In Decree 639 of May 8, 2020, the National Government created the Formal Employment Support Program, which was expanded by Decree 677 of May 19, 2020 under the framework of the State of Economic Emergency. This measure seeks to alleviate companies’ lack of cash flow by establishing a subsidy for the payment of salaries.

As such, the National Government has prioritized the following investment projects in rail and river infrastructure that are included in the package of initiatives to reactivate Colombia’s economy, following the crisis caused by COVID-19.

Regarding railway projects, the La Dorada-Chiriguaná Corridor—a PPP that began as a public venture—stands out. This project is currently in the process of technical, legal, and financial structuring, which will conclude in October 2020 and amount to US $465 million. This public bid is expected to open in early 2021.

Across the region, companies have increased their production of all cleaning products and have benefited from the use of e-commerce and the increases in retail prices.
In Colombia, the figures before the national emergency was declared show the growth of both sectors. According to Statista, during the last week of February, sales of liquid cleaners and detergents grew by 31%, window cleaners by 29%, and laundry detergents by 28%.  As for personal hygiene products, in this same period sales of wet wipes and hand soap increased by 44% and 35% respectively.

In just one click, Colombian exporters will be able to access more than 4,800 national vehicles that operate in 25 departments and more than 1,200 routes, and cargo transporters will have the opportunity to offer their services to more than 2,500 export companies.

Also, Decree 457 ordered preventive isolation from 0:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25^th until, the recently extended date, April 26. This Decree limits the free movement of people and vehicles, and suspends domestic air transport. It also brings a list of 34 activities exceptions that can be carried out and indicates that cargo transport, storage and logistics for import and export cargo must be guaranteed.

In total, 937 buyers from 52 countries participated in the Bicentennial Macro Matchmaking Forum and had the opportunity to learn about Colombian talent, represented by 2,097 business owners from 25 departments.
 
"This event highlighted buyers’ and exporters’ confidence in Colombia in general, and specifically in ProColombia as an ally for internationalization," Santoro said, since 58% of buyers (543), as well as 796 Colombian business owners, were first-time participants.
 

More than 20 Central American and Caribbean companies will participate in this matchmaking forum, including private clinics, hospitals, and specialized hospital supply chain distributors from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others. Health Room Colombia will include a trade show with more than 40 Colombian export companies such as Mubi, Quirúrgicos Alfa, Rymco Medical, and Tecnoquímicas.