “One of the most important innovations in insurance industry has been to change our clients’ concept of insurance by offering them services that differ from a traditional insurance service,” he explains. As an example he cites auto insurance, which Sura has expanded by rendering preventative services and on-road break-down assistance – something no company had ever done before. In mid-2011, Grupo Sura acquired Dutch company ING’s pension, insurance and invest- ment fund assets in five Latin American countries for $3.7 billion, thus catapulting the group onto the global stage. “This required an entire financing strat- GRUPO ARGOS egy that wouldn’t put our good ratings at risk,” recalls Mr. Boja- Expansion in many “Our main nini. “But having achieved it definitely positioned Sura as the Latin American leader in mandatory pensions and as an sectors makes sense strength lies in important player in the insurance and savings and in- the quality of the vestment industries.” Argos is not just about cement, they are developing people who work Grupo Sura has had its shares listed in the in many areas through innovation with us. That is one Colombian stock exchange since 1945 and of the areas that is today the sole Colombian company Having begun and wildly triumphed in the cement industry, Grupo Argos receives the most listed in LATIBEX. has expanded its business horizons to include energy (Celsia) and later investment” real estate (Situm), port management (Compas) and coal mining (Sator). Cementos Argos is the fifth largest cement manufacturer in Latin America and its subsidiary Argos USA is today the leading concrete company in the southern U.S., says group President José Alberto Vélez. Perhaps it’s due to Argos’ flair for innovation that the company seems to succeed wherever it goes. Cementos Argos has an innovation vice- presidency that holds as much importance as the sales or finance departments, for example. The innovation department comprises 60 professionals, including nine with “Innovation PhDs, who focus on product must be fundamental “The development and environ- mental concerns. in business sugar organizations; it sector is a Manuelita must be in their DNA, high employment as it is the only generator if you The innovative way to keep up” check the number of sugar empire jobs created per dollar billed. We generate Manuelita celebrates a century and a half of approx. 7,000 pioneering innovation and sweet success posts” This month, Manuelita celebrates its 150th anniversary. This is not to say that this venerable lady is frail and outdated. Quite the contrary. Manuelita has had innovation in its DNA ever since it was created, in somewhat romantic circumstances, by James Martin Eder, an American entrepreneur emigrated from the long gone Baltic Duchy of Courland (now Latvia). Don Santiago Eder, as he came to be known, bought at an auction an hacienda called “La Manuelita”, situated near Palmira in the Cauca Valley, a region known for its abundance of sugar cane, coffee, tobacco, indigo and quinine. He planted vari- Carvajal ous crops but eventually centered on sugar, and on “the first day of the first year of the 20th century”, he inaugurated the first sugar mill steam engine of Colombia, to Packing a great service replace the old mule powered mill. Today, Don Santiago’s descendent, Harold Eder, holds the reins of the group. “We Carvajal looks to be a provider of choice for have innovated ever since our creation,” says Mr. Eder. “Not only in terms of indus- products and services, sustaining excellent quality trial know-how, but also in social rights, involvement in the community, and the protection of the environment.” Over the years, the company has become an Created in 1904 in Cali, Carvajal is one of the best-known names in international group present in Colombia, Peru, Chile and Brazil. Colombia’s corporate world, synonym of entrepreneurship and innova- Now Manuelita looks to diversifying into renewable energies, tion. Today, this printing, packaging and digital publishing conglomerate is an area in which it has heavily invested recently. “We were present in 15 countries and has 26,000 employees. It is also a leader in social among the first to produce ethanol from sugar cane, commitment. The Carvajal Foundation invests 30,000 million pesos a year and we want to remain technological leaders in (US$15 million) in social initiatives. the Cauca valley,” says Mr. Eder. “We finance a great number of small projects,” says Carvajal President, Bernardo Quintero. “Our main focus is education and the promotion of entrepreneurship, mostly among family businesses.” The foundation is particularly active in Cali, one of Colombia’s most dynamic economic centers, which, according to Mr. Quintero, is par- ticularly attractive for investors. “There is a very qualified labor force, good energy supply, we are close to a major port, and it’s a peaceful region,” he says.

