Review

A Time for Unity

The challenges for new president Iván Duque are immense, including the need to unite a nation in lasting peace and tackling the persistent social inequality applying the brakes to national progress.

Inside Perspective

Iván Duque Márquez, President-elect , Republic of Colombia

Iván Duque Márquez, President-elect of the Republic of Colombia, on his vision for the future of Colombia.

Guest Speaker

Peace in Our Time

António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, on Colombia's peace-building efforts.

Guest Speaker

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, Canada

TBY talks to François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade of Canada, on making globalization work for all Colombians and Canadians, supporting the environment and mutually progressive causes, and increasing technological and educational ties.

Guest Speaker

Steve Ciobo, Australian Minister , Trade and Investment

TBY talks to Steve Ciobo, Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, on the benefits of free trade, accelerating the modernization of Colombia's agricultural sector, and areas with room for growth.

Column

Raul Rivero, Member of Management Board, Banco ProCredit

TBY talks to Raul Rivero, Member of Management Board, Banco ProCredit, on the sector.

Review

Robust, but Underpenetrated

Colombia can expect to sustain a stable economic trajectory, which should reflect positively on its financial services industry, although participation requires addressing.

Column

Luis Miguel González, President Credicorp, Capital Colombia

TBY talks to Luis Miguel González, President Credicorp, Capital Colombia, on the sector.

Column

Hector Camargo, President, Coltefinanciera

TBY talks to Hector Camargo, President, Coltefinanciera, on the sector.

Interview

Juan José Echavarría, Governor, Banco de la República

TBY talks to Juan José Echavarría, Governor of Banco de la República, on key successes in the past year, the bank's response to the drop in Colombia's credit rating, and its outlook for growth.

Interview

Manuel De La Cruz, CEO, Banco Santander de Negocio Colombia

TBY talks to Manuel De La Cruz, CEO of Banco Santander de Negocio Colombia, on its strategies to increase its income, its offerings to investors, and its targets for the year.

Interview

Eduardo Garcia, Representative Director and Country Head , Credit Suisse

TBY talks to Eduardo Garcia, Representative Director and Country Head of Credit Suisse, on integrated banking, rural finance, and its Financial Inclusion Initiative.

Focus: DIGITIZING BANKING

Turning Digital

Financial inclusion and penetration are still big challenges to overcome for the Colombian banking sector.

Interview

Bernardo Noreña Ocampo, President, Corficolombiana

TBY talks to Bernardo Noreña Ocampo, President of Corficolombiana, on business markets, equity investments, and building Colombia's infrastructure.

Forum

Investment Funds

Tackling uncertainties left and right, the Colombian market is offering an investment ecosystem that is set for another run.

B2B

Real estate

Colombia's booming real estate sector is one of the signs that shows the brewing positivity and investor confidence in the economy.

Interview

Juliana Tobón Peña, CEO, MetLife

TBY talks to Juliana Tobón Peña, CEO of MetLife, on growth strategies, insurance penetration, and its goal to serve 50% of Colombia's population.

Interview

José Miguel González, President, JLT Re

TBY talks to José Miguel González, President of JLT Re, on treaty business, modern financial risks, and handling Colombia's growing port industry.

Interview

Carlos A. Vélez Mejía, General Manager, Nacional de Seguro

TBY talks to Carlos A. Vélez Mejía, General Manager of Nacional de Seguros, on regulatory changes, employing experienced intermediaries, and the importance of being insured.

Forum

Insurance Colombia

Colombia's insurance-to-GDP ratio is amongst the lowest, but the government and insurance companies are striving to bridge the gap through awareness and technology.

Forum

Pension Industry

Leading pension companies are using digitization, among other techniques, to reform Colombia's pension system.

Forum

Innovation Colombia

Financial companies and institutions are employing fintech and cutting-edge technologies to tackle Colombia's economic issues.

B2B

Development Institutions

Public-private partnerships look to be the key in developing Colombia's infrastructure, especially in terms of attracting foreign investment.

Review

The Right Formula

While Colombia's economy shows promise, the country is further diversifying its industrial base to mitigate finite resources.

Column

Ricardo Wills Salas, General Manager, Cumbria Holdings

TBY talks to Ricardo Wills Salas, General Manager, Cumbria Holdings, on the sector.

