FREE TRADE 
ZONES 
DIRECTORY 
Libert yOrden
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 3 
MINISTER’S LETTER 
FOR THE 2014 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 
A letter from the Minister of Comerce, Industry and Tourism 
In Colombia, Free Trade Zones have become the first-line of development to face the challenges of the XXI 
century. They have been effective in attracting investment and generating employment, while being important 
centers for regional progress. 
With 56 years in existence, they have evolved, with a special transformation in 1991, when the Minister of 
Foreign Trade at that time and current President of the Republic, Juan Manuel Santos, signed the formation of 
the Private Free Trade Zones which led to the development of new areas for industry, commerce and services 
with special custom and tax regulations in Bogota, Rionegro, Palmira, Cartagena and La Tebaida. 
With the rise of the national economy, Free Trade Zones grew rapidly throughout the Colombian territory as 
logistics and business development centers. This is reflected in the 99 that have been approved under the 
current tax and customs system. 
We currently have the largest number of industrial parks in Latin America. Free Trade Zone projects are being 
developed in almost all regions of Colombia in order to improve trade logistics and directly reach markets 
benefiting from the free trade system, thus, obtaining a greater competitive advantage. A boom that has forced 
builders to wage on these business centers as new focus for investment and industry growth. 
It has boosted employment by creating 13,749 direct and over 97,984 indirect positions. We strongly believe 
that this figure will continue to grow, from the investment in infrastructure and the expansion of the Free Trade 
Zones for services classified as “employment generators.” 
Free Trade Zones are a business model that have undoubtedly transformed the industrial sector through 
incentives and benefits such as the flat income tax rate of 15%, the exemption in customs duties and the 
facilitation of importing and exporting, all key factors to meet the needs of today’s market that is constantly 
changing when implementing free trade agreements and thus, the interests of different sectors to improve 
logistics and have a presence in other countries in order to take advantage of tariff preferences. 
Thanks to these incentives, the country’s strategic location, its excellent connectivity to the Americas, Europe 
and Asia and the possibility of attracting companies to use Colombia as a platform for the distribution of their 
products internationally, the activity of industrial parks is a pillar of competitive development of our regions 
and an excellent opportunity on the road to the nation’s prosperity. 
CECILIA ALVAREZ-CORREA 
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
4 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 
OF PROEXPORT COLOMBIA 
Colombia is projected as one of the most 
promising destinations for business in the last 
decade. The Government adopted policies that 
generated dynamics in its domestic market and a 
growing trade integration with the world. Foreign 
direct investment is one of the elements that 
reflect the momentum of the country: 10 years 
ago, this amount totaled about US $1,720 million 
and by the end of 2013 that figure reached over 
$16,772 million, according to the Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and Tourism. 
Major companies decided to invest in our country 
and also to expand their business to other 
markets, motivated by the security and benefits 
that the Colombian legislation provides to foreign 
investors, amongst others. 
Within the last 10 years, the Gross Domestic 
Product (GDP) averaged a growth of 4.7%. In 
addition, some interesting facts to highlight 
include a domestic market of 47 million 
inhabitants, which 55% are under 30 years of 
age and the middle class increased its per capita 
GDP: it went from $1,980 in 2000, to US $8,300 
in 2014. 
Furthermore, the current free trade agreements 
with Colombia open the gateway for companies 
operating in the country and / or with potential to 
do so, to obtain tax benefits offered by nearly 50 
markets with 1,500 million consumers of which it 
has privileged access. 
In recent years, the three major rating agencies 
(Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings) 
granted investment grade to Colombia. In 
addition, the World Bank Doing Business ranked it 
as the third friendliest country in the region to do 
business with and with the most positive reforms 
that have been implemented for this purpose. 
Development, stability, dynamics and projection 
are some of the attributes that are used by 
major international financial institutions, as well 
as multilateral agencies to refer to Colombia, 
considering it as a reliable and attractive partner 
for foreign investors. 
Colombia also has optimal regulation of Free 
Trade Zones, strengthened by Law 1004 of 2005, 
with which the country was placed in the orbit of 
global trade and considerably raised the entry of 
foreign investment, which in turn, has generated 
new jobs and increased the development of our 
industry. 
This publication provides you with privileged 
information on its potential, the opportunities, 
and all advantages offered by the free zones of 
Colombia for investors interested in establishing 
themselves in the country. 
Find a partner at Proexport, with tailored 
information and legal advice through our network 
of offices in Colombia and in 26 countries. 
MARIA CLAUDIA LACOUTURE 
President of Proexport Colombia
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 5 
Buenos Aires 
6h15m 
Los Angeles 
8h20m 
Mexico City 
4h45m 
Quito 
1h30m 
Lima 
3h00m 
Santiago de Chile 
5h00m 
Toronto 
6h05m 
Caracas 
1h20m 
São Paulo 
5h45m 
Miami 
3h00m 
New York 
5h35m 
Madrid 
9h40m 
Paris 
10h40m 
Frankfurt 
11h15m 
COLOMBIA: A COMPETITIVE LOCATION 
WITH EASY ACCESS TO GLOBAL MARKETS 
There are more than 3,300 maritime export routes 
sailing from Colombian ports offering regular, direct 
or connecting service on 30 steamship companies 
with destinations in 480 ports around the world. 
More than 165 million tons of export and import 
products were moved by ocean in 2013. 
Country Frequency 
United States 242 
Panama 224 
Ecuador 76 
Peru 68 
Mexico 66 
Venezuela 33 
Spain 32 
El Salvador 32 
Brazil 28 
Chile 22 
Dominican Republic 18 
Costa Rica 13 
Curacao 11 
Aruba 9 
Cuba 9 
Argentina 8 
Germany 7 
France 7 
Bolivia 7 
Guatemala 6 
Canada 5 
Portugal 4 
United Kingdom 4 
Puerto Rico 4 
Total 935 
The data includes routes departing from the 
ports of Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, 
and Santa Marta. 
Source: Routes and Tariffs – Tools for the Colombian 
exporter. Processed by Proexport Colombia.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism 
Proexport Colombia Investor Services 
ANDI Chamber of Users of Free Trade Zones 
FREE TRADE ZONES 
Andean Region 
Caribbean Region 
Western Region 
Pacific Region 
SECTORS 
Agribusiness 
BPO, Software & IT Services 
Logistics 
Automotive 
Construction Materials 
Cosmetics and Toiletries 
Metallurgical 
Hotel and Tourist Industry Infrastructure 
Health Care 
14 
91 
8 
9 
12 
15 
33 
63 
73 
92 
94 
95 
96 
97 
98 
99 
100 
101
8 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
The mission of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is to encourage trade, production 
of goods, services and technology, as well as the promotion of the country’s regional tourism in 
order to improve its competitiveness and sustainability, so that it creates a greater added value. 
This seeks to strengthen the domestic production both locally and internationally, while ensuring 
adequate free market practices to benefit consumers and tourists, as well as improving the 
quality of life of Colombians positioning the country at a global stage. 
The Ministry formulates, adopts, directs, and coordinates the general policies of economic 
and social development of the country, which are related to competitiveness, integration, and 
development of the productive sectors of the industry. In addition, it supports the micro, small, 
and medium enterprises (MSMEs), international trade of goods, services and technology, the 
promotion of foreign investment, domestic trade, and tourism. 
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism comprises several affiliated and related entities 
such as Proexport, Bancoldex, Artesanias de Colombia (Crafts of Colombia), Industry and 
Commerce Superintendence, Guild Superintendence, the Board of Accountants, the National 
Guarantee Fund, the National Institute of Metrology and the Technical Council of Public 
Accountants. 