PACIFIC RUBIALES Outstanding brand awareness The oil producer is the continent’s most sustainable in its class

In 2012 World Finance named a Colombian firm as the ‘Most Sustainable Oil and Gas Company in Latin America’. That company was Pacific Rubiales, the country’s largest inde- pendent oil and gas exploration company with interests at home as well as in Peru and Guate- mala. In the same year, Pacific Rubiales was included in the STOXX Global ESG Index, whose members are the leading global firms based environmental, social and governance criteria. “You could win awards in terms of business and it would be great and they would tell you SYNERGY about how good business is,” comments Ronald Pantin, company President. “But when you’re The airline giant awarded and recognized abroad for the shared value model and social investment you are doing well in Colombia, that makes us proud.” keeps on growing He adds: “We believe in shared value. We believe the company has to play a part in improving so- ciety and the environment, do things better and, logically, offer added value to our shareholders.” Germán Efromovich, owner of Avianca and Synergy, Part of what the company has done is to take advantage of the land lying fallow on top of its embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship oil fields. Aside from putting vital infrastructure in place, such as roads, telecoms, utilities, etc., it has also empowered the rural residents with enhanced agricultural skills and inputs. This year, Synergy Group celebrates the 10th anniversary of its purchase of In terms of its main business activity, Pacific Rubiales has played a key role in step- Avianca, Colombia’s flagship airline and the oldest, continuously operating ping up Colombia’s oil production; just seven years ago it recorded some 14,000 bar- airline in the Western Hemisphere. Synergy is one of Latin America’s most rels per day. Today it produces 314,000 bpd and investment and research into new important conglomerates, also operating numerous other cargo and pas- technology could potentially raise this even further and help the senger airlines based in Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as an aero- “In country maintain long-term production of space solutions company, a shipping agency, hydroelectric power plants, Pacific over 1 million bpd. Pacific Rubiales also telecoms infrastructure construction, and hospitality, among others. Rubiales, boasts its own pipelines, such as Synergy’s founder and owner, Germán Efromovich, has built the the Llanos and Bicentennial group up over the years and is passionate about improving pro- the unskilled lines, 75 and 1,430 miles cesses and customer service. He travels in tourist class to ensure employees earn long, respectively. that everything is working well “in the field” and has invested more than twice heavily in renewing Avianca’s entire fleet so as to make it the minimum more environmentally friendly. He proudly says of wage in the airline: “We have been recognized as the Colombia” best company in the region.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 8 Monday, April 14, 2014 Distributed by USA TODAY COLOMBIA ICT to educate and beat poverty Technology is helping Colombia to develop society through enhanced education and modern communication

As he sets to campaign for re- “We have already grown sig- election at the May 2014 presi- nificantly in terms of services dential poll, President Juan and sales, with 6 million cus- Manuel Santos and his team tomers, 12,000 sales points and can be assured few will dispute 150 direct customer care cen- the progress achieved dur- ters,” says Juan Carlos Archila ing his first mandate in the all Cabal, President of Claro. “Our important area of information territorial coverage is certainly and communications technol- one of our major assets, as we ogy (ICT). Indeed, in a paper are the only service provider in he presented at the World many areas of the country.” Economic Forum of Davos last Claro is at the forefront of year, Minister of ICT Diego Colombia’s 4G drive, and was Molano Vega said his govern- the first to launch the service ment has taken “critical steps in February, in Bogotá. The toward increasing the coun- plan is to extend it to the rest try’s interconnectedness and of the country in phases during fully developing a national the coming months and years. digital ecosystem, which has “It is undeniable that cellular great potential for generating technology brings welfare to wealth and socioeconomic de- the people, especially in remote velopment.” locations where we achieve a International studies show significant part of our growth,” there is a direct correlation adds Mr. Archila Cabal. between Internet penetra- Esteban Iriarte, President of tion levels, ICT adoption, the Tigo, also has high hopes for generation of employment, the development of the mar- and poverty reduction. A ket. “Since the launch of Tigo growing ICT industry creates in 2002, the value of our com- new jobs in multiple indus- pany has increased fivefold and tries and sectors. Colombia is successfully connecting rural populations to the Internet through the Vive Digital project. By the end of 2014, 96% of the country will have optical fiber we have generated more than “These jobs – unlike those in 6,000 jobs,” he says. “We have agriculture and manufacturing interconnected and that also whole “digital ecosystem” of municipalities to the national tablets to farmers and school- doubled our market share, – are focused on new activi- generates local and global busi- Colombia – that is to say not fiber-optic network; to con- children around the country. reaching 5.1 million custom- ties of the service sector,” says ness opportunities.” only the infrastructure but also nect to the Internet 50% of mi- Some 7 million children have ers, thanks in large part to our Mr. Molano Vega. “At the same In order to grow the ICT the customer base, applications cro, small and medium-sized benefited from the program capacity for innovation and time, the development of ICT sector, the Colombian govern- and services. The objectives for enterprises (MSMEs) and 50% ‘Computadores para Educar’ our strong, customer-oriented increases Colombia’s competi- ment implemented the Plan 2014 were to triple the number of homes; and to increase the (Computers for Education), by ethos. For instance we have tiveness by allowing it to take Vive Digital (Live Digitally) for of municipalities connected to number of Internet connec- which 577,000 computers have launched a music platform advantage of opportunities in the period 2010-2014, which the information highway and to tions fourfold, reaching 8.8 been installed in 13,500 educa- with more than 25 million a market that is increasingly contemplates developing the connect 1,053 of the country’s million Internet users by 2014. tion centers. tracks available, which means Vive Digital has achieved just Another key development customers could in theory lis- that. Since 2010, Colombia has is the boom of cellular tech- ten to music without having to gone from 2.2 million Internet nology. As many users have repeat any song for more than connections to 7.8 million in more than one cell phone, the 195 years!” 