What do Delta Air Lines, UPS Supply Chain Solutions and Newell Rubbermaid Inc. have in common? They are just a few of the Georgia companies doing business in Colombia.
Years ago, Colombia was perceived as being synonymous with violence, crime and drug cartels. This is not the case today. Because of progressive social, economic and political reforms in the last decade, Colombia has transformed remarkably. Security and stability have been restored, and our economy is thriving and growing. The Colombia of today is a new Colombia, and it’s open for business.
In 2014, more than 4 million international visitors traveled to Colombia, as the country has become one of Latin America’s hottest tourist destinations. That was unimaginable just two decades ago. From its beautiful beaches to the Amazon to its bustling cities, the number of foreign tourists increased at a rate four times higher than the world average.
The United States played an important role in Colombia’s transformation and was a key ally as we worked to improve the lives of the Colombian people. Our partnership remains strong. Today, our two countries work together on issues beyond security and drug interdiction, including cooperating on innovation and technology, energy and education, promoting shared democratic values in the region, and aiding other countries in need.
These efforts and reforms have positioned Colombia for lasting peace and prosperity. We are now not only a regional leader, but a global leader with a dynamic economy and progressive agenda aimed at boosting growth, national unity and social development. Just look at the facts.
In recent years, while other countries’ economies were steadily declining, Colombia’s GDP grew at an average rate of nearly 5 percent. We also have one of the highest job-creation rates in the region. The combination of growth and our social programs has reduced poverty and inequality significantly. Nearly 4 million Colombians have been lifted out of poverty — 2 million out of extreme poverty — in the last four years.
In 2010, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ administration launched Plan Vive Digital to increase Internet usage and expand broadband connectivity to help reduce poverty and create jobs. This initiative has already seen results. Internet broadband connections increased from 2.2 million to 8.8 million, and small businesses Internet usage increased from 7 to 60 percent.
Colombia is integrating its economy on a global scale. In partnership with Chile, Mexico and Peru, we formed the Pacific Alliance – an integrated market of 210 million consumers and a GDP of nearly $2 trillion – to expand regional trade and investment.
Additionally, thanks to the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement implemented in May 2012, the relationship between the United States and Colombia is stronger than ever before and affords Georgia exporters new opportunities in our market.
The Colombia-Georgia relationship is important. Colombia is Georgia’s second-largest export market in Latin America. Exports to Colombia totaled $338 million in 2013.
According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as of 2012, there were about 14 Georgia companies operating in Colombia and three Colombian facilities with operations in Georgia. Daily direct flights from Atlanta to Bogotá are offered by Delta Air Lines. In addition, the 2010 Census counted more than 26,000 Georgia residents with Colombian heritage.
Colombia and Georgia should continue to work together to expand our business and investment, as well as our people-to-people ties. Opportunities to strengthen our economic relations are unlimited. We want Georgia and the city of Atlanta to know Colombia is open for business.
Luis Carlos Villegas is the Colombian ambassador to the United States.