Column

Wenyi Cai, Managing Partner, Polymath Ventures

TBY talks to Wenyi Cai, Managing Partner, Polymath Ventures, on the sector.

Interview

Juan Gabriel Pérez, Executive Director, Invest in Bogotá

TBY talks to Juan Gabriel Pérez, Executive Director of Invest in Bogotá, on rounding a turning point, the opportunities for foreign investment in infrastructural PPPs, and finding the perfect investors for adding value on a local scale.

Interview

Sergio Escobar, Executive Director, ACI Medellín

TBY talks to Sergio Escobar, Executive Director of ACI Medellín, on creating a higher quality of life for the inhabitants of Medellín, rising markets for local industries, and the city's important growth during a national lull.

Interview

Patricia Tovar, Executive Director, Colombian British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham)

TBY talks to Patricia Tovar, Executive Director of Colombian British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham), on finding new strategies in trying times, supporting Colombians investing in the UK, and the rising importance of ecotourism.

Interview

Jorge Mario Velásquez, President, Grupo Argos

TBY talks to Jorge Mario Velásquez, President of Grupo Argos, on boosting efficiency, harnessing sustainable practices, and building on core competences.

Interview

Carlos Ignacio Gallego Palacio, CEO, Grupo Nutresa

TBY talks to Carlos Ignacio Gallego Palacio, CEO of Grupo Nutresa, on the strength of purely organic growth, harnessing the right business model, and making sustainability central to all expansion.

Focus: OECD ACCESSION

Good Policy- Making Matters

Colombia sets out a strong path for reinforcing commitments and the access to the OECD, and continued commitment should be worthwhile.

Column

Rafael de la Cruz, General Manager Andean Region, Interamerican Development Bank (IDB)

TBY talks to Rafael de la Cruz, General Manager Andean Region, Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), on the sector.

Interview

Jorge E. Salamanca, General Manager, Zona Franca Metropolitana

TBY talks to Jorge E. Salamanca, General Manager of Zona Franca Metropolitana, on consistent growth within the free zones, being the best place to be in Bogotá, and strength in smallness.

Interview

Ana María Badel, Executive Director, ProBarranquilla

TBY talks to Ana María Badel, Executive Director of ProBarranquilla, on building up the city's value proposition, openness to transformation, and work to attract both local and foreign investment.

Forum

Free zones

Maintaining normal operations in free trade zones were a challenge given the slowdown in 2016 and 2017, though companies predict better times ahead.

Forum

Why Colombia 2018?

More than the size of the market and the potential it offers, Colombia's key selling point is its vision for the future and the many transformation projects taking place.

Review

A Mighty Wind

Colombia has created an ambitious plan it hopes will make it a green economy leader in the region by 2030.

Column

Sonia Constanza Mendez C., General Manager, Greenpack

TBY talks to Sonia Constanza Mendez C., General Manager, Greenpack, on the sector.

Interview

Ricardo Humberto Ramírez Carrero, General Director, UPME

TBY talks to Ricardo Humberto Ramírez Carrero, General Director of UPME, on its various efforts to build up the energy and mining sectors, boosting the production of renewable energy, and upcoming challenges.

Interview

Pedro Gutierrez, General Manager, Aseo Urbano de la Costa

TBY talks to Pedro Gutierrez, General Manager of Aseo Urbano de la Costa, on its focus on innovation, its commitment to sustainability, and working with communities.

Forum

Solar Colombia

The opportunity for the green energy market is huge in Colombia, though it is important to learn from the experiences of other countries.

Focus: Financing Green Investments

Intent on Incentives

From global investment funds to national legislation, Colombia looks to green energy with high hopes.

Column

Alejandro Lucio Chaustre, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Association Colombia (Ser Colombia)

TBY talks to Alejandro Lucio Chaustre, Executive Director, Renewable Energy Association Colombia (Ser Colombia), on the sector.

Column

Fernando Asenjo, General Manager, Petroelectrica de los Llanos

TBY talks to Fernando Asenjo General Manager, Petroelectrica de los Llanos, on the sector.