2013, with the 8.8 million con- penetration rate is 105.3%, ac- Just like Claro’s President, nections objective set to be cording to the Ministry of ICT. Mr. Iriarte emphasizes that the reached this year. While four The market is dominated by ICT development in Colombia years ago, only 200 municipali- three operators: Claro, which brings welfare to the people. ties were connected with opti- is the commercial brand of “The growth of ICT translates cal fiber, 1,078 municipalities Mexico’s América Móvil, hold- into GDP growth: we contrib- will be connected by the end of ing 61.5% of the Colombian ute roughly 1.8% to the national this year, representing 96% of market; Movistar, a subsid- GDP growth, which is signifi- the national territory. iary of Spain’s Telefónica, with cant.” Tigo’s parent company, Colombia has also mas- 24.6%; and Tigo, the commer- Millicom International, recent- sively invested to give access cial brand of Luxembourg- ly announced its plan to double to computers to all categories based operator Millicom In- its size in the next five years, of the population. Mr. Mo- ternational, with 13%. All three with ambitions to “grow very Diego Molano Vega, Juan Carlos Archila Cabal, Esteban Iriarte, lano Vega himself is often seen expect strong growth in the strongly not only in Colombia Minister of ICT President of Claro President of Tigo distributing computers and coming years. but also worldwide”. FTZs, havens for investors and local workers alike The Bogotá FTZ provides a secure and solid place to invest in Colombia, with all the perks of having eliminated most trade barriers and being the largest and most experienced FTZ in the country

In the 1990s Colombia was has become a place of many the possibilities to invest in industrial and technological just another somewhat un- beautiful beaches, mountains it blossomed: there was so park. The BFTZ was ranked known South American and forests to visit, not to much to do and so many in- second best free trade zone country with an image of vio- mention its sophisticated cit- centives to do it. And that in the Americas and it offers lence and drugs attached to ies, so full of life, culture and a hasn’t changed. all sorts of solutions – secu- it – at least to American and first-rate culinary offer. One of those investment rity, communications, logis- European observers. In the As the country entered a opportunities lies in the tics, human resources and last 15 years, however, this period of peace and security Bogotá Free Trade Zone infrastructure – to national image has changed. Colombia like it hadn’t seen in years, (BFTZ), the country’s largest and international entrepre- neurs. Most importantly, the National Tax and Customs The Bogotá Free Trade Zone manages around 12% of Colombia’s total trade Direction (DIAN) has an office inside the BFTZ and really intensified during Alva- Employees of the BFTZ profit years of experience working ro Uribe’s administration and, from the training they get so with its clients, which makes since then – and with special they will be able to handle the all customs transactions attention from President Juan new and innovative technol- more transparent and agile. Manuel Santos – it has been ogies that foreign companies According to BFTZ’s CEO, growing at a steady pace. This bring into the country. Juan Pablo Rivera Cabal, “The administration wants to make “We understand that tal- BFTZ currently manages Colombia a more attractive ent is our most important around 361,000 foreign trade destination for foreign invest- resource,” says Mr. Rivera operations for an approxi- ment, with the idea that new and explains that they have a mate value of US$14 trillion businesses will generate jobs social responsibility program in merchandise.” This means and promote development in that is now inaugurating UNI- that, with almost 230 busi- the regions, while encourag- FRANCA, the first alliance nesses operating inside the ing innovation. between universities and an park, it manages 12% of all And the results have been FTZ that will function inside Colombian foreign trade. quite positive. There are over the free trade zone. They also The initiative to create 110 FTZs in Colombia and already have six professional FTZs in other parts of the they generate 112,000 jobs. and technical alliances with country aside from ports The Bogotá Free Trade Zone the top teaching institutions came from President César alone generates 23,000 direct in the country, to guarantee Gaviria (in the 1990s), but it jobs and 37,000 indirect ones. their personnel’s education.

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Cauca Valley’s Governor, Ubeimar Delgado, says many countries are interested in forming new investment partnerships with the department Cauca Valley prosperous Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero, Mayor of Cali

try in terms of quality,” says Ós- and diverse car Pardo Aragón, EMCALI’s General Manager, noting that, besides plans to expand into the region and to the Pacific – “a company that doesn’t think about growing is destined to disappear” – they are develop- ing mid- and long-term supply projects to accommodate the city’s expansion and growth. With the FTA now in effect, international investment is in full swing. Mr. Guerrero points out that Cali was recognized by the Financial Times as one of the best cities in the world to in- vest and that is mainly because of its market diversification.