Liber Orden 
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, 
INDUSTRY AND TOURISM
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 9 
PROEXPORT COLOMBIA INVESTOR SERVICES 
PROEXPORT COLOMBIA is the organization in charge 
of promoting Colombia as an international tourist 
destination, attracting direct foreign investment and 
fostering nontraditional exports. 
Through our national and international office network, 
we provide support and comprehensive assistance to 
national entrepreneurs, through offering services with 
the aim of facilitating the design and execution of its 
internationalization strategy, seeking the generation 
and tracking of business opportunities. 
We foster international business through the 
identification of market opportunities, the design of 
penetration strategies, the internationalization of 
companies, assistance in the design of action plans, 
contact between entrepreneurs in sales promotion, 
investment and international tourism activities; the 
specialized services offered to foreign entrepreneurs 
who are interested in acquiring Colombian goods and 
services or investing in Colombia, and the creation 
of alliances with private and public, national and 
international entities, enabling us to broaden the 
availability of resources in order to support the various 
corporate initiatives promoted by the organization 
for the development and improvement of its service 
portfolio. 
Our network of sales promotion offices helps us to 
provide a wide array of services, both for Colombian 
exporters, international buyers and foreign investors. 
SERVICES FOR THE INVESTOR 
¿WHO ARE WE? 
Specilied 
websites. 
Interntionl 
seminrs 
nd events. 
Informtion Accompniment 
Lel Guide to Do Business, 
Free Trde Zones Director, 
Lel Services Director, 
news nd nnouncements, 
newsletters. 
Promotionl events 
Medi 
outrech. 
APRI’S 
Coordintion nd 
development of 
investment ends. 
SIFAI 
Encourin 
nd fcilittin 
investment 
sstem. 
Support nd 
follow-up of the 
stblished investors. 
Preprtion 
of tilor-mde 
informtion.
Montreal, 
Toronto, 
Vancouver 
CANADA 
UNITED 
KINGDOM 
FRANCE 
SPAIN 
UNITED STATES 
San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. 
New York, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago 
MEXICO 
Mexico City, Guadalajara 
NORTH TRIANGLE (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) 
COSTA RICA (Panama). 
ECUADOR 
PERU 
CHILE 
CARIBBEAN 
Pto. Rico, Dominican Republic, 
Trinidad and Tobago 
VENEZUELA 
ARGENTINA 
BRAZIL 
PORTUGAL 
COLOMBIA 
PROEXPORT IN
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 11 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 
INDONESIA 
JAPAN 
SOUTH KOREA 
CHINA 
Beijing , 
Shanghai 
SPAIN 
GERMANY 
RUSSIA 
TURKEY 
Poland and Sweden 
UNITED 
ARAB 
EMIRATES 
INDIA 
IN THE WORLD
12 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
ANDI 
The Chamber of Users of Free Trade Zones belongs 
to the ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE EMPRESARIOS 
(National Association of Entrepreneurs). Industrial 
operators and Free Trade Zone traders can join 
in, provided they join the ANDI and express their 
interest in joint activities to seek the harmonious 
development of the Free Trade Zone regime in 
Colombia. 
The members of the Chamber must sign, implement, 
and disseminate the Declaration of Ethical Principles 
of ANDI. 
The Chamber activities are focused on: 
• Proposing rules and procedures that seek the 
comprehensive development of Free Trade 
Zones. 
• Defending legal stability for companies that 
comprise the Chamber. 
• Encouraging ethics and good business practices 
of the Free Trade Zones. 
• Conducting surveys about the performance of 
the regime in the sector. 
• Issuing periodic statistical reports on the 
operations of the Free Trade Zones. 
• Carrying out special committees to review 
the legal and operational aspects that are 
important for activities in Free Trade Zones. 
• Guiding members on the proper implementation 
of legislation. 
• Unifying legal perspectives. 
• Defending access to Free Trade Zone products 
for countries which have signed international 
agreements. 
• Representing and accompanying members of 
the Chamber or their respective users, with 
state entities. 
Additionally, it holds monthly meetings with 
operational managers to analyze and look for 
solutions to the various operations carried out 
in the different regions, and hence, periodically 
issues a criteria manual. 
It supports the preparation of business mission agendas 
from other countries (whether public or private). 
Coordinates conferences and seminars in other 
countries to promote the opportunities offered 
by Free Trade Zones to foreign investors, with 
agencies that promote Colombia, such as 
PROEXPORT COLOMBIA. 
It schedules training programs on different topics 
and also organizes the National Convention 
with the participation of domestic and foreign 
entrepreneurs. 
CHAMBER OF USERS 
OF FREE TRADE ZONES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 13 
Atlantic Ocean 
Venezuela 
Brazil 
Peru 
Ecuador 
Pacific 
Ocean 
6 
7 
9 
10 
12 
15 14 
11 
8 
1 
2 
3 
16 4 
5 
FREE TRADE ZONE / REGIONS 
Western Region / Free Trade Zone 
Antioquia 
Rionegro. 
Uraba. 
Zofiva S.A.S. 
10 Quindio 11 
Eje Cafetero. 
Risaralda 
Internacional de 
Pereira. Andean Region / Free Trade Zone 
Norte de Santander 
Cucuta. 
1 Santander 2 
Santander. 
Boyaca 3 
Agroindustrial GEA. 
Cundinamarca 
Intexzona. Metropolitana. Occidente. Tocancipa. 
Bogota. Zofrandina S.A.S. International FTZ Operator User S.A.S. ( IFOU S.A.S). 
Pacific Region/ Free Trade Zone 
Huila 
Surcolombiana. 
Cauca 
Cauca. 
Parque del Sur. 
Valle del Cauca 
Celpa. 
Pacifico. 
Palmaseca. 
Zonamerica. 
Caribbean Region / Free Trade Zone 
Atlantico 
La Cayena. 
ZOFIA. 
Barranquilla. 
Del Rio. 
5 
6 Bolivar 
Santelca. 
Parque Central. 
Puerta de las Americas. 
La Candelaria. 
Zofranca. 
Dexton. 
7 La Guajira 
Brisa. 
8 Magdalena 
Las Americas. 
Tayrona. 
Santa Marta. 
Palermo. 
14 
12 13 
15 
Tolima 4 
Zona Franca 
Industrial y 
Logística de 
Ibague. 
9 
16 
Caldas 
Andina. 
13
Infraestructura portuaria. 
ANDEAN REGION 
CARIBBEAN REGION 
WESTERN REGION 
PACIFIC REGION 
FREE TRADE ZONES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 15 
ANDEAN REGION 
Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Santander and Norte de Santander. 
Characteristics 
Population (2013, census 2005) 
Bogota D.C. 7,674,366 
Boyaca 1,272,855 
Cundinamarca 2,598,245 
Norte de Santander 1,332,378 
Santander 2,040,932 
Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of 
Statistics). 
El Cocuy National Natural Park, Boyaca. 
Inflation Rate by City 
City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* 
Bogota D.C. 1.88 3.25 3.21 2.43 2.43 2.84 
Tunja 2.23 1.93 4.31 2.16 1.53 3.18 
Cucuta 4.47 2.42 5.00 2.01 0.03 2.09 
Bucaramanga 3.13 3.91 5.76 3.48 2.08 3.40 
National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 
*Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]). 
Bogota.
16 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
GDP by Department 
Department GDP 2012 
(US $millions) 
Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) 
Share 
% GDP 
Bogota D.C. 91,507 12,086 24.7% 
Boyaca 10,596 8,336 2.9% 
Cundinamarca 18,977 7,420 5.1% 
Norte de Santander 5,874 4,447 1.6% 
Santander 26,848 13,221 7.3% 
Total GDP 370,098 229,094 
Source: DANE. Departmental Accounts. 
Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003–2013) 
Sector 
Total Proportion 
for Projects 
Software and IT Services Sector 16.0% 
BPO* 12.2% 
Financial Services 9.4% 
Telecommunications 9.1% 
Textiles 6.9% 
Agro-industry 6.6% 
*Business Services. 
Source: FDI Markets. 
Unemployment Rate by Department 
Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Bogota D.C. 11.5 10.6 9.6 9.5 9.0 
Boyaca 9.8 10.1 8.0 7.3 8.9 
Cundinamarca 10.6 10.1 9.9 9.4 8.3 
Norte de Santander 10.3 11.7 12.2 12.4 13.0 
Santander 7.8 8.8 7.6 7.8 7.3 
National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]). 
ANDEAN REGION
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONAS FRANCAS 17 
Andean Region 
Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Santander 
and Norte de Santander. 
• Access to the main regional markets: 
With 7.6 million potential consumers, 
Bogota has the highest urban population 
in the country. Thanks to the free trade 
agreements and unilateral preferential 
customs practices, companies based in 
Bogota can access a global market worth 
US $41 billion and 1.4 billion people. 
• A privileged geographic location: 
The region is strategically located in the 
center of the continent and the country, 
and has excellent air connectivity with 
numerous direct daily flights to main cities 
in the United States. 
• A large and qualified workforce: 
In Bogota, there are around 115 higher 
educational institutions, from which close 
to 96,000 professionals and technicians 
graduate every year. The city produces the 
highest proportion of educated technicians 
and technology workers in Colombia, and 
has a wide range of undergraduate and 
graduate programs with a strong emphasis 
on engineering and hard sciences. 
STRENGTHS 
• Competitive costs: 
Compared to other main cities in Latin 
America, Bogota has a competitive cost 
structure. The city enjoys an excellent cost-benefit 
ratio thanks to the quality in its 
human capital and operative environment. 
• An excellent environment to conduct 
business: 
Bogota is ranked as the sixth best city to do 
business with in Latin America based on the 
AmericaEconomia 2014 rankings. 
• Entrepreneurship: 
Santander has one of the highest business 
creation rates with its efficient technological 
infrastructure for competitiveness and a 
significant number of renowned research 
centers. 
• Quality of life: 
The region has favorable quality of life 
indicators, with a high per capita income, 
above-average human development indexes, 
and urban areas with safety indexes above 
those of the main cities in Latin America.
18 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
Agribusiness 
Fruits, vegetables and their preparations, ingredients for the 
food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries that wish to 
leverage human capital, and population diversity for research, 
development, and innovation processes. 
Oil Goods and Services 
In recent years, Bogota has increasingly positioned itself as 
a hub for the oil and gas services industry in South America, 
due to the oil boom and attractive business environment 
in Colombia. Of the total number of oil and gas services 
companies, 89% is concentrated in Bogota and the 
surrounding region. 
Automotive 
Bogota has the largest vehicle fleet in Colombia. In 2013, 
around 1.8 million cars were in circulation in the city, 
representing 39% of the country’s fleet of vehicles. 
4 of the 7 manufacturing plants located in Colombia are in 
Bogota, along with more than 100 auto part companies, 
which generate around 85% of the production of auto parts 
in the country. 
BPO – Shared Services 
Bogota, thanks to a wide range of advantages, has 
become the ideal destination in South America for 
providing offshore/nearshore services: contact centers, 
digital content, Information and Communication 
Technologies (ICT). 
Norte de Santander has the goal of promoting the 
widespread use of the Internet, via the development 
and efficient use of infrastructure and the promotion 
and appropriation of ICT services. A digital ecosystem is 
being developed (infrastructure, services, applications, 
and users). 
Santander is working on strengthening departmental 
connectivity with improved access and widespread 
use of information technologies, and strengthening 
the logistical infrastructure via the use of multimodal 
transportation. 
Construction Materials 
Bogota is the city with the most projects being 
developed in the country, with more than 30% of the 
areas under construction nationally concentrated 
here. The construction of homes and corporate 
infrastructure (offices, warehouses, and business) are 
the main segments being developed in the city. 
Boyaca has the country’s main limestone deposits, which is 
the main raw material used for cement production. 
Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure 
889,000 foreigners visited Bogota during 2013, 52% 
of the total number of visitors to the country, with 
tourism being the main reason for their visit (54%). The 
city is positioned as an emerging business epicenter 
for the region, with excellent potential for developing 
tourist infrastructure projects. 
Infrastructure 
Various public and private projects are moving forward 
in Santander, including the improvement of road 
infrastructure, the Hidrosogamoso energy project, 
the Gibraltar Pipeline, the expansion of the Ecopetrol 
refinery, a Multimodal Port and Logistical Platform 
in Barrancabermeja, and Free Trade Zones for health 
care, among others. 
Considered as part of the development of the Fourth 
Generation Road Plan is the Western Perimeter of 
Cundinamarca, which connects Caqueza with the 
road out to Llano and the road out to Bogota, 164 kms. 
REGIONAL 
OPPORTUNITIES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 19 
INVEST IN BOGOTA 
Investment Promotion Agency for the Bogota Region 
Agency 
WWW.INVESTINBOGOTA.ORG 
Name: Juan Gabriel Perez 
Position: Executive Director 
E-mail: info@investinbogota.org 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Created by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the 
Capital District, ranked as the best investment agency in a 
developing country by the World Bank in 2009. 
Offering investors specialized services at no cost and with 
complete confidentiality in each phase of the investment 
process: exploration, decision, installation, operation and 
reinvestment. 
Strong reasons to invest in Bogota: 
• Economic Strength: With 7.6 million residents and 
a GDP of US $90.2 billion, Bogota is the center of 
the domestic economy and has a dynamic market. It 
has received nearly US $12 billion in investment over 
the last 10 years. It hosts over 1,500 foreign capital 
companies. 
• A favorable Business Environment: The city is one of 
the most competitive in Latin America and one of the 
region’s top business centers; international rankings 
have highlighted Bogota for tax incentives, a pro-investment 
climate and as a city of the future, among 
others. 
• Strategic Location: Bogota has access to an extended 
market of over 1,450 million inhabitants and US $44 
billion. It has the top-ranked airport for handling freight 
and third-ranked for passenger traffic in Latin America.
20 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
Agency 
WWW.INVESTINBOGOTA.ORG 
• Young, high-quality workforce: Bogota has a vast 
offering of human resources qualified in various 
knowledge sectors. Its workforce totals over 4.5 million 
people; it hosts 47% of Colombian research groups and 
over 44% of all PhDs in the country. 
• Quality of life: It is an excellent place to live thanks 
to its restaurants, international schools, city parks, 
wetlands, free music in the park festivals, museums, 
art galleries, theaters, bike paths and bike lanes. 
• Economic sectors with excellent investment 
opportunities: 
A. Life sciences 
Biotechnology 
Medical equipment and supplies 
Pharmaceuticals 
B. City infrastructure and projects 
Hospitality and tourism 
Transportation and logistics infrastructure 
City projects 
C. Light manufacturing 
Processed foods 
Automotive and transport 
Cosmetics 
Chemicals 
D. Services 
BPO and shared services 
Creative industries 
IT services 
Business and consulting services 
Services for the oil and gas industry 
Clean technologies 
INVEST IN BOGOTA 
Investment Promotion Agency for the Bogota Region
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 21 
BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE 
BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA 
WWW.ZONAFRANCABOGOTA.COM 
CALLE 106 N.º 15A-25, BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA. 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Name: Diego Gaitan Galindo 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: dgaitan@zonafrancabogota.com 
Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 114 
Name: Juan Manuel Sanchez 
Position: Assistant Vertical Business Services Manager 
E-mail: jsanchez@zonafrancabogota.com 
Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 221 
Name: Margarita Herrera 
Position: Assistant Vertical Commercial, Industrial and Logistics 
Manager 
E-mail: mherrera@zonafrancabogota.com 
Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 166 
• 17 years of experience developing and promoting Free Trade 
Zones in Colombia. 