Interview

Orlando Velandia Sepúlveda, President, Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH)

TBY talks to Orlando Velandia Sepúlveda, President of Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH), on Tax Refund Certificates, developing pedagogical programs, and the Territorial Strategy of Hydrocarbons.

Review

Digging Deep

Colombia's energy industry is investing heavily in exploration to find new production sites to meet the country's energy needs.

Interview

Astrid Álvarez, President, Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB)

TBY talks to Astrid Álvarez, President of Grupo Energía Bogotá (GEB), on green energy, keeping up with OECD standards, and sustainable public transport.

Interview

Bernardo Vargas Gibsone, President, Interconexión Eléctrica SA (ISA)

TBY talks to Bernardo Vargas Gibsone, President of Interconexión Eléctrica SA (ISA), on Latin America's highest transmission line, Jaguar Connection, and sustainability.

Interview

Marcela Vaca Torres, General Manager, GeoPark

TBY talks to Marcela Vaca Torres, General Manager of GeoPark, on developing the Jacana Field, tackling the challenging social environment, and contributing to society.

B2B

Onshore - Offshore

Businesses and local actors are joining hands and efforts to thrust Colombia's economy toward higher growth levels.

Interview

Daniel M. Lucio Farfán, CEO, Summum Group

TBY talks to Daniel M. Lucio Farfán, CEO of Summum Group, on building Colombia's infrastructure, exploration blocks, and Metro Bogotá.

Interview

Iván Quintero, President, Oil Business Services (OBS)

TBY talks to Iván Quintero & Alejandro Quintero, President and General Manager of Oil Business Services (OBS), on strong community relationships, alternate energy spectrum in Colombia, and regional expansion.

Interview

Guillermo J. Game, CEO, CTAC

TBY talks to Guillermo J. Gamez, CEO of CTAC, on areas of opportunity for the sector, its expansion plans, and minimizing the environmental impact of its work.

Column

Leddy Evangelista, Managing Director, Oiltanking

TBY talks to Leddy Evangelista, Managing Director, Oiltanking, on the sector.

Forum

Oilfield Services

As oil prices stablize, oil and gas companies in Colombia are eyeing tremendous growth on the back of multifaceted collaboration with the local community.

Interview

José María Castro, General Manager, Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC)

TBY talks to José María Castro, General Manager of Sociedad Portuaria El Cayao (SPEC), on the region's LNG potential, maintaining highest international standards, and developing community relationships.

Interview

Juan Camilo Londoño Piedrahita, General Manager, Distracom

TBY talks to Juan Camilo Londoño Piedrahita, General Manager of Distracom, on truck centers, fuel control platform, and challenges for the Colombian transportation sector.

Focus: Community Relations

A New Uprising

Colombia's communities have raised their voices against national and international investors' exploitation of local natural resources.

Interview

Bryan Jabba, Country Manager, Austin Ingenieros

TBY talks to Bryan Jabba, Country Manager of Austin Ingenieros, on being a non-OEM producer, innovative truck designs, and covering all of South America.

Interview

Diego León Vélez Velásquez, General Manager, Ingeniería y Gestión Administrativa (IGGA)

TBY talks to Diego León Vélez Velásquez, General Manager of Ingeniería y Gestión Administrativa (IGGA), on predial management, virtual technical file, and working with different economic models.

Interview

Darren Bowden, President, Minesa

TBY talks to Darren Bowden, President of Minesa, on coexistence operations, combating illegal mining, and tapping into Colombia's potential.

Vox Populi

MINING

Whether it is coal, gold, or emeralds, Colombia's mining industry is ripe with potential and investors are looking up to the government for across-the-board regulations.

Column

Jaime Blandón, General Manager, IEB

TBY talks to Jaime Blandón, General Manager, IEB, on the sector.

Review

Strength in Numbers

Colombia's industrial sector is poised to play a bigger role thanks to an improving economic environment and the government's efforts to open new export markets.

Interview

Miguel Fernando Escobar, CEO, Postobón

TBY talks to Miguel Fernando Escobar, CEO of Postobón, on its strategy to remain one of the most successful private companies in Colombia, its focus on innovation, and its sustainability initiatives.

Interview

Roberto Mercadé, President, Coca-Cola

TBY talks to Roberto Mercadé, President of Coca-Cola, on plant-based beverages, female empowerment, and digitizing Coca-Cola.