PHOTO: MARCA PAIS MARCA PHOTO: “There are many multinational and multi-Latin companies in Last year, the department Another important event in Manager of Invest Pacific, an in- is also an increase of medical 150-year old family-run sugar Cali,” says Mr. Pardo Aragón. hosted the World Games, the 2013 was the VII Pacific Alli- vestment promotion agency tourism thanks to the city’s great company Manuelita. “The region has diversified into VII Pacific Alliance Summit ance Summit, which brought to specializing in attracting invest- universities and access to afford- Sugar is one of its main in- agricultural production, manu- and the Summit of Leaders of Cali heads of state from Chile, ment to the region. able medical procedures. dustries; companies such as facturing and industrial sectors, African Descent, and is home Colombia, Peru and Mexico to Cali’s mayor, Dr. Rodrigo Governor Ubeimar Delgado, Mayagüez and Manuelita are which make it one of the most to several of Colombia’s most discuss strategies to advance Guerrero, has focused on the whose mission is to boost tour- at its forefront, so they are de- apt regions to generate product thriving industries economic integration and com- city becoming a competitive ism as an economic engine and pended upon for generating consolidation platforms.” petitiveness in the Pacific region, metropolis since his election job generator for the depart- employment in the region. It has always been a region Characterized by fertile green and to also exchange ideas on in 2011, with a vision of Cali as ment, highlights that the entire Mayagüez is looking to ex- “open to foreign investment,” valleys, water resources such expanding trade and investment Latin America’s Pacific capital. area has “great tourism poten- pand, currently seeking oppor- says Manuelita’s Mr. Eder. There as the Cauca River and Pacific with Asian-Pacific nations. Hosting high profile events has tial”, listing Calima Lake (Co- tunities with the U.S. “We are a is an abundance of successful, Ocean, the mountains of the Thanks to the Alliance, Cauca helped, as they are raising Cali’s lombia’s largest artificial lake), catalyst for the economy of this diverse companies in the region, Western and Central ranges, Valley “is positioned as the ex- profile and revealing its tourism the wine region, the north Cau- region,” says General Manager such as Smurfit Kappa (paper), and the Pacific coast shore- port platform of the Pacific” says potential. Cali is no longer just ca Valley, and its gastronomy as Mauricio Iragorri, noting that Tecnoquímicas (pharmaceuti- line, Cauca Valley’s geographic María Eugenia Lloreda, General the home of salsa dancing; there some of its enticements. He every job created at the factory cals), Inorca (seating manufac- position is ideal, serving as the has also been working to make turer), SIDOC (steel), Belleza impetus for the region. Its capi- the department safer with the boosted by the Pacific Express (health and beauty tal, Cali, is fast becoming a key support of the national govern- Alliance, Cauca Valley products), and MAC John- player in the country’s devel- ment and the private sector, is well positioned as son Control (battery supplier), opment. The free trade agree- with successful results. Cali is colombia’s pacific among others. Governor Del- ment with the U.S. will prove safer, Mr. Delgado says. coast export platform gado believes U.S. investment whether it is prepared to take Another priority has been and half of its in its diverse sectors – land, tex- full advantage of its location. getting the department’s financ- exports pass through tiles, plastics, paper, construc- Cali, Colombia’s third largest es in order and implementing buenaventura port tion materials – would be mutu- city, did not develop economi- fiscal transparency. The Valley ally profitable, adding that there cally until the mid-20th century “has always been a very prosper- is a high demand from Colom- due to its landlocked position, ous region”, especially agricultur- generates 10 additional jobs in bians for high quality products, but is now emerging as one of ally, says Arturo Gutiérrez de the value chain. The goal is to especially clothing. the country’s major business Piñeres, President of Gases de “continue growing at a higher The country has overcome centers. In 2013 alone, it hosted Occidente, the second largest rate”, going beyond Colombia, its crises, and is now “a country three high profile events, with gas distributor in the country. he says. Its growth would mean which offers guarantees of sta- more events lined up for the Much is being done domestical- growth for the region. bility,” he says, adding that the future. The third edition of the María Eugenia Lloreda, Óscar Pardo Aragón, ly besides the promotion of tour- Another important factor in European crisis has spurred Summit of Leaders of African General Manager of Invest Pacific General Manager of EMCALI ism and enforcement of secu- the region’s success is the return even more interest in Colom- Descent brought together more rity, with government at all levels to city hands, after federal in- bia. Gases de Occidente’s Mr. than 2,000 participants of Afri- stepping up support in business tervention for 13 years, of EM- Gutiérrez credits the mayor and can heritage, including mayors, growth, employment generation CALI, the state-owned corpo- governor’s administrations with leaders, ex-presidents, scien- and social housing. Mr. Delgado ration providing water, telecom inspiring optimism, “spurring tists, business owners, and cre- points to multi-million dollar and electricity services. “We change, and uniting everyone atives, with a view to unite the plans to restructure Buenaven- have the best water in the coun- on the same road forward”. African Diaspora. The World tura port to allow for greater ef- Games, an 11-day event orga- ficiency and capacity. nized in record time when the The Valley has an indus- originally designated site (Ger- trial history, Invest Pacific’s Ms. many) backed out, welcomed Lloreda adds, so its proximity to over 2,100 foreigners and 11,250 the port “plays a very important domestic tourists, generating role as a commercial investment nearly 10,000 jobs and millions door.” Its “privileged geographi- in revenue. It received the stamp cal position situates it as the of approval from the World gateway to the Pacific. Half of Games Association, whose di- Colombia’s exports are through rector went on to say it was the Mauricio Iragorri, Harold Eder, the port of Buenaventura,” says best World Games ever. General Manager of Mayaguez President of Manuelita Harold Eder, President of the