• The Bogota Free Trade Zone has 223 companies qualified as 
users in the park. 
• User operator of 42 permanent and permanent special Free 
Trade Zones throughout the country. 
• In 2013, the Bogota Free Trade Zone recorded over 650,000 
foreign trade operations for an estimated value of US $32 
million, thereby generating 55% of customs taxes in the country. 
• To date, approximately 23,700 direct and 37,000 indirect jobs 
have been created. 
THE MOST COMPETITIVE BUSINESS CLUSTER IN THE COUNTRY 
• INDUSTRY AND LOGISTICS CLUSTER 
The Bogota Free Trade Zone (ZFB) is the epicenter of the most 
important Colombian industrial and logistics companies. Around 180 
companies generating integrated production from various subsectors 
including logistics and storage, manufacturing and apparel, among 
BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE (ZFB), COLOMBIA’S MOST IMPORTANT 
SERVICE AND INDUSTRIAL PARK 
Bogota. 
others. ZFB offers warehouse spaces designed with top infrastructure 
and with optimal utilities for efficient operations. 
• SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER: ZF TOWERS 
The Bogota Free Trade Zone brings together the most important 
companies in the BPO / ITO / KPO / SCC sectors, which provide 
comprehensive solutions based on the operative advantages and the 
physical infrastructure facilities and technological support that the 
park provides. ZFB offers “Plug and Play” solutions for Call Centers, 
Back Office, IT (Software support, implementation and development) 
and shared services centers. 
“ZF Towers Services  Technology Park is the most modern 
technological and services park in the country, with environmental 
infrastructure and smart solutions for every process.” 
• STRATEGIC LOCATION 
• Just 15 km from the El Dorado International Airport. 
• Near the newest hotel area in Bogota. 
• Close to major entry and exit roadways towards the north and 
interior of the country. 
• Easy access to the city’s major road arteries: Avenida 26, Avenida 
Calle 13, Avenida Boyaca and Avenida Ciudad de Cali. 
• More than 25 public transportation routes travel through the 
area, including access to the Transmilenio system and SITP 
buses. 
• Adjoining residential areas: qualified workforce available in the 
nearby area. 
• SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FOR USERS 
• Education through Unifranca, the Free Trade Zone 
education center, accessibility to agreements with 
SENA, U. Monserrate, Uniminuto, Uniagustiniana, 
Uniempresarial, the Ministry of Development and PNUD. 
• Employment: Use of the employment portal: www. 
trabajaenzonafrancabogota.com 
• Facilities: Six financial institutions and ATMs, food court, 
supermarket, pharmacy, four internal transportation 
routes and service station. 
• Health: Medical clinic, ambulance, fire department, 
recreation areas and gardens. 
• Spaces: Conference rooms, auditoriums and business 
centers.
22 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
UNIQUE SERVICES 
• Connectivity: The Bogota Free Trade Zone is the most inter-connected 
place in the country. We have 14 broadband providers 
with last-mile access and two underwater cable nodes (Columbus 
Networks and Global Crossing). 
• Electricity: Double electricity supply ring at different tension levels 
(13.8 and 34.5 kVAs). Rates with economy of scale for the entire park 
due to block purchasing by the user operator. 
• Ongoing 24/7 Security: Dual-mesh perimeter security, movement 
sensors, CCTV, continuous lighting, internal security patrol and 
controlled visitor entry. 
• PICIZ Web: Integral Information Control Program developed for the 
Bogota Free Trade Zone to control and register its users’ operations. 
• Fire detection and protection systems. 
• Reduced water, sewage and gas costs. 
• Availability of made to measure properties, operation-ready, turnkey 
and designed according to need. 
• Qualification of users and preparation of operations manual. 
• Trainings for users on the Free Trade Regime and training on operating 
from a Free Trade Zone. 
• Assistance in preparing integration certifications. 
• Assignment of personnel directly trained on project installations 
according to client needs. 
• Control of foreign trade operations and inventories in the operational 
phase according to current legal regulations. 
• Quick operations: Maximum intake 15 minutes, 40 seconds on scale, 
10 minutes total in operation. 
• DIAN office inside the facilities. 
• Teledatos Zona Franca S.A. (Teleperformance) 
• DHL Global Forwarding ZF 
• Fepco Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• UPS Colombia Ltda. 
• Levapan Colombia S.A.S. 
• Genpact Colombia S.A.S. 
• Sutherland BPO S.A.S. 
• Fibertex Corporation 
• Valmy de Colombia S.A.S. 
• Terremark Service Group Inc. 
• Brightstar Colombia S.A.S. 
• Globalog S.A. 
• Trading Foods Ltda. 
• Chalver S.A. 
ZFB USER OPERATOR 
SERVICES 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area 
(m2) 
Warehouse construction ND 
Warehouses for sale 22,300 
Warehouse rental 19,800 
Uncovered storage yard rental ND 
Uncovered storage yard rental ND 
Offices for sale 2,972 
Offices in warehouses for lease 361 
Offices for lease ZF Towers 11,600 
• Logistics and storage 
• BPO / ITO / KPO 
• Manufacturing 
• Automotive 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction materials 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology and chemicals 
• Food 
• Services companies 
Declared area: 96 hectares. 
SECTORS 
WWW.ZONAFRANCABOGOTA.COM 
BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE 
BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 23 
METROPOLITANA FREE TRADE ZONE 
MUNICIPALITY OF COTA, CUNDINAMARCA 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Name: Jorge Eduardo Salamanca Gallo 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: jsalamanca@zfmetropolitana.com 
Telephone: +57 1 622 6250 
The Free Trade Zone closest to Bogota, designed 
and developed for high value logistics operations. 
Excellent location for technology companies and 
services. 
Because of its proximity to Bogota (just 2.5 km 
from Bogota and 4.5 km from the Transmilenio 
terminus station), and the availability of medium 
and large covered spaces with the latest 
specifications, it is ideal for operations that need 
to be close to the largest consumer center, close 
to the country’s largest roadways (Ruta del Sol, 
highway to Buenaventura and BTS), and to El 
Dorado International Airport. 
Ideal for logistics operations. No tolls to enter or 
exit Bogota, no restrictions on mobility that are 
typical of other areas of the city. 
WWW.ZFMETROPOLITANA.COM 
Cota, Cundinamarca.
24 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
ADDITIONAL SERVICES 
• Web-environment software, interconnected 
with Colombian authorities. 
• Inspection area for Colombian customs (DIAN). 
• Optimum security systems. 
• Latest technology infrastructure. 
• Truck scale and PTAR. 
• Wide driving lanes. 
• Work yards with international standards. 
• Manufacturing 
• Cosmetics 
• Logistics and storage 
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Technology 
• BPO and call centers 
Declared area: 235,000 m2. 
Available area: 70,000 m2. 
