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Colombia is preparing for the Free Trade Agreement coming into effect with its most important trade partner. Starting this May 15th, entrepreneurs will be able to export their products with permanent preferential conditions in the United States, the destination for 44 percent of Colombian exports in 2011, for an amount close to USD$21,720,000,000.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism and PROCOLOMBIA are leading efforts so more entrepreneurs expand or open their markets in that country which, given its geography, varied ethnic and religious composition, purchasing power and cultural diversity, has submarkets that demand the goods and services that Colombia has to offer.
Since 2011, a strategy has been set in motion just for the FTA with the United States, in order to capitalize on one of the most important agreements for the country and, according to the National Government' s projections, will create 500,000 jobs in five years and will increase the annual GDP by one percent, bilateral trade by 35 percent and the investment rate by two percent, not only from U. S. investors, but from other countries that start to view Colombia as a platform for exporting to third markets.
2012, the year of business matchmaking and seminars
The work plan is underway. There are over 150 activities scheduled for 2012 in 32 Colombian departments and the 50 states of said country. " We wish to impact over 1,500 Colombian exporters and 1,300 buyers from the United States. We will develop over 15,000 trade appointments" , explained the president of PROCOLOMBIA, Maria Claudia Lacouture.
Efforts in the United States include three business matchmaking forums with the participation of 250 exporters in each: two are multi-sectoral and one is specialized in the clothing sector. The first multi-sectoral business matchmaking will take place on June 28 and 29 in New York.
These meetings will have exploratory missions comprised of SME entrepreneurs who will travel accompanied by PROCOLOMBIA in order to learn which options are available in this market and establish contacts with potential buyers. This business matchmaking is complemented with seminars on the advantages of investing in Colombia.
" Also, we have scheduled the participation of exporters in 35 international specialized fairs in the United States" , added the President of Proexport.
In accordance with the opportunities identified by PROCOLOMBIA in every state, there is also a plan to organize a series of seminars for promoting opportunities for exporting, tourism and investment for U.S. entrepreneurs.
In fact, just on investment, the organization has structured a sectoral strategy that will be promoted on a state level, especially for attracting Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) in sectors such as capital funds, BPO, cosmetics, hotel infrastructure, software, health, automotive, agro-industry, manufacturing and supplies, oil goods and services and alternative energy.
In Colombia, PROCOLOMBIA and the chambers of commerce established an alliance in order to disseminate throughout the country the opportunities available to Colombian enterprises in the U.S. market, with the FTA coming into effect. Around 22 multi-sectoral and specialized seminars are scheduled for 2012. The first two, in Bogota and Cali, took place in late March.
Consultancy and market studies for Colombian enterprises
In order to promote trade integration with the United States, PROCOLOMBIA identifies the entrepreneurs that need to reinforce their knowledge on matters relating to certifications, quality standards, volumes and customs, phytosanitary and legal affairs. In this respect, ten international experts on specialized subjects regarding access to U.S. markets will provide technical consultancy on sectors such as agro-industry, manufacturing and clothing.
" We will also have experts on phytosanitary matters &ndash added Lacouture&ndash in order to direct efforts that will allow for overcoming the obstacles of the exportable supply in this field. Likewise, training will be provided for obtaining quality certifications that promote a more competitive supply" .
In parallel, 18 niche or new product investigations will be carried out in order to boost the current export supply. Thus, enterprises will be able to have valuable information available on the options for trading oils and greases, ingredients for the food industry, cosmetics and cleaning products, automotive spare parts, construction materials, furniture, male and female undergarments, jeans, sportswear, swimwear, shapewear, uniforms, health services, video games or software.
Some results
Starting in late 2011, PROCOLOMBIA set forth this strategy that, to date, has had as a result the visit of 252 potential buyers that participated in fairs such as Colombiatex of the Americas, and the International Footwear and Leather Show. In addition, a multi-sectoral mission of 132 buyers from various states of the United States toured companies and production plants in the country in order to learn of the supply and the benefits of buying in Colombia.
Also, 139 Colombian exporters participated in international fairs in that country, such as the Magic Show (clothing), Appex (automotive) and the International Home Housewares (manufacturing), among others this, in addition to visits by 64 SMEs.