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 10 Monday, April 14, 2014 Distributed by USA TODAY COLOMBIA A passion for beauty and people Cali-based Recamier has become a local household name in beauty products. Company president Georges Bougaud has steadily built up a small, caring empire

In the mid-20th century the Without a proper labora- and exports to 14 differ- by close to 50% last year. latter of which is why he has Valle del Cauca department tory, Mr. Bougaud’s father ent countries, including the Recamier also sends its no interest in listing on the witnessed an industrial produced the hair spray in U.S., Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, chemists to fairs around the bourse. boom, with many domestic his garage. “He pressed the Bahrain, Ecuador, Peru and world to learn the latest in “Investors want results in companies sprouting up and shellac with a meat grinder, nearly all of Central Amer- raw materials and active in- three months and this com- foreign companies moving a broom handle served as a ica. Currently, Recamier gredients for the cosmetic pany simply can’t work with in. One company in particu- mixer and he heated the mix has distributors in Florida, industry. “We’re always up to such a short-term vision. We lar that is today a leading up in his home’s stove. With Texas, Georgia and Puerto date on the latest trends and have to plan 10 years ahead. name in beauty products na- a bicycle pump, he measured Rico, yet Mr. Bougaud would we develop our products, if We have the social respon- tionwide had its start in Cali out doses for the bottles,” he like the North American dis- not faster, then at the same sibility to create jobs, or in as a beauty parlor. explains. tributors to open more states rate as the big global brands,” the worst case, to keep the “Recamier used to be Recamier’s humble begin- and turn over in the range of Mr. Bougaud says. ones we have. Right now we called La Madrileña. My nings were soon a thing of US$80-100 million. And while he claims that have 700 people in Colom- father bought it and since the past. The businessman Recamier continually Recamier’s product quality bia working for us. By going he was French, he chose a began selling his product makes strategic investments is comparable to that of its public, we’d have to produce French name for it,” recalls to other hair salons, mak- to maintain market share world competitors, he rec- results every trimester and Georges Bougaud, President ing it the top hairspray in and improve products and ognizes that his resources to do that we’d have to tight- of Laboratorios Recamier. Colombia. By 1962, he had Georges Bougaud, President of productivity. are limited and rather than en our belts and lay some “In the early 1950s he got an sold his own beauty parlor Laboratorios Recamier “In 2013 we doubled the competing directly with the people off,” he says. offer from Nu-Tone in New and dedicated all his time size of our plant so that we big names, the best strategy “This company is very York to produce and distrib- to the industry. In 1975, the izers, and sunscreens. Its could raise capacity in view for a company of its size is to committed to the region. ute their hairspray under the founder died and 17-year professional line for beauty of our international expan- seek out and strengthen its We’ve had numerous offers name Kleer Lac. Thanks to old Georges was obligated parlors, Saloon In, includes sion plan. We also bought niche markets. but we don’t want to sell, the service, the hairdress- to leave school and take the finishing, beauty, technical new, faster machines,” he Mr. Bougaud also stresses partly out of fear of the jobs ers’ professionalism and the company reigns. and retail products, tools says, adding that continual the company’s humanist phi- disappearing. In fact, if we Kleer Lac product, Recamier Today, Recamier’s retail and nail lacquers. investments helped the losophy of equality and his ever become a multination- because the most famous sa- line includes hair and skin Nowadays, Recamier company raise its operating own determination to watch al, we hope to create jobs lon in Cali.” care products, foot deodor- grows by 8-12% annually margin in 2012 by 27% and out for his employees, the around the world.” Antioquia’s reputation is skyrocketing The department’s transformation has raised its profile and set its capital Medellín on its way to becoming one of the most innovative cities in the world