• Free Zone Service 
• Flor Emprendimiento 
• CRA 
• Fudosan 
• Vera Inversiones 
SECTORS 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE 
Type of Real Estate Available Area 
(m2) 
Lots for sale N/A 
Lots for lease 20,000 
Warehouse construction N/A 
Warehouses for sale 35,000 
Warehouses for lease 35,000 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard rental N/A 
Offices for sale 11,000 
Offices for lease 11,000 
WWW.ZFMETROPOLITANA.COM 
METROPOLITANA FREE TRADE ZONE 
MUNICIPIO DE COTA, CUNDINAMARCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 25 
OCCIDENTE FREE TRADE ZONE 
MOSQUERA, CUNDINAMARCA 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAOCCIDENTE.COM 
Name: Alvaro Muñoz Roldan 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: amunoz@zonafrancaoccidente.com 
Telephone: +57 1 893 33 00, ext. 105 
Name: Catalina Velez Arango 
Position: Commercial Coordinator 
E-mail: cvelez@zonafrancaoccidente.com 
Telephone:+57 1 893 33 00, ext. 120 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Permanent Free Trade Zone; 328,000 m2. Located in 
Mosquera, Cundinamarca, along Troncal de Occidente 
Avenue, which connects 19 key hubs for transferring 
freight domestically. 
15 qualified users located within 40,000 m2. 
Representing the largest industries in the sectors of 
manufacturing, logistics, automotive, packaging, fiber 
optics, oil, construction services and paint, among 
others. These companies create over 300 jobs in the 
region and operations generating FOB income greater 
than US $500 million. 
ADVANTAGES: 
• Save time and transport costs due to the excellent 
condition of access roadways and a location 
just 10 km from Bogota, ideal for merchandise 
entering the capital and even more strategic for 
the distribution of products to the exterior. 
• Located between Siberia, Funza and Fontibon, top 
industrial locations in the Bogota Metropolitan 
Area, with direct access routes along two primary 
roadways: Calle 80 and Calle 13. 
• Modern infrastructure able to host projects with 
demanding service requirements. 
• Outside parking area for freight vehicles, 100 spots. 
• Competitive pricing for service rates. 
• Exemption from Industry and Trade, and Property 
Tax, applicable to the Municipality of Mosquera. 
• 20 km by land from El Dorado International 
Airport.
26 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAOCCIDENTE.COM 
• AGP Representaciones Ltda. 
• Corev Consorcio de Revestimientos S.A.S. 
• Centak Export S.A.S. 
• Kenworth de la Montaña S.A. 
• Impormaster Zona Franca 
• Dinpro International S.A.S. 
• Construcciones en Zonas Francas S.A.S. 
• Inversiones Santa Rosa Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Redilog Redes Logisticas S.A.S. 
• Grupo Constructores Unidos Zonas Francas S.A.S. 
• Trade Service Group INC. 
• Cofitel Andino 
• TNCC S.A.S. 
• Imtub S.A. 
• Medirex S.A.S. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• Design and construction of warehouse and office 
projects. 
• 10 MVA electricity substation. 
• Internal natural gas network. 
• Telecommunications service with three providers and 
fiber optic. 
• Potable water aqueduct, rainwater and wastewater 
sewage system. 
• Rainwater retention lake with a pump system and 
wastewater treatment plant. 
• DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales 
de Colombia, [National Directorate of Taxes and 
Customs]) on-site and 24-hour customs operations. 
• Private 24-7 security service, CCTV and double-mesh, 
electric perimeter fence. 
• Complimentary weighing services with 100-ton 
capacity entry and exit scales. 
• External parking area for 70 freight vehicles with an 
office for merchandise registry operations. 
• Provision of training and conference rooms. 
• Free transport route between ZFO and Bogota. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology 
• Logistics and storage 
• Oil 
• Outsourcing services 
Declared area: 328,717 m2. 
Available area: 94,000 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 41,600 
Lots for lease N/A 
Warehouse construction 41,600 
Warehouses for sale 54,600 
Warehouse rental 54,600 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
36,900 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
42,750 
Offices for sale 10,000 
Offices for rent 10,000 
OCCIDENTE FREE TRADE ZONE 
MOSQUERA, CUNDINAMARCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 27 
SANTANDER FREE TRADE ZONE 
OFFSHORING  OUTSOURCING PARK. FLORIDABLANCA, SANTANDER 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
WWW.ZONAFRANCASANTANDER.COM 
Name: Nivea Santarelli 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: nsantarelli@zonafrancasantander.com 
Telephone: +57 318 712 9432 
Name: Dalia Sepulveda 
Position: Business Director 
E-mail: dsepulveda@zonafrancasantander.com 
Telephone: +57 318 716 7771 
• The Santander Offshoring  Outsourcing Park Free 
Trade Zone is located in the Santander Department, 
a geo-strategic center in northeastern Colombia. 
The region has an inherent market of over 15 million 
residents and serves as a major artery between the 
country’s interior and the major ports and industrial 
centers along Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. 
• Initially established as a Free Trade Zone for the 
Services Sector, the Santander Offshoring Free 
Trade Zone  Outsourcing Park offers domestic and 
foreign companies the best solutions and alternatives 
as a suitable platform for establishing Offshoring 
 Outsourcing operations, providing access to the 
benefits of the Colombian Free Trade Regime and to 
Floridablanca, Santander. 
markets in Colombia, Latin America, Europe, the USA 
and the rest of the world. 
• Its operational dynamic is focused on three strategic 
platforms: 
• Global services - (BPO, KPO, ITO) 
• Logistics and distribution 
• High added-value manufacturing 
• ITO (Development of Software, Back Office, Data 
Center) 
• BPO (Contact/Call Centers, Shared Services) 
• KPO (Engineering, consulting, robotics) 
• Innovation and technological development 
• Logistics and storage 
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Manufacturing 
• Auto parts / Metallurgy 
• Others 
Declared area: 294,397.81 m2. 
Available area: 54,264.03 m2. 
SECTORS
28 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Arvato Colombia S.A.S. - Multinational member of the 
German Bertelsmann Group 
• Construction services at the Santander Free Trade Zone 
(Grupo MARVAL) 
• Carvajal Tecnologia y Servicios 
• Ingenieria Integral Zona Franca S.A.S. (EME Engineering 
Group) 
• Free Zone Services S.A.S. (NISSAN Logistics Operator) 
• Bonanza Proyectos y Negocios 
• Ecosi S.A.S. 
• AES Cargo Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• AMV Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• EL Gualilo Free Zone 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real 
Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale Lots from 2,200 m2 to 12,000 m2 
Lot rental Lots from 2,200 m2 and up 
Warehouse construction Lots from 2,200 m2 
Warehouses for sale Warehouses from 650 m2 and up 
Warehouse rental Warehouses from 650 m2 and up 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
Yards from 2,000 m2 
Offices for sale Offices from 44 m2 
Offices for rent Up to full floors of 840 m2 
Business center Turnkey offices from 5 m2 up to 38 m2 
SERVICES 
The Santander Offshoring  Outsourcing Park Free Trade Zone 
offers all of the facilities and tools that are key for successful 
operations: 
• Competitive technological and physical infrastructure: 
spaces that support all types of operations, high design 
and functionality standards, support technology and 
world-class connectivity. 
• Spaces for creating and transfering knowledge: On-site 
technical, technological and higher education institutions. 
Auditoriums, areas for meetings, events and training. 
• Strategic location within the Bucaramanga 
metropolitan area: Quick and easy human resources 
mobility, thanks to the mass transportation route service 
system. 
• Services to support the scalability of your operations: 
Business support network, flexible and trusted operational 
team on-site and environmental consulting, access to job 
opportunities (Your Employment at ZFS), which support 
the scalability of your operations. 
• Flexible real estate offerings: More than one real estate 
solution designed and constructed to satisfy different 
needs (offices, lots, warehouses and business center). 
• Tax, customs and foreign trade incentives: Single 
income tax rate of 15%. Exemption from CREE equity 
tax. Exemption from industry and commerce tax on 
sales. Exemption from VAT and tariff on foreign goods, 
equipment and products. 