Interview

Ricardo Bribiesca, CEO, PPG Industries

TBY talks to Ricardo Bribiesca, CEO of PPG Industries, on being recognized as the supplier of the year, achieving doubt-digit growth in a declining market, and providing tailor-made solutions.

Interview

Lida Pabón, President, Pinturas Tito Pabó

TBY talks to Lida Pabón, President of Pinturas Tito Pabón, on its commitment to the fabrication of products that do not impact the environment or health and its extensive community service efforts.

Interview

Hernán de Jesús Zapata Villegas, General Manager, Eurocerámica

TBY talks to Hernán de Jesús Zapata Villegas, General Manager of Eurocerámica, on the company's continued focus on innovation, its internationalization policy, and upcoming industry trends.

B2B

Alcoholic Beverages

<strong></strong>With Colombia an attractive market in terms of premium spirits and spirits as a whole, the country will continue to be a pillar for growth for producers.

Vox Populi

Maestri Milano

With restaurants, bars, and social clubs as well as a wine boutique, Maestri Milano has been focused on bringing Italy's wine culture to Colombia.

B2B

Heavy Machinery

Growth in mining and infrastructure looks set to spur sales and support for machinery.

B2B

engineering

The government's infrastructure initiatives for the country will ensure a great deal of work coming to engineering companies and consultancy firms.

Focus: Industry’s Economic Contribution

All in for Industry

After the 2017 economic slowdown, 2018 will see an upward turn, with many sectors, including industry, leading the charge.

B2B

Steel Colombia

Construction and infrastructure development has the potential to boost the local steel sector, though the country has challenges to overcome in the meantime.

Vox Populi

Equipment

When supplying equipment, in addition to quality and service, companies also help clients build solutions.

B2B

Elevator and Escalator Solutions

Companies are working on training and innovative solutions for elevators in anticipation of better times ahead.

Column

Sergio Karagumechian, General Manager, Compañía Envasadora del Atlántico (CEA)

TBY talks to Sergio Karagumechian, General Manager, Compañía Envasadora del Atlántico (CEA), on the sector.

Column

Marcelo Leon, President, Disan Group

TBY talks to Marcelo Leon, President, Disan Group, on the sector.

Review

Updates in Progress

Colombia has seen internet adaptation growth that has put it on par with Latin American averages, but an improved regulatory structure is needed to help the IT sector meet its full potential.

Interview

Iván Herrera, Vice President , Business Solutions and Government of Huawei Colombia

TBY talks to Iván Herrera, Vice President of Business Solutions and Government of Huawei Colombia, and Cao Wei, Country Manager of Consumer Business Group of Huawei Colombia, on their growth plans for the country.

Interview

Alejandro Franco R, Executive Director, Ruta N

TBY talks to Alejandro Franco R., Executive Director of Ruta N, on its extensive portfolio of projects, its partnership with the University of Miami, and its support for ICT companies.

Forum

Telecoms Colombia

The telecoms industry is bringing more and new services to the table by taking advantage of 4G and 5G technologies.

Vox Populi

Apps

With such an untapped internet and technology sector, Colombia offers companies that can come up with unique and effective value propositions boundless opportunities.

Focus: Digitalization

Determining Development

The digital revolution has the potential to reshape Colombia's economic environment but only through a comprehensive approach.

Column

Rodrigo Amaris, General Manager, Fullcarga

TBY talks to Rodrigo Amaris, General Manager, Fullcarga, on the sector.

B2B

Start-ups

Using technology to fill an unmet need in the market has given start-ups opportunities to flourish in Colombia.

Forum

IT solutions

IT companies play a key role in helping their customers on their journeys to reinvent their business models and transforming businesses in the digital economy.

Column

Fernando Jaramillo, Commercial Manager, TS Group

TBY talks to Fernando Jaramillo, Commercial Manager, TS Group, on the sector.

Column

Maritza Garzón Vargas , CEO, Emtelco

TBY talks to Maritza Garzón Vargas , CEO, Emtelco, on the sector.

Column

Rafael Florez BARAYAS, Corporate Director, Logyca

TBY talks to Rafael Florez BARAYAS, Corporate Director, Logyca, on the sector.

