REASONS TO INVEST IN COLOMBIA

IMPROVED BUSINESS ENVIROMENT. During the past five years, the Colombian economy grew by 4% per year. In 2008, Colombia's GDP registered an increase of 2.5%, a positive growth during global recession.

• Historically, Colombia has been distinguished by outstanding economic stability. GDP growth remained constant over the last seventy years.
• Colombia has managed to control inflation, and it has never experienced hyperinflation. This stability has been reinforced by the inflation rates of a single digit from 1999.
• Colombia has never failed to fulfill its international financial obligations.
• Exports have increased since 2002, growing from USD 12 billion to USD 37 billion in 2008.
• Agencies examining the economy showed improvement in Colombia's confidence index. For 2008, S& P, one of the most prestigious risk examining agencies, gave Colombia a BB+ rating in regards to its long term foreign currency debt.
• Direct foreign investment increased 400% since 2002. During 2008, USD 10.6 billion came into the country. International companies including SAB Miller, Drummond, Votorantim, Phillip Morris, GE Money were among the many to invest in multimillion dollar projects in Colombia.

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/044_Microsoft%20Word%20Improved%20Business.pdf

HUMAN RESOURCES. According to IMD 2009, Colombia is the regional leader in entrepreneurship, highest labor force and is ranked 2nd most flexible labor system in Latin America according to the World Bank 2008.

• Multinational companies concur that Colombian managers are among the best in the region.
• Colombia occupies first place growth in the labor force, consumer satisfaction and is ranked 2nd most flexible labor system in Latin America.
• Additionally, compared with other developed and developing countries, Colombia’s labor force offers competitiveness in comparison to the cost of labor.
  

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/046_Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Human%20Resources.pdf

IDEAL EXPORT PLATAFORM. Colombia holds an advantage of having signed trade agreements. This gives companies preferential access to markets that extend to more than 1.2 billion consumers, a circumstance that is only enhanced by the strategic location of Colombia.

• In the year 2010, Free Trade Agreements will allow Colombia greater access to preferential markets of more than 1.4 billion consumers.
• Bogota is only 3:40 hours from Miami, 4:25 hours from Mexico City, 5:15 hours from Houston, 6 hours from New York, 8:30 hours from Los Angeles and 10:20 hours from Madrid.
• The cost of marine transport is approximately 30% less than that of direct competitors.
• Colombia is the leader in reforms for facilitating businesses, according to the World Bank (2010), climbing 42 positions from 2007 to 2010 reaching 37th in the ranking of 181 countries.
• The government has widely demonstrated a commitment to private investors.

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/047_Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Ideal%20Export%20Platform.pdf

INCENTIVES FOR INVESTORS. In the 2010 “Doing Business Report,” The World Bank ranked Colombia as the most business friendly country in Latin America. These incentives include:

• Free Trade Zones: the most competitive in Latin America because they offer up to a 50% tax break on sales into the local market. They also can be established in any place in Colombia.
• Legal Stability Contracts.
• 30% tax deduction on the cost of purchased machinery.
• Two types of Free Trade Zones are available: Permanent FTZ and Single Enterprise FTZ.
• 15% income tax and the possibility to selling into local markets.
• Investors can acquire Legal Stability Contracts with the Colombian government, which can last between 3 and 20 years. Depending on the sector, there can be extensions of up to 20 years.
• Many other tax deductions from the Colombian government exist for investors.

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/048_Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Incentives%20for%20Investors.pdf

QUALITY OF LIFE. Colombia has three of the top 30 universities in Latin America, 26 schools which give the SAT Test, 19 which are members of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and more than 45, 18 hole golf courses.

• Access to First Level Education

Colombian education provides access to more than 26 schools offering the SAT test -- a key requirement for students to enter US universities. Additionally, 19 schools grant the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Diploma – a standard that allows students to enter the best universities in the world.
For those interested in the French system of education, the Baccalauréat is part of the training in three Colombian schools. In third level, three Colombian universities are among the top 30 universities in Latin America.

• Relaxation for all types of pleasures

Colombian Dining: During the past few years, Colombian dining has earned an increasing reputation. The most important Colombian chefs host their own television programs on the prestigious food network "Gourmet."

Luxury Shopping and Golf: The most luxurious stores can be found in exclusive Colombian shopping malls. Moreover, business people can take advantage of 45, 18 hole golf courses available for year round play. Many of these golf courses have been designed by architects including Jack Nicklaus and Mark Mahannah. This sporting experience is a perfect opportunity to explore the Colombia world while identifying investment opportunities.

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/049_Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Quality%20of%20Life.pdf

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

INVESTMENT BOOKLET: This publication objectively emphasizes the potential for investment in Colombia. It contains general information about the competitive advantages which stand out in the country (updated every 2 months).

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/062_Brochure%20Ing%202009-08-24.pdf

COLOMBIA PRESENTATION. This presentation shows some of the most important positive changes to come about in the Colombian economy, and it invites investors to know the advantages of creating businesses in Colombia (updated every 2 weeks).

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/Adjuntos/061_Presentacion%20Colombia%20Febrero%202010%20(Ingles).pdf

This information was taken from: www.investincolombia.com.co