Exemption from VAT for goods, products and equipment 
purchased in national customs territory. Access to free 
trade agreements signed by Colombia, among others. 
With an optimal infrastructure, pertinent supporting 
institutions, an environment that encourages innovation and 
entrepreneurship, in a region recognized as one of the top 100 
most attractive cities in the world for outsourcing investment 
(Tholons Consulting), the Santander Free Trade Zone is the 
best choice for world-class companies interested in localizing 
their offshoring  outsourcing operations. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCASANTANDER.COM 
SANTANDER FREE TRADE ZONE 
OFFSHORING  OUTSOURCING PARK. FLORIDABLANCA, SANTANDER
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 29 
Invest in Santander is the Santander Investment 
Promotion Firm created by the region’s public and 
private sector, represented by the Government of 
Santander, the Mayor’s Office of Bucaramanga, 
the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce, the 
Santander Free Trade Zone and ANDI. 
Our primary objective is to attract foreign 
investment that supports consolidation of highly 
productive and competitive sectors for regional 
development. 
At Invest in Santander, we offer free assistance in 
the process of localizing any foreign company that 
is interested in making Santander the destination 
for its investment. 
• Santander is the fourth largest economy in the 
country and the top center for development 
in northeastern Colombia. Its per capita GDP 
amounts to approximately US $12,000 - double 
the national average. 
• Bucaramanga has the best revenue distribution 
in the country, making it the most equitable 
economy nationally, with the lowest poverty 
rates and one of the lowest unemployment rates. 
Name: Cesar Andres Hernandez Gonzalez 
Position: Executive Director 
E-mail: cesar.hernandez@investinsantander.co 
Telephone: +57 7 6527000, ext: 260 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
WWW.INVESTINSANTANDER.CO 
INVEST IN SANTANDER 
BUCARAMANGA, SANTANDER 
Agency
30 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
INVEST IN SANTANDER 
BUCARAMANGA, SANTANDER 
Agency 
• The Bucaramanga metropolitan area has 17 
universities with over 100,000 students. 
Each year 12,000 professionals and 2,000 
technicians and technologists graduate, most 
with degrees in engineering, life sciences and 
administrative sciences. 
• Barrancabermeja is the oil capital of Colombia 
and the primary port along the Magdalena River. 
The largest refinery in the country is located 
here and is one of the country’s epicenters of 
financial and industrial development. 
• Bucaramanga is ranked 77th on Tholons Top 100 
Outsourcing Destinations 2014 and Santander 
is ranked 10th on Business Friendless [sic: 
Friendliness] and FDI Strategy on the Ranking 
South American States of the Future 2014/15 
from FDI Magazine. 
SERVICES 
WWW.INVESTINSANTANDER.CO 
• Oil sector goods and services 
• Life sciences (health, pharma, medical 
equipment and devices) 
• Global services - BPO, KPO, ITO 
• Information Technology - IT 
• Metallurgy 
• Engineering and construction 
• Agro-industry
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 31 
FREE TRADE ZONE OF TOCANCIPA, S.A. 
TOCANCIPA, CUNDINAMARCA 
WWW.ZONAFRANCATOCANCIPA.COM 
Tocancipa, Cundinamarca. 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Name: Leonilde Arredondo Londoño 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: leonilde.arredondo@zonafrancatocancipa.com 
Telephone: +57 1 312 0854 
Cell phone: +57 311 764 8260 
Name: Andres Avila Rojas 
Position: Business Manager 
E-mail: aavila@zonafrancatocancipa.com. 
Telephone: +57 1 312 0854 
Cell phone: +57 320 344 9210 
LOCATION 
Zona Franca de Tocancipa (FRANCA) has a strategic 
location that offers the conditions required for improving 
its competitiveness globally. FRANCA is your opportunity to 
connect with the world. Located on a high mobility roadway 
corridor 35 km from Bogota and 45 minutes from the El Dorado 
international cargo and passenger airport. 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
The Tocancipa Free Trade Zone was built in accordance with 
the highest international standards, allowing industries with 
low, medium and high environmental impact to operate under 
the best conditions and within a sustainable environment. 
ROADWAYS 
• Roads for heavy-duty traffic with 10-meter wide surfaces 
and large lanes with green areas and bike routes. 
• Large parking areas. 
SECURITY SYSTEMS 
• Comprehensive and centralized 24/7 security system. 
• Double-mesh electric perimeter fence with zone-specific 
intrusion sensors. 
• Perimeter video cameras and controlled vehicle and 
pedestrian entry. 
NETWORK OF SERVICES 
• Six-inch high-pressure PVC internal hydraulic networks. 
• Wastewater treatment plant. 
• Rain water collection systems and overflow lakes. 
• Double overhead electricity network of 11,400 volts and 
34,500 volts, electricity available according to the needs 
of your business. 
• Internal access for gas distribution. 
• Telephone network with all services, provided by ETB and 
ducts available for other operators. 
• Fiber optic internet connection. 
• Fire protection network built in accordance with NFPA 
codes. 
OTHER BENEFITS 
• Partial tax exemption from Municipal Industry and 
Business Tax for five years. 
• Three Data Centers are operated from the interior of the 
complex and are able to provide services for your company.
32 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology 
• Agro-industry, food/beverage, chemicals, metallurgical, 
plastics, wood and glass 
Declared area: 387,697 m2. 
Available area: 130,000 m2. 
SECTORS 
SERVICES 
Services for Free Trade Zone user operators 
• Entry and exit control for Free Trade Zone user operators. 
• Qualification of users of goods, users of services and 
business users. 
• On-line inventory system for controlling operations in 
the Free Trade Zone. 
• Scales for truck entry and exit. 
• National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) 
offices. 
• Administrative offices. 
Other Services 
• Businesses, restaurants and cafeterias. 
• Health care center. 
• Conference and training rooms. 
• On-site banking institutions. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Type of real estate area 
available m2) Lots for sale 
130,000 
Lot rental 70,000 
Warehouse construction 
150,000 according to client 
specifications 
Warehouses for sale 150,000 
Warehouse rental 150,000 
Covered storage yard rental 50,000 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
50,000 
Offices for sale 30,000 
Offices for rent 30,000 
Sites for sale N/A 
• DataCenter BT LATAM (United Kingdom): TIER - 4. 
• DataCenter TV AZTECA (Mexico): office operating as 
Cross Connection co-location, providing information 
technology networks and services. 
• MANTOS ANDINOS S.A.S. (Venezuela): preparation 
of waterproof, laminated and drainage asphalt-based 
products, design services for asphalt-based products. 
• QUIMEXCOL ZONA FRANCA S.A.S. manufacturing 
of chemical products for water treatment in various 
applications and providing packaging, packing services 
and lab analysis. Company undergoing qualification 
process. 
• CERVECERIA BBC DE LA SABANA S.A.S., beer 
manufacturing and production. 
• A ALPE LOGISTICA S.A.S., manufacturing filters for 
stationary and industrial equipment and heavy-duty 
mobile equipment. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
WWW.ZONAFRANCATOCANCIPA.COM 
FREE TRADE ZONE OF TOCANCIPA S.A. 
TOCANCIPA, CUNDINAMARCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 33 
CARIBBEAN REGION 
Characteristics 
Population (2013, census 2005) 
Atlantico 2,402,910 
Bolivar 2,049,109 
Magdalena 1,235,532 
Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of 
Statistics). 
Atlantico, Bolivar, Magdalena and La Guajira. 
Tayrona National Natural Park. 
Cartagena de Indias. 