Interview

Thomas Otersen, CEO, Agility

TBY talks to Thomas Otersen, CEO, Agility, on the sector.

Review

A Freightful Story

Colombia, as large as France and Spain combined, is investing heavily in its transportation infrastructure to boost economic activity nationwide.

Interview

Jessica Passos, General Manager Latin America, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)

TBY talks to Jessica Passos, General Manager Latin America of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), on its decision to make Colombia the Latin America hub, efforts to boost its premium lines, and plans for the region.

Interview

Fernando Agudelo, President of the Andean region , General Motors (GM)

TBY talks to Fernando Agudelo, President of the Andean region of General Motors (GM), on its impressive investments in Colombia, his outlook for the economy, and its growing focus on exports.

Forum

Luxury Car Brands

Though Mexico and Brazil remain Latin America's biggest luxury car markets, Colombia's profile is showing promising signs for high-end brands.

Interview

Marco A. Pastrana, General Manager, Motorysa

TBY talks to Marco A. Pastrana, General Manager of Motorysa, on new divisions, partnerships, and growth strategies.

Interview

José Francisco Gili Planella, General Manager, Derco

TBY talks to José Francisco Gili Planella, General Manager of Derco, on adding brands, building business lines, and growing market share.

Vox Populi

Car Dealers

Though a challenging market, car dealers in Colombia are focusing on bringing in more brands in the passenger vehicle segment of the automotive industry.

B2B

Public Transport

<strong></strong>Bus rapid transit systems continue to transform cities—both in Colombia and beyond.

Focus: Bogotá Metro

Work in Progress Colombia

The metro of Bogotá has the potential to revolutionize the entire transport system of the capital and set an example for the entire region.

Interview

Tomás Andrés Elejalde Escobar, General Manager, Metro of Medellín

TBY talks to Tomás Andrés Elejalde Escobar, General Manager of Metro of Medellín, on establishing a culture around public transport, diversifying revenue, and repowering the metro.

B2B

Vehicles

Non-diesel, environmentally sustainable vehicles are still a new product, but first movers in the market are seeing demand grow.

Forum

Airport Management

Airports across Colombia are capitalizing on multiple opportunities—leveraging connectivity, sourcing investment, and increasing infrastructure—to expand air transport services.

Forum

Airlines Colombia

Domestic and international airlines are increasing routes, destinations, and services to better serve customers and grow the industry.

B2B

Port Logistics

With improved inland connections and logistics, Colombia's ports are poised to make further strides.

Review

Fertile Thinking

Systemic problems are being addressed in post-conflict Colombia to make sure sustainable agriculture takes root.

Interview

Olaf Hektoen, Senior Vice President, Yara International ASA

TBY talks to Olaf Hektoen, Senior Vice President of Yara International ASA, on reinforcing its relationship with farmers, being an important partner in the post-conflict period, and improving productivity.

Review: Health

Who You Gonna Call?

Colombia maintains its place as the best public health system in Latin America, according to the WHO.

Column

Axel Mallman, CEO, Lafam

TBY talks to Axel Mallman, CEO, Lafam, on the sector.

Column

Pamela Saveedra, General Director Andean Hub, Beckton Dickinson

TBY talks to Pamela Saveedra, General Director Andean Hub, Beckton Dickinson, on the sector.

Interview

Juan Carlos Echandía Bautista, Infrastructure President, Clínicas Colsanitas

<strong></strong>TBY talks to Juan Carlos Echandía Bautista,Infrastructure President of Clínicas Colsanitas, and Ignacio Correa Sebastián, Executive President of Colsanitas.

Interview

Rubén Darío Romero Mouthón, Operational Director, Coosalud

TBY talks to Rubén Darío Romero Mouthón, Operational Director of Coosalud, on thinking strategically, focusing as much on prevention as treatment, and delivering a comprehensive model of care.

Forum

Hospitals & Clinics

Some of Colombia's oldest and most respected healthcare providers provide excellent, affordable, and often free services to the country's most vulnerable populations.

Interview

Alvaro Torres, CEO, Khiron Life Sciences Corp

TBY talks to Alvaro Torres, CEO of Khiron Life Sciences Corp., on leveraging Colombia's many natural strengths in cannabis cultivation, branding as a value-added pharmaceutical, and changing misconceptions.

