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TBY talks to Enrique Sistiva Vargas, General Manager of Proquimsa, on the energy sector.
How does Proquimsa differentiate itself from its competitors?
We operate by taking into consideration our clients' necessities, as providing personal attention to our client in any difficult situation is an obligation for us. Quality service is a must for Proquimsa, and when the client is happy, so are we. Quality control is particularly high, as it is a core element of our competitive advantage that we do not compromise. Furthermore, we have a test plant and laboratory where we investigate new materials and new alternative processes in order to improve our products and strengthen our competitiveness.
What trends have you observed in this sector over recent years?
Lubricant consumption in Colombia since 1998 has remained stable at around 42 million gallons per year. Day by day, the industry is designing much more efficient engines and machines that do not need as much maintenance as they did in the past. In addition, the quality of lubricants (synthetics) are improving continuously, prolonging the life of the lubricants and therefore lowering consumption. Another negative factor has been the illegal lubricant market coming in from other countries. This illegal competition is penetrating into the formal markets by offering lower quality products and lower prices.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Bruce Mac Master, President, National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI)
TBY talks to Bruce Mac Master, President of the National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI), on tackling obstacles to competitiveness in the economy, participating in the global value chain, and the impact of the currency devaluation.
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Colombian banks have greatly expanded their operations in Central America in the last decade. The dramatic growth of the middle class and the internationalization of the Colombian economy has propelled growth. The market has shaken the shackles of the large players who used to dominate the market, with smaller institutions expanding and widening their coverage across the region.
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Mauricio De La Mora Rodríguez, Former President, National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH)
TBY talks to Mauricio De La Mora Rodríguez, Former President of National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), on promoting investment, gaining knowledge of offshore activities, and the short-term outlook.
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Eduardo Jaramillo Cuervo, President & CEO, General Electric (GE)
TBY talks to Eduardo Jaramillo Cuervo, President & CEO of General Electric (GE), on the role GE intends to play in developing Colombia's energy value chain and creating a diversified matrix to support the country's energy needs for years to come.
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Adriana Lucia Falla, General Manager, SoftManagement S.A
TBY talks to Adriana Lucia Falla, General Manager of SoftManagement S.A., on the important elements of the company's business, its key strengths compared to its competitors, and the significance of the IT sector in Colombia.
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Juan Martin Caicedo Ferrer, Executive President , Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure (CCI)
TBY talks to Juan Martin Caicedo Ferrer, Executive President of the Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure (CCI), on the future of infrastructure in the country, challenges, and the role of SMEs.
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Motoring Toward Development
Colombia is looking toward the future and improving its transportation network by renewing road infrastructure, putting an end to the nation's underdevelopment in roads and highways. The government estimates that in the next four years the 4G program will dramatically enhance the Colombian economy, shortening traveling time between cities and, consequently, reducing transportation costs.
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Morning Joe
Colombian coffee has an incredible reputation for its aroma, taste, and purity, which is why it is considered one of the best quality coffees in the world. This belief has not changed despite the entrance of huge producing countries such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Vietnam into the market.
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Gold Star For You
In recent decades, Colombia made changes to nearly every level and aspect of its education system and has been exceeding the expected results, putting the country on the right track to achieve the president's goal of becoming the best educated country in the region.
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It's Not Magic
A reputation for violence had for many years stunted the growth of Colombia's tourism sector. But now that the country has enormously improved its image abroad, there is little to prevent it from becoming one of the most ideal destinations in Latin America.
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