Inflation Rate by City 
City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* 
Barranquilla 1.80 3.38 4.58 3.02 1.54 2.99 
Cartagena 2.03 3.23 4.17 2.98 1.57 3.00 
Santa Marta 1.69 3.32 3.90 2.32 1.61 2.65 
Riohacha 0.98 3.79 2.55 2.06 3.70 3.01 
National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 
*Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]).
34 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
CARIBBEAN REGION 
GDP by Department 
Department 
GDP 2012 
(US $millions) 
Per capita GDP 
2012 (US $) 
Share 
% GDP 
Atlantico 13,948 5,876 3.8% 
Bolivar 14,793 7,303 4.0% 
Magdalena 4,755 3,885 1.3% 
La Guajira 4,447 5,085 1.2% 
Total GDP 370,098 229,094 
Source: DANE - Departmental Accounts. 
Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) 
Sector Total Proportion for Projects 
BPO* 10.9% 
Coal, Oil, and Gas 8.4% 
Consumer Products 7.6% 
Transportation 7.6% 
Industrial Equipment 6.7% 
Chemicals 5.9% 
Software and IT Services 5.0% 
Metallurgical Industry 5.0% 
*Business Services. 
Source: FDI Markets. 
Unemployment Rate by Department 
Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Atlantico 10.4 9.6 8.1 8.0 7.5 
Bolivar 10.1 8.2 7.7 7.6 7.3 
Magdalena 9.8 8.3 9.8 7.8 7.9 
La Guajira 10.0 9.1 8.6 8.5 7.1 
National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]).
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONAS FRANCAS 35 
Caribbean Region 
Atlantico, Bolivar, Magdalena 
and La Guajira. 
• Strategic location: Thanks to its location 
in the Caribbean, just two hours away from 
the U.S. and one hour from Panama, this 
is one Latin America’s gateways, making it 
possible to connect with markets from the 
five continents. 
• Port infrastructure: This region has air, 
maritime, and fluvial ports to freight all kinds 
of products through different connecting 
routes with access towards the rest of the 
country and the world. 
STRENGTHS 
• Human resources: Renowned institutes 
providing technical and specialized education 
programs to prepare qualified professionals. 
• Public services: Private companies provide 
a full array of reliable public services at 
competitive prices. 
• Quality of life: Cities like Cartagena and 
Barranquilla are known for their high-quality 
health services, diverse education options, 
social clubs, restaurants, outdoor activities, and 
their proximity to tourism sites in the country.
36 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure 
Tourism is one of the sectors with the most growth 
in the region, particularly due to beach and historic 
site destinations. The top destinations in the 
Atlantic include Barranquilla, Puerto Colombia, 
Lago del Cisne, Bocas de Ceniza, Tubara, Castillo 
de Salgar, Puente Pumarejo, and the Usiacuri hot 
springs, which provide high tourism potential. 
The Tourism Diversity Project in the department of 
Magdalena aims to increase and diversify the tourism 
attractions offered to both domestic and foreign 
consumers to consolidate tourism globalization in 
the Santa Marta District. 
Agribusiness 
The region enjoys great farming potential thanks to its 
abundant and productive soils and the wide availability 
of water resources. Also, Bolivar is one of the most 
important tourist destinations in Colombia. 
Agricultural activities in this department focus on the 
following products: yuca, sorghum, yam, soy, and 
traditional corn. 
The farming investments in the department of 
Magdalena include sectors like fruit and vegetable 
production, plant/biofuel oils and fats, meat and milk 
cattle raising, aquaculture, marine, and sport fishing, 
forestry (wood, special coffee, cocoa and its derivatives.) 
Automotive 
Atlantico presents opportunities in the department of 
bus, truck, and light vehicle assembly. As for the auto part 
sector, this department has approximately 20 institutes 
providing technical and specialized education programs 
to prepare qualified professionals. 
The port of Barranquilla is the number one steel 
location of Colombia, managing 40% of the total 
traffic. 
BPO 
Contact Barranquilla is a project led by the District’s City 
Hall and supported by the Chamber of Commerce and 
conducted by the Aliarse foundation. It is designed to 
foster specific English language skills so that graduate 
and undergraduate students from public schools 
can work as bilingual Call Center representatives 
(ProBarranquilla 2012). 
Infrastructure 
Thanks to its ideal strategic location to conduct 
international trade with the east coasts of the U.S. and 
Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Rim and 
Europe, the department of Magdalena has the means 
to develop a sound logistics position and deal with 
the increasing import and export cargo operations. 
By streamlining and diversifying its infrastructure and 
transportation and logistics services, this department 
will increase Colombia’s export products towards 
international markets. 
The Guajira Puerto Brisa and multifunctional Free 
Trade Zone is a project that will be carried out in the 
municipality of Dibulla. This project will help transport 
oil, coal, carbon coke, and other minerals. 
REGIONAL 
OPPORTUNITIES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 37 
PRO BARRANQUILLA 
Agency 
BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO 
WWW.PROBARRANQUILLA.ORG 
ProBarranquilla 
As the promotional agency for Barranquilla and the 
Atlantico Department, we are always seeking new 
opportunities for growth and progress for the region. 
Our primary goal is to advise investors so they will come 
to our city and take advantage of all benefits and perks 
that the top port city in Colombia has to offer. 
With the objective of attracting investment and 
development in Atlantico, ProBarranquilla offers 
confidential, no-cost services for investors. From the 
moment that investors begin to consider the department, 
the agency offers support including information and 
analysis on legal matters, markets, costs, availability 
of human resources, infrastructure and other elements 
relevant to the investor’s business. 
ProBarranquilla also provides consulting for new 
companies as they enter domestic and regional networks 
in the sector, offering networking with local business 
leaders and to build alliances with universities and other 
top institutions. The agency also provides information 
on logistical issues and on recruitment of personnel. In 
this way, it is able to continuously support and advise 
new companies on proper operation and development 
in the city. 
Goals achieved 
Every day, Barranquilla and the Atlantico Department 
are positioned worldwide as strategic locations 
for establishing new companies and for creating 
distribution centers that reach the continent. This is 
due to characteristics that have made the department 
a strategic location for successful business initiatives, 
including its multi-purpose port terminals, the airport’s 
passenger and freight capacity, roadway infrastructure 
that connects it with the country’s major cities and the 
excellent opportunities of the Free Trade Zones. 
As an example of the boom that is occurring with 
investment in Barranquilla and the Atlantico, in the last 
10 years, with the help from ProBarranquilla, the region 
has achieved 621 investment projects, 19 of which 
have been mergers and acquisitions, 235 have been 
expansion projects and 392 have been new company 
projects, which represent a total amount of over 3,096 
billion investment dollars in the region and the creation 
of 25,100 direct jobs. 
Name: Ana Maria Badel 
Position: Executive Director 
E-mail: ana.badel@probarranquilla.org 
Telephone: +57 5 3561435 
web: www.probarranquilla.org 
Museo del Caribe, Barranquilla. 
CONTACT INFORMATION
38 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
PRO BARRANQUILLA 
Agency 
BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO 
WWW.PROBARRANQUILLA.ORG 
These investments primarily originated from Colombia 
(70%), the United States (13%), Venezuela (6%), 
France (4%), Spain (3%) and Chile (2%), among 
others. The economic sectors most represented in 
the investments in the department are Logistics, 
Distribution and Transportation, 17%; BPOIT, 15%; 
Commercial, 15%; Metallurgy, 12%; Food and Beverage 
and Construction Materials, 11%. 
Ten reasons to invest in Barranquilla and the 
Atlantico Department 
1. Strategic location 
It is the gateway to Latin America. With a strategic 
location in the Caribbean, just two and a half hours 
from the United States and one hour from Panama, 
it is able to connect with markets in five continents. 