Focus: Medical Cannabi

MEDICAL Cannabis: A Can’t Miss Opportunity

Medicinal cannabis holds great potential for Colombia with more international investors intending to explore the market's opportunities.

B2B

Medical Cannabis

The going is good for those who got into the business early, but there is still work to be done in convincing physicians and the wider public of both Colombia's and cannabis' merits.

Interview

Jorge Schirmer, General Manager, Cruz Verde

TBY talks to Jorge Schirmer, General Manager of Cruz Verde, on learning to master the national market, raising industry standards, and making a social impact.

Column

Alex Llanos, General Manager, Dr. Alex Llanos

TBY talks to Alex Llanos, General Manager, Dr. Alex Llanos, on the sector.

Review: Education

All Together Now

A new law reinstates Colombian history courses for the first time in 23 years as part of the government's push to foster a more inclusive national identity.

Column

Gonzalo Gómez-Betancourt, Dean, Legacy School of Ownership (LSO)

TBY talks to Gonzalo Gómez-Betancourt, Dean, Legacy School of Ownership (LSO), on the sector.

Interview

Santiago José Castro Agudelo, Rector, Universidad La Gran Colombia

TBY talks to Santiago José Castro Agudelo, Rector of Universidad La Gran Colombia, on providing first-rate affordable education, constantly innovating whilst remaining true to one's values, and changing Colombia's risk-adverse culture.

Forum

Universities Colombia

A thriving public and private market combined with a deeply entrenched habit of sticking to one's core mission values makes Colombia's higher education market stronger by the year.

B2B

Business schools

Using the best foreign methods with just the right Colombian touch, these business schools are catering to students both young and experienced and keen on honing their entrepreneurial acumen.

Focus: Reintegration of former Combatants

A New Dawn

The successful reintegration of former Colombian guerrillas will be achieved only through a comprehensive approach.

Review

Now Arriving

Colombia's tourism industry is taking advantage of the country's newfound stability to invest in infrastructure and make a marketing push into new Asian markets.

Column

Andres Botero, VP Latin America & Country Manager Colombia, DFASS Group

TBY talks to Andres BoteroVP Latin America &amp; Country Manager Colombia, DFASS Group on the sector.

Column

Paulo Lara Restrepo, General Manager, Atlantis

TBY talks to Paulo Lara Restrepo, General Manager, Atlantis, on the sector.

Interview

Eduardo Osorio Lozano, General Manager, FONTUR

TBY talks to Eduardo Osorio Lozano, General Manager of FONTUR, on investing in competitiveness, promotion, and infrastructure, the importance of culture and nature, and protecting the country's youth.

Interview

Jean-Claude Bessudo, President, Aviatur

TBY talks to Jean-Claude Bessudo, President of Aviatur, on boosting online commerce, how to face changes in the corporate ecosystem, and finding a legislative equilibrium.

Focus: Business Tourism

Business With a Side of Sabrosura

Following Colombia's recent economic success, business visitors fuel inbound tourism to the country.

Interview

Andres Hernandez, General Manager, Mareauto Colombia S.A.S,

TBY talks to Andres Hernandez, General Manager of Mareauto Colombia S.A.S, AVIS Colombia, on outgrowing the market by legions, providing customers with an unforgettable experience, and offering a timeless premium service.

Photo Essay: Amazonas

A Rural Escape

A journey into inland Colombia proves to be a stunning adventure filled with towns, forests, and waters that amaze.

Review

City of Gold

Colombia's regulatory policies are generally regarded as welcoming to foreign investment, as seen by the World Bank's 2018 Doing Business report, which ranked the country's business environment 59th globally. Chief among the country's appeal to foreign investors are its stable political and economic system, rich natural resources, and geographically important location at the crossroads of two oceans and continents.

Review

The Nuts and Bolts

<strong></strong>An overview of the legal and tax process for doing business in Colombia.

Interview

Marco Ribas, Executive President, Accenture Colombia

TBY talks to Marco Ribas, Executive President of Accenture Colombia, on connecting with the startup world, driving digitization, and remaining at the heart of every technological transformation.