Map of investment opportunities in Colombia

Cosmetics industry in the Coffee Region

The Coffee Region features R&D centers that support the industry, including the Center for Bioinformatics (COLCIENCIAS) and the Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Research and Studies Center (CIEBREG). It also has an university and center network that has a R&D program and works as a biotechnology knowledge cluster (university, company, and state).

Cosmetics industry in Antioquia

65 major packaging companies from the cosmetics industry—13% of the national total—are based in Medellín. With a skilled workforce, 22,580 people have graduated from 2001 to 2010 from industry-related careers. Additionally, R&D centers have been opened to support the industry, as well as a university network.

Cosmetics industry in Valle

47 major packaging companies from the cosmetics industry—10% of the national total—are based in Valle del Cauca. With a skilled workforce, 4,200 people have graduated from 2001 to 2010 from industry-related careers. Additionally, R&D centers have been opened to support the industry (CIAT), as well as a university network and R&D generating centers (INBIOTECH).

Cosmetics industry in Bogotá

216 major packaging companies from the cosmetics industry—57% of the national total—are based in Bogotá. With a skilled workforce, 51,490 people have graduated from 2001 to 2010 from industry-related careers. Other products sold in the area include natural ingredients for cosmetics (BIORYZ Biovegetal, Labfarve, Esko Laboratorios, Tropic Oil, Neyber Ltda.). R&D centers have been opened to support the industry, including: Biotechnology and Bioindustry Center (CIDBIO), Microbiological Investigations Center (CIMIC),Corporation CorpoGen, and the Bioinformatics Center of the Institute of Biotechnology. A network of universities and centers generating R&D (EMBnet Colombia/National University) have

Cosmetics industry in Atlantic

Due to its geographic and strategic location, Barranquilla’s export logistics towards the Atlantic is unique. In 2010, the area transported 4,117,649 tons of cargo—12% of the national total—with 620 sea frequencies. It is a multipurpose port with two docks that enable to handle all types of cargo.

Cosmetics industry in Bolívar

Due to its geographic and strategic location, Cartagena’s export logistics towards the Atlantic is unique. In 2010, the area transported 12,317,026 tons of cargo—35% of the national total—with 1,756 sea frequencies. The area has been granted 5 times the award to the Caribbean’s More Competitive Port.

Tourism in Antioquia

Medellín is the country’s industrial, commercial, and development center. It also has a variety of luxury, boutique, and corporate hotels, as well as hotels with selective or limited services.

Tourism in the Coffee Region

Pereira is the Coffee Region’s main city, as well as an important developing industrial and commercial center. It has a variety of green and theme hotels, hotels with limited and business services. Due to its beautiful landscapes, it was declared part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Tourism in Valle del Cauca

Cali has a variety of luxury, boutique, and corporate hotels, as well as hotels with selective or limited services, which complement the demand of events at Pacific Valley Events Center.

Tourism in Bogotá

Bogotá and its metropolitan area generate 26% of the national GDP. With 8 million inhabitants, it’s the country’s largest city and main industrial, commercial, and economy center, and one of the most important in Latin America. Today, the city offers a variety of luxury, boutique, and corporate hotels, as well as hotels with selective or limited services in specific zones, and a number of arenas for diverse business events and cultural shows.

Tourism in Northern Santander

This department has green and theme hotels, as well as hotels with limited and selective services. International brands and chains cannot be found in the area.

Tourism in Santander

This department has green and theme hotels, as well as hotels with limited and selective services.

Tourism in Atlántico

Barranquilla has luxury hotels, and hotels with selective and limited services.

Tourism in Bolivar

Cartagena offers all types of accommodation, including resorts, boutique and limited service hotels, as well as venues for events and cultural shows.

Tourism in Amazonas

Amazonas is a fascinating destination with endless natural attractions and cultural wealth. Ecolodges and eco-tourism hotels are the main types of accommodation.

IT and BPO in Antioquia

Opportunities to build shared service centers for Latin America, as well as outsourcing companies that provide a variety of services, including Customer Care, ESO, FAO, HRO, Telemedicine and R+D (Medellín).

IT and BPO in Valle del Cauca

Companies such as Telemark have found competitive advantages in costs to develop basic small to medium voice and data operations in Spanish.

