WILLEMSTAD – In PROCOLOMBIA’s efforts to continue the commercial connection between Colombian exporters and Curaçao buyers, the promotion agency has already hosted and will continue to host important business events in 2015. According to the President of ProColombia for the Caribbean Area, Carlos Gonzalez, this is a great year for the business relation between Curaçao and Colombia.
Venezuela has been a long time important business partner for Curaçao, but their economic and political situation has forced Curaçao to look somewhere else for a business partner. Colombia, being so close to Curaçao and going through an amazing economic growth is one of the best options for the business sector.
One of the most expected event of this year’s first quarter is the 55th Matchmaking Forum to be held on February 19-20 at the Corferias Great Hall in Bogota. Gonzalez indicated in an interview with Curaçao Chronicle that this event is ProColombia’s response to Colombia’s economic progress and its objective to foster expansion and growth. ProColombia will host this event where various business owners from Curaçao will have the opportunity to see what Colombia has to offer.
More than 2,000 Colombian companies from the Agribusiness, Apparel, Manufacturing, and Services sectors will be present, showcasing their products that offer several competitive advantages for international importers. Registered buyers will be able to schedule one-on-one business meetings with Colombian exporters and they will receive personalized support from Procolombia advisors.
Next to Curaçao, ProColombia expects more than 80 buyers from Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Surinam, St. Lucia, Guadalupe, Aruba and the Bahamas. Buyers from these markets are looking for snacks, processed foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and bakery products in the agribusiness sector; construction materials, home furniture, articles for office, home and hotel and packaging materials in the manufacturing sector; casual apparel, swimwear, uniforms and footwear in the textile and apparel sector.
Gonzalez indicated that there is another positive development in the relations between Curaçao and Colombia, which can help the commerce. This is the air connection between the two countries. “There are direct flights from Curaçao to Bogota with Avianca. The Curaçao airline, Insel Air has also direct flights to Medellin and Baranquilla.
Another interesting field for Curaçao to explore in the relations development with Colombia, is the energy sector. Over the past decade, Colombia has become a leader in the energy sector of Latin America, creating an ideal opportunity for Curaça investors looking to tap into an emerging energy hub. The sector has a potential to generate billions in the next 20 years and create tens of thousands of jobs.
This upcoming event is a great opportunity for Curaçao to explore all the possibilities to do business with Colombia. Gonzalez’ believe that the relationships between local buyers and Colombian exporters will be strengthened with the support of PROCOLOMBIA.
Bron: Curacao Chronicle