Antioquia, located in the company based in Medel- northwestern part of the lín. It is “human talent” that country, and its capital, Me- propels the city forward. dellín, the nation’s second And it is thriving and largest city, are proud of growing, containing the their great renewal over the highest number of multi- last two decades. Social proj- Latin companies in all of Co- ects like schools, libraries, lombia. Juan Camilo Quin- and parks have developed, tero, Executive Director and crime has decreased by of Ruta N, a private-public nearly 80%. Transportation collaborative innovation or- has improved, with the city ganization, believes the city receiving the Sustainable will play a “leading role in the Transportation Award in attraction of new foreign in- 2012. vestment. It has changed its A consistent increasing image thanks to the tenacity trend of growth of over 5% not only of institutions but is expected in 2014. Exports, of entrepreneurs and good such as agriculture and elec- public administration.” tricity, are on the rise. In her Juan Sebastián Betancur, early 2013 trip to Medellín, Ambassador of Colombia in Hillary Clinton, in her ca- Italy and former President pacity as U.S. Secretary of of Proantioquia (a private, State at the time, declared it non-profit business forum), had “achieved transforma- reiterates the importance tion”. With its new profile of innovation for the de- and spirit, Antioquia looks colombia . co www. PHOTO: partment’s future, because towards new challenges and Medellín recently tied for first place with Muangklang, Thailand in the WWF’s We Love Cities social media campaign for the most sustainable cities around the world “Antioquia can’t compete in is abuzz with activity. the global market based on The UN has chosen Me- case the country’s commit- preneurship to youth, steps explains, designed so that manufacturing alone”. dellín to host the World Ur- ment to urban planning. necessary for transforming projects and goals can be ac- The city will continue ban Forum in 2014 (beating One of its major challeng- society fundamentally. complished in a planned and working on innovation and the likes of Montreal, Seoul es now is the development Another challenge for Me- technical yet creative way. the development of human and Doha), which is expect- of its people’s talent and dellín is to be the innovation The reason it was select- talent as a priority; luck- ed to draw 10,000 people education. Governor Sergio capital of Latin America. In ed most innovative city? ily, both are interconnected. from 150 nations, includ- Fajardo has been a strong 2013, it was selected as the Mr. Gaviria credits “the “When we speak about in- ing heads of state, mayors, advocate of education; he most innovative city in 2013 character of its citizens: novation, we also speak governors, experts, commu- believes in transforming by the Urban Land Institute. creative, innovative and about it in the social aspect nity leaders, and business society by using education “There is nothing more de- entrepreneurial.” The geog- trying to bring opportuni- professionals. The forum, “in a broad sense of sci- manding than that prize raphy of the region “histori- ties to the most vulnerable,” uniting the most recognized ence, technology, innova- because innovation means cally demanded its people says Carlos Ignacio Gallego, international experts in ur- tion, entrepreneurship and you have to be changing and to have the innovative the President of Grupo Nu- ban development, is a great culture.” His government reinventing yourself con- capacity of thriving,” says tresa. Mr. Jaramillo echoes opportunity for the city and is spearheading programs stantly,” says Mayor Aníbal Alvaro Gómez Jaramillo, this sentiment: “Innovation the region to demonstrate to actively engage women Gaviria. Hence the ‘Medel- directing board member of depends on people, not on its potential, as well as show- in politics and teach entre- Aníbal Gaviria, Mayor of Medellín línnovation’ program, he PQP, a chemical production technological equipment.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, April 14, 2014 11 COLOMBIA Barranquilla Cundinamarca gateway to the the hub Americas for profitable A city with a great investment strategy that will be crucial in the development of international access to Colombia business The city of Barranquilla, the a main maritime transporta- Olímpica, a successful chain Capital Bogotá holds 24% share of the country’s total GDP capital of Colombia’s Atlán- tion system. of supermarkets and drug- Elsa Noguera, Mayor of Barranquilla tico Department, lies at the According to Ana Maria stores with over 280 stores in Cundinamarca, nestled in has helped 114 foreign com- country’s northernmost edge Badel, the Executive Direc- operation, is opening another the famous Carnaval de Bar- central Colombia, and nur- panies settle in the city. meeting the Caribbean Sea. tor of ProBarranquilla, an 30 stores in 2014. Its founder, ranquilla and was named the tured in equal parts by the Given its population – 7.6 It is, in essence, a port town. agency that promotes pri- Fuad Char Abdala, credits American Capital of Culture Magdalena River to the west million inhabitants, 16% of Its position is precisely its vate investment and helps the free trade agreement with in 2013. It is a great place for and the Orinoco to the east, the nation’s total population strength – open to the North investors make decisions the U.S. for this “possibility of locals and foreigners, a place and the valleys of the Andes, – it comes as no surprise that American market. Thanks about their business, the riv- more rapid growth”, adding to thrive. As Ms. Noguera also owns another strength – the city’s GDP of US$90.2 bil- to international agreements, er is important to strength- that he “would like foreign puts it, it is the city “with the the country’s economic, insti- lion is greater than national Barranquilla has access to en the city as a strategic area companies to develop their largest growth potential.” tutional, and cultural capital, totals of neighbouring coun- a market of over 1.2 billion for investment and that is industries in Barranquilla to With 325% growth in pri- Bogotá, is here. tries like Ecuador. Its strong people, which it is servicing why the river’s navigabil- export their products to the vate