BPO opportunities in Cundinamarca

Bogotá has more than 16 years of experience in accommodating multinational companies specialized in Back Office services in various sectors, including Costumer Care, ESO, FAO, HRO, and R&D, with competitive advantages in costs to develop basic small to medium voice and data operations in Spanish (Bucaramanga).

Outsourcing of BPO business processes in Cartagena

Together, Barranquilla and Cartagena have a population of nearly 2.5 million people, more than 80,000 university students, and more than 25 higher education institutes. A growing availability of human resources for BPO companies is guaranteed. Due to its strategic location—less than 2 hours from Miami and 2 hour from Panama—these cities are an ideal platform to provide near-shore services to the continent.

Outsourcing of BPO business processes in Barranquilla

Together, Barranquilla and Cartagena have a population of nearly 2.5 million people, more than 80,000 university students, and more than 25 higher education institutes. A growing availability of human resources for BPO companies is guaranteed. Due to its strategic location—less than 2 hours from Miami and 2 hour from Panama—these cities are an ideal platform to provide near-shore services to the continent.

Horticultural in Antioquia

Antioquia has 1.4 million hectares available for the development of horticultural projects, such as “Hass” avocado plantations to extract gourmet oil. Furthermore, some of the crops are used for post-harvest processing, pulp, juice, and concentrate manufacturing, both for domestic use and export.

Horticultural in Bolívar

Bolívar is the main producer of Hass avocado. The post-harvest processing is implemented to extract gourmet oil or to elaborate pulp.

Horticultural in Atlántico

Tahiti limes and Valencia oranges in Atlántico are mainly used to produce juice concentrates and pulps that can be exported thanks to the department’s closeness to Barranquilla.

Horticultural in Cundinamarca

Cundinamarca is an ideal region to plant mango with a high Brix content and high nutrient levels. These crops can be transformed into concentrates, juice, and chemical products.

Horticultural in Valle del Cauca

Valle del Cauca has more than 240,000 hectares ready to develop produce projects. A recognized center, CIAT, is located there. Tahiti limes and Valencia oranges are mainly used to produce juice, pulps, and concentrates that can be exported thanks to the department’s closeness to Buenaventura Port.

Horticultural in the Southeast Region

The plains are considered the future pantry of Colombia due to its great availability of fertile soils. Due to the flatness of the land, processes can be mechanized. In this area, Tahiti lemons and Valencia oranges are commercialized at a national level and transformed into juice, pulps, and concentrates.

Software and IT Services in Antioquia

Opportunities to develop and integrate IT services and applications, for M&A and software factories, and data center assembly; ICT cluster that allows the development of software in diverse areas, including microelectronics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, agro technology, and mobile applications.

Software and IT services in the Coffee Region

Development of shared centers and outsourcing companies; opportunities in the software and IT services area; development and integration of IT services and applications; M&A and software factories, and data center assembly.

Software and IT services in Bogotá

Bogotá has opportunities to build shared service centers for Latin America, as well as outsourcing companies that provide a variety of services, including Customer Care, ESO, FAO, HRO, and R&D, development and integration of IT services and applications, and development of software and data centers.

Software and IT services in Barranquilla

Barranquilla and Cartagena have high levels of redundancy and lower Internet costs as they are connected to 5 submarine wires. Opportunities can mainly be developed in software development for business management, among other areas.

Software and IT services in Cartagena

Barranquilla and Cartagena have high levels of redundancy and lower Internet costs as they are connected to 5 submarine wires. Opportunities can mainly be developed in software development for business management, among other areas.

Automotive opportunities in Valle

Considered the Pacific’s main port, Buenaventura Port is located near Cali. More than 28% of all Colombian commercial activities take place here. It has 990 sea frequencies and connectivity advantage with the Asian market. It has capacity to manufacture Trim parts for vehicles and ensemble light and heavy vehicles and buses. The port features the massive transportation system (Transcali) and international assemble companies, such as Daewoo Bus.

Automotive opportunities in the Coffee Region

One of the advantages of the city of Pereira is its free trade zone, especially for the automotive industry, which manufactures Trim parts for vehicles and electrical components, and ensembles light and heavy vehicles and buses. This has helped with the development of the massive transportation system (Megabus) and the presence of an international bus assembly company (BUSSCAR).

