COLOMBIA – From 17 to 18 march was held in Bogota the 60th edition of the International Business Macro-meeting sponsored by ProColombia, Colombia’s export promotion agency. The event was attended by 820 international companies, such as Ikea and Hyatt, interested in the offer of 1,289 Colombian exporters.

“We want to grow non-mining exports by promoting foreign direct investment, opening new marketing channels and bringing to Colombia foreign buyers of consumer products and also elements that are incorporated into global value chains” said the president of ProColombia, Maria Claudia Lacouture, emphasizing that 54 countries were taking part of the event.

The international call was concentrated in the countries with which Colombia has an existing trade agreement. The largest group came from North America with 356 companies, 42.6% of the total. By country, the United States had the largest presence with 212 companies. By markets the breakdown was as following: South America, 166 companies; Central America, 108; the Caribbean, 87; Europe, 81; Asia, 29; Africa 4 and Australia 4.

These companies were interested in Colombia’s offering in agribusiness, apparel, manufacturing and services. Among the buyers were world-renowned companies such as Ikea, with interest in furniture and decorative items, and Hyatt, in hotel furnishings.