equity, Barranquilla is The nation’s financial hub, “inner market” as Mr. Jiménez with its advancing logistics ity is being improved. The U.S .” definitely on the “interna- Bogotá is driving Colombia’s calls it, is in part due to the infrastructure. strategy is working: Barran- The city also has a greatly tional business map” she says. economy; this is where 54% of country’s focus on improving The city’s infrastructure quilla has been included in improving quality of life of- It’s all geography in the end: the country’s financial trans- its business climate, resulting consists of some 25 sea and the Financial Times’ 2013- fering competitive living “Barranquilla is a coastal city,” actions happen. In addition, in a surge of foreign direct in- river ports and its roads are 2014 Top 10 “Major Ameri- costs, high quality health ser- the Mayor says. “We have 29% of all companies in Co- vestment. excellently networked, giv- can Cities of the Future” for vices and education. Not to always been a city that was lombia are located here, com- The region overall has ing Barranquilla easy access FDI strategy. mention that it is the home of open to the world.” panies such as EEB (the ener- obviously improved; the de- to other major cities like gy group providing electricity partment is ranked first in Cartagena de Indias and Bo- to most of the country), suc- the country for management, gotá. It also boasts an inter- cessful security clothing com- notes the Governor of Cun- national airport. pany Miguel Caballero, and dinamarca Álvaro Cruz Var- Furthermore, the city’s lo- spirits manufacturer Empresa gas. The success of the region’s gistics are benefitting from de Licores de Cundinamarca businesses, along with its high the Inter-American De- (ELC), which holds 35% na- GDP and overall financial sta- velopment Bank’s US$300 tional market share in the bility are factors contributing million National Logistics liquor and spirits sector. ELC to Colombia’s role as one of Policy program. “We are has been exporting for over a Latin America’s best business building the necessary port decade, but its goal now, ac- environments and one of its infrastructure,” says Mayor cording to General Manager most competitive countries. Elsa Noguera. “It is impor- Carlos Alberto Meza Reales, tant to create competitive is to become more com- transportation infrastruc- petitive by expanding both ture to be able to reduce at home and abroad, with a costs” for all parties. view to “make products that This is in addition to im- Colombians can be proud of.” provements in policy and reg- Bogotá is not only limited ulation in its transportation to domestic enterprises; inter- services, foreign trade con- national companies are begin- trol, and institutional frame- ning to show interest. work development. Huge in- “Even countries from Asia vestments are being made in or the Arab Emirates, and multimodal transportation; Turkey, are moving their fo- however, as its location at the cus,” says Juan Carlos Jiménez mouth of a major river is so of Invest In Bogotá, an agency advantageous, much of the that provides expertise and focus has been on optimiz- JUAN CALLE PHOTO: support to potential investors Álvaro Cruz Vargas, ing the Magdalena River as The Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla is on UNESCO’s list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity He says that so far, the agency Governor of Cundinamarca A level playing field for learning Now in a period of peace and prosperity, the Colombian government can finally focus more attention and dedicate more resources to improving the education system

The education ministry’s main The government’s ‘Todo transforming their skills,” world-class athletes who “The best athletes are According to the Minister, objectives include lowering es aprender’ (Everything is adds Ms. Campo Saavedra. would otherwise not have the chosen to form part of the between the grants, loans and dropout rates, improving re- learning) program has tar- The same program is also opportunity to discover or Colombian team that partici- public universities (where tu- sults in rural areas, training geted 22,000 schools with the putting computers and other practice certain sports. pates in the Central Ameri- ition is fully subsidized), 72% teachers, bringing technology lowest test scores – 77% of digital devices at the disposal Run by state entity Colde- can and Caribbean School of young people enrolled in into the classrooms and inter- which are in rural areas – and of teachers and students, portes, Supérate was launched Games and South American higher education study with nationalizing higher education. seeks to develop their skills in while guaranteeing school in 2011 and now reaches some School Games, where many the support of the state. One of the biggest steps language and mathematics. meals and transportation for 2 million children between the children have their first in- Meanwhile, the educa- taken to date was to increase “What is most revolu- elementary school children. ages of 7 and 18. “We have had ternational experience. I tion ministry is promoting the education budget to be tionary about the program Another program, ‘Su- the Intercollegiate Games for hope that in 10 or 15 years agreements with universi- able to declare free universal is that the country’s 3,000 pérate’ (Get ahead) combines 32 years but we decided to mix we can see these children be- ties from around the world education starting in January best teachers – chosen academics with sports. With it with Supérate to strengthen ing Olympic champions.” to increase mobility of 2012. “This benefits 8.6 mil- through a meritocracy sys- research showing that active both programs, calling it Su- As for higher education, students, teachers and re- lion students from grade 0 to tem – go to the classrooms children perform better in pérate Intercolegiados. It has the state runs a financing searchers and help to fur- grade 11,” says María Fernan- to accompany math and school, it is a project intended helped to discover new tal- body, called ICETEX, that of- ther raise what is already a da Campo Saavedra, Minister language teachers, help- to foster better students while ent,” says Coldeportes Direc- fers student loans at excellent very high quality of tertiary of Education. ing and supporting them in opening doors to potential tor Andrés Botero. interest rates. education.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 12 Monday, April 14, 2014 Distributed by USA TODAY COLOMBIA