Automotive opportunities in Bogotá

One of the advantages of Bogotá is the development of human capital, with managing programs for competitiveness and innovation in the auto part sector (ACOLFA ,SENA and EAN). A massive transportation system (Transmilenio) and an automotive mechanics and transportation center (SENA) are being developed. There are international assembly companies (General Motors, Mazda, Superpolo and Toyota - Hino) and world-class auto part companies, such as Yazaki and Michelin. There is also an opportunity to manufacture Trim parts for vehicles and electrical components.

Automotive opportunities in Barranquilla

Barranquilla provides a number of opportunities to assemble light and heavy vehicles and buses, and to manufacture Trim parts for vehicles and electrical components. Additionally, the city connects to the North American market via its multipurpose port, whose two docks allow to handle all kinds of cargo, representing 12% of the national total (cargo in 2010: 4,117,649 tons). It also has a massive transportation system (Transmetro) and recognized world-class auto part manufacturers, such as Saint Gobain.

Ethanol production in the Coffee Region

Ethanol production covers 70% of the domestic demand in Colombia, as it has a high productivity average.

Biodiesel in Valle del Cauca

Biodiesel production from yucca starch is a strong industry in this department with high productivity levels, such as 9,000 yearly liters of ethanol per hectare.

General industry in Bogotá

Cundinamarca has potential in the metal-mechanical area and general industry to provide value chain-related products (packaging and fittings for pipes). Due to its closeness to the capital city, this area can become the Operative Center of B&S, saving on the expenses of being based in Bogotá. Reserves are located in the foothills of the central cordillera.

Oil palm in the Caribbean Region

Colombia has 3.5 million hectares available for wax palm plantations that don’t invade native forests or natural reserves. The country is the world’s fifth largest producer of palm oil, and the largest in Latin America. 100% of biodiesel production in Colombia is palm oil-based. This is a lacking product in Colombia, with an installed capacity of 1,638.000 liters/day for the production of biodiesel.

Biofuels in the Southeast Region

Irrigation systems are not needed in the warm plains where oil palms grow as the annual precipitation in the area is 700-800 mm distributed throughout 9 months. Support to the industry is given through CENIPALMA—Center for Oil Palm Research and Technological Innovation—with two branches in the region: Casanare and Meta

Forestation in Valle de Cauca

Located at 1,000-2,000 meters above sea level, Valle del Cauca is an ideal region to grow different tree species, including oak, walnut, cedar, eucalyptus, and pine. It has more than 90,000 unrestricted hectares for forest investment programs and more than 180,000 hectares supported by the industry via Cenicaña.

Forestation in the Coffee Region

Located at 1,000-2,000 meters above sea level, the Coffee Region is ideal to grow different tree species, including oak, walnut, cedar, eucalyptus, and pine. It has about 54,550 unrestricted hectares for forest investment programs.

Forestation in Atlántico

Located at 100-800 meters above sea level, Barranquilla is ideal to grow teak, melina, kapok, acacia, and eucalyptus. It has 1.2 million unrestricted hectares for forest investment programs, and more than 730,000 hectares with minor restrictions.

Forestation in Orinoquía

Located at 100-500 meters above sea level, Orinoquía is ideal to grow tree species such as eucalyptus and pine. It has about 5,127,650 unrestricted hectares for forest investment programs, as well as 12 million hectares with minor restrictions.

Buenaventura Port

This is the Pacific’s main port in Latin America. More than 34% of all Colombian commercial activities take place here. In 2011, cargo movement operations totaled 10.092.979 t tons with 732 sea frequencies.

Port of Barranquilla

In 2011, cargo operations totaled 4.236.575 tons- 14% of the national total— with 529 sea frequencies and two ports that allow to handle all types of cargo.

Port of Cartagena

In 2011, cargo operations in the Port of Cartagena totaled 2.889.417 tons— 8% of the national total—with 1.424 sea frequencies.Five times award winning as the more competitive port of the Caribbean.

Port of Santa Marta

In 2011, cargo operations in the Port of Santa Marta totaled 6,944,682 tons- 23% of the national total, with 1.146 sea frequencies. Specialized in bulk cargo and refrigerated cargo.

Palmaseca Free Trade Zone

Barranquilla Free Trade Zone

Valle del Cauca Free Trade Zone

Celpa Free Trade Zone Permanente Buenaventura

Free Trade Zone Andina

Tocancipá Free Trade Zone

Free Trade Zone Permanente Plic

Intexzona Free Trade Zone

Bogotá Free Trade Zone

Santander Free Trade Zone

The Cayena Free Trade Zone

Northem Santander Free Trade Zone

Atlantic International Free Trade Zone

The Candelaria Free Trade Zone

Parque Central Free Trade Zone

Puerta de las Américas Parque Central Free Trade Zone

Urabá Free Trade Zone

Rionegro Free Trade Zone

Oil services in Bogotá

Most oil service companies are based in Bogotá. The city is strategically located to be the service operation center both in Colombia and neighboring countries as a regional platform. It has one of Latin America’s most competitive labor and office costs, as well as one of the four Oil Engineering faculties in the country.

Oil services in Santander

The exploration and production of hydrocarbons has significantly increased in the Santander region (border zone). One of the four Oil Engineering faculties in the country is in this area. The region ranks 4th in oil production and is highly popular among oil services as the country’s most important refinery, Barrancabermeja, is in the area.

Oil services in Barranquilla

Strategically positioned as a regional goods distribution hub, Barranquilla is the country’s fourth largest city. It is also one of Latin America’s cities with the greatest economy growth. One of the main activities is the production of metal-mechanical goods, a dynamic area for the oil industry (pipelines and tools).

Oil services in Bolivar

The oil service sector is expected to grow, as exploring and refining services (maintenance) for the region can be provided from Cartagena. The refinery is expected to increase its oil processing capacity to 165 thousand barrels.

Oil services in the Southeast region

Traditionally, these departments don’t have an oil industry. For this reason, the demand for end-to-end services in all the chain is very high, so as to develop this activity in these areas. ANH will soon start assigning new exploring blocks with more than 200 wells, where hydrocarbons can potentially be found.

Oil services in Arauca

Due to its geographic position, the area can meet Venezuela’s requirements, namely in the region of the Orinoco basin. One of the country’s oldest oil wells and the third largest producer in the area, "Caño-Limón" has produced more than 1,000 barrels throughout its history. Maintenance services in the chain are needed.

Oil opportunities in Casanare

Casanare is the country’s second largest oil producer. It has the greatest oil-related activity by number of companies located in the department. The largest production well is "Cusiana-Cupiagüa", which demands maintenance services throughout the chain. Due to its geographic position, the area can meet the requirements of neighboring departments, such as Vichada.

Oil opportunities in Meta

In a new era of hydrocarbon exploitation, Meta is the country’s largest oil producer. The most important fields are Rubiales and Quifa. Because this is a relatively new trend, the demand for goods and services is high. The more potential areas are exploring and maintenance services, as well as chain management.

José María Córdova International Airport

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

Rafael Núñez International Airport

El Dorado International Airport

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport

Matecaña International Airport

Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport

El Edén International Airport

The Nubia Airport

Shrimp farming in Atlántico

White shrimp farming in the Colombian Caribbean coasts is white-spot syndrome-free thanks to the temperature of the water. Due to its geographic location, the area is also hurricane-free all year long. Thanks to its income per-capita growth in the economy contributing to a higher protein content, its closeness to Cartagena and Puerto Colombia, and the availability of the cold chain, this product is fast and easy to export.

Shrimp farming in Bolivar

White shrimp farming in the Colombian Caribbean coasts is white-spot syndrome-free thanks to the temperature of the water. Due to its geographic location, the area is also hurricane-free all year long. Thanks to its income per-capita growth in the economy contributing to a higher protein content, its closeness to Cartagena and Puerto Colombia, and the availability of the cold chain, this product is fast and easy to export.

Research, development and innovation in Antioquia

This department is the country’s main cutting center and second textile and clothing consolidated hub. Incentives for R&D&i are provided by means of a technology support entity for the internationalization of companies from the textile and cutting sector in Colombia, such as CIDETEXCO. Antioquia stands out for its international fairs, including COLOMBIAMODA—Latin America’s most important business scene—and COLOMBIATEX.

Textile and apparel industry in Cundinamarca

The department of Cundinamarca is the country’s main textile center. It provides R+D+i opportunities and international fairs (International Fashion Week and Fashion Hall). The University of Los Andes, along with COLCIENCIAS, is currently working on R+D+i projects with nano textile manufacturers. The department also has a technology support entity for the internationalization of companies from the textile and cutting sector in Colombia, such as CIDETEXCO.