Colombia’s tourism figures have more than quadrupled since 1999, when just 546,000 people visited. Today, tourist arrivals hover around the 2 million mark Variety and beauty for play and relaxation Enchanting and largely unknown to the American tourist, Colombia offers an exciting destination for adventure, culture and health tourism

If all you ask for when going It is interesting to note that cruise lines stopping in three A survey of 190 clinics and on vacation is to entrench authorities have now decided major ports of call, there are hospitals in the region based yourself in an all inclusive re- to focus on the “magic” of many ways for visitors to ex- on factors such as safety, care, sort with a pile of gossip mag- Colombia when the previous perience the country. human resources, and knowl- azines and enough piña cola- campaign (‘The Only Risk Is Now if you want to do more edge management classified das for a week, this article is Wanting to Stay’) was intend- than sunbathing but are not 16 Colombian clinics in the not for you. But if you want to ed to reassure tourists about particularly versed in jungle- top 40. experience another way of life their safety. trekking or bird-watching, One such innovative estab- in a place where nature and “Nowadays, Bogotá is safer there is another option: health lishment is the San Ignacio culture are powerful and ex- than New Orleans and Rio de tourism. Fancy coming back University Hospital in Bogotá. citing, then aim for Colombia. Janeiro,” says Luis Fernando from vacation with a tan and “We are one of the hospitals Forget the old clichés: Co- Rosas Londoño, General Di- a new hourglass figure? About with the greatest number of lombia rocks. This majestic rector of the District Institute 500,000 cosmetic operations innovations and the most country with three ranges of Tourism. are performed in the country important number of sub- of the Andes, dense jungles, Indeed, the capital is in- annually – the second-highest specialties,” says San Ignacio’s miles upon miles of beaches, creasingly well-known for its number in South America. Director, Julio César Castel- and the mighty Magdalena Colombia is Colombia offers affordable lanos. “We have made signifi- prices, highly qualified medi- and Amazon rivers is vibrant promoting its beaches, cant investments in the past and sexy. More interestingly, cal staff and some top-notch few years to modernize our it is still largely undiscovered. mountains, jungles, facilities not only for plastic facilities and acquire cutting- But not for long: in the and cities, with all surgery but also all kinds of edge equipment.” past few years, Colombia has their wonderful and medical treatment, from heart One indicator of the excel- opened its wealth of land- vibrant festivals and surgery to dentistry. lent state of health of the tour- scapes and cultural gems to traditions, under the “This sector could grow ism sector is the fact that do- The stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park holds rare, exotic wildlife a growing number of foreign motto ‘Colombia, five or tenfold in the next few mestic air transport is taking tourists. According to Proex- Magical Realism’ years,” says Minister of Health off. The executive airline DB- port Colombia, the govern- and Social Services, Alejandro Jet, created in 2012, is a case ment entity in charge of pro- trendy restaurants and clubs, Gaviria. “We can compete in point. “The fact that people moting international tourism, apart from its world-famous with American hospitals be- are now moving around the foreign direct investment and Gold Museum, which features cause we offer the same qual- country shows that the econ- exports, the number of tour- more than 3,500 pre-Colom- ity of service at a lower price. omy is growing. Our prices ists reached a record 2 million bian gold artifacts. And many health profession- are competitive with those of in 2013, out of which about The “magical” campaign als here have been trained in urban transport. People can 25% were Americans. aims at showcasing the dif- the U.S.” take the plane for only 2,000 ‘Colombia, Magical Real- ferent types of tourism Co- According to the World or 3,000 pesos (roughly a cou- ism’ is the new slogan promot- lombia has on offer: beaches Health Organization, Colom- ple of dollars) more than the ing Colombia tourism around of course, with close to 2,000 bia ranks 22nd in the world for bus,” says Alejandro Jaramillo, the world. Launched in 2013, miles of coastline, but also the performance of its health DBJet President. it evokes the literary move- mountains, deserts, jungles, system. And according to Pro- ment that inspired the work and seven major cities. With export, it is one of the most of literature Nobel Prize laure- more than 800 direct flights competitive markets in Latin PAIS MARCA PHOTO: ate Gabriel García Márquez. from 20 countries and 27 America for health services. Colonial city Cartagena de Indias is on Colombia’s northeastern Caribbean coast

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA Today did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content