2. Port infrastructure 
Its multimodal status and the connection of two key 
waterways in the country (Magdalena River and the 
Atlantic Ocean), it is the most important port city in 
the Colombian Caribbean. It is the only terminal in 
Colombia that offers the ability to transport all types 
of freight because of its 15 maritime ports, allowing 
Barranquilla to be the largest connectivity platform 
for business exchange. 
3. Utilities 
Private sector companies provide trustworthy service 
in supplying all utilities that a company could need in 
its operations at competitive prices. 
4. Human resources 
There are over 27 higher education institutions for 
technical, professional and specialized training, 
providing a qualified workforce that can adapt to the 
needs of the companies located in the region. 
5. Incentives 
There are tax and non-tax incentives available for new 
companies located in Barranquilla, with exemptions 
for up to 10 years on industry and trade tax. 
6. Economic centers 
There is a wide range of offices, shopping centers and 
over 400 hectares of industrial parks, including three 
Free Trade Zones that offer technology training and 
facilities at very good prices. 
7. Qualify of life 
Barranquilla is recognized for the quality of its health 
services, diversity in its educational choices with 
bilingual schools, social clubs for all types of water 
and sports activities, Colombian and international 
restaurants, its proximity to top tourist attractions in 
the country, and so much more. 
8. New era of public management 
Today, Barranquilla is listed by the World Bank as a 
top city in public administration, with an ongoing 
commitment to the development of infrastructure 
projects and urban renovation works that make it a 
dynamic and increasing competitive city. In recent 
years, the District and Department Governments have 
budgeted over US $2 billion for investment in the city. 
9. Our commitment 
More than 110 private sector businesses in the city and 
the economic business associations have supported 
ProBarranquilla’s work in promoting and attracting 
investments by supporting potential investors 
confidentially and at no cost. 
10. Colombia on the move 
Colombia is in the midst of a strong commitment 
to internationalizing its economy, reflected by 
the 16 signed Free Trade Agreements, commercial 
agreements with 64 countries and a 206% increase in 
direct foreign investments from 2011 to 2013.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 39 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Name: Maria Camila Salas 
Position: Director 
E-mail: mcsalas@investincartagena.com 
Telephone: +57 5 6655861 
Cell: +57 313 291 3300 
Twitter: @investincartagena 
Web: www.investincartagena.com 
INVEST IN CARTAGENA is the Cartagena and Bolivar Investment 
Firm created with support from the Cartagena Chamber of 
Commerce, the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, the Government of 
Bolivar and ANDI (Bolivar Region), whose objective is to attract 
foreign and domestic investment by developing strategies 
to position Cartagena and Bolivar as a magnet for potential 
investors. Services offered at no cost and with complete 
confidentiality, facilitating the opening of your business and 
expansion projects. 
According to the Baseline Investment report for the city of 
Cartagena de Indias performed by the Cartagena Chamber of 
Commerce, business investment in the city totaled over 4 billion 
Colombian pesos in 2012, which awarded the Bolivar Department 
a place on the Ranking South American States of the Future 
2014/15 issued by FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). It held second 
position in Colombia and seventh in the region as one of the top 
developers with best strategies to attract investors. 
INVEST IN CARTAGENA 
Bolivar Investment Firm 
CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR 
Cartagena de Indias. 
Reasons to invest in Cartagena and Bolivar: 
• The biodiversity of the extensive territory of the Bolivar 
Department is conducive to agricultural production and 
integrated production. 
• In 2013, the Bolivar Department was ranked as the second 
top exporter in Colombia, with 28.5% in exports, making it 
number one in the Caribbean region. Customs in Cartagena 
is number one in Colombia with 59.5% of the country’s total 
FOB value. 
• Cartagena has a strategic location along the Caribbean, just 
a two-hour flight away from Florida and a one-hour flight 
from Panama. With fluid maritime and fluvial connectivity, 
just three days by ship from the coast of Florida and five 
days by ship from the eastern coast of the United States. 
• Cartagena is the primary platform for foreign trade in 
Colombia, allowing preferential access to over 1.5 billion 
consumers via its ports and airport, through commercial 
agreements with 48 countries. 
• We offer a safe, large, calm, deep bay. There are no problems 
with tides, currents or hurricanes; a depth up to 18 m is ideal 
for port development. 
• Top tourism destination in Colombia for leisure and corporate 
travelers. Ranked 14th in America on the ICCA Ranking and 
56th in the world. We offer a world-class hotel infrastructure 
that has attracted international chains including the 
Iberostar Group, Viceroy - Obra PIA Group, Hilton, Radisson, 
Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Hampton and more. An increase in 
infrastructure is expected in upcoming years. In just the 
first quarter of 2014, according to data from the Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and Tourism, records showed a total of 
72,280 m2 in area approved for hotel construction. 
WWW.INVESTINCARTAGENA.COM 
Strategic 
Hub in Latin America 
and the Caribbean
40 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
Rank Port Country 
Volume (Million 
TEUS) 
1 Los Angeles USA 7.9 
2 Long Beach USA 6.1 
3 New York USA 5.5 
4 Colon Panama 3.4 
5 Balboa Panama 3.3 
6 Santos Brazil 3.0 
7 Savannah USA 2.9 
8 Oakland USA 2.4 
9 Cartagena Colombia 2.2 
10 Seattle USA 2.0 
SERVICES 
In the exploration phase: 
• General and sector information (custom made). 
• Schedules for institutional and commercial contacts. 
• Meetings with public and university officials - Public and 
private networking. 
• Assistance in site location. 
• Information about lot costs, public utilities by zone, sites, etc. 
In the installation phase: 
• Consultation on starting a company. 
• Support with paperwork and regulations for initiating a project. 
• Networking with potential customers and suppliers. 
Aftercare (established investor): 
• Monitoring, assistance and representation with local and 
regional governments. 
• Productive supply chains. 
• Assistance with recruitment and selection of human resources. 
• Agro-industry 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Petrochemical 
• Plastics 
• Tourism 
• Metallurgical 
SECTORS 
• The city has worked with over 140 direct foreign 
investment projects. Installation and expansion projects 
have been completed in different sectors, with the most 
significant companies being: Grupo Phoenix Packaging 
[sic: Packaging] Caribe S.A.S., Grupo Viceroy - OBRA 
PIA, Jason Industrial Inc., Mexichem, Tenaris, Puerto 
Bahía, Argos - Expansion Project, Auteco y Cemex. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
• Cartagena also offers fluvial transportation by the Magdalena 
River, which connects to the rest of the country through 
the Dique Canal. Our industrial zone has an excellent 
infrastructure of logistical ports, making it one of the most 
competitive investment destinations in the Colombian 
Caribbean. We also have the most efficient port in the 
country, awarded by the Caribbean Shipping Association for 
six consecutive years. 
• The city’s port handled 71.53% of the country’s container 
freight in 2013, and manages 60% of the freight between 
Colombia and the USA. We have also been the largest hub 
worldwide for Hamburg Sud since 2010, and the largest hub 
in the Americas for Hapag Lloyd since 2013, among others. 
We have four Free Trade Zones, four public port terminals, 
over 40 private terminals and numerous private parks, which 
make Cartagena very attractive for any investment. We also 
offer total coverage with public utilities throughout the 
entire area. 
• We have the second largest oil refinery in the country. 
Currently in its final expansion and modernization phase, 
it will double its current capacity with a total investment 
of US $6.4 million. The expanded and updated refinery 
will be the most modern refinery in Latin America and will 
begin operation in the second quarter of 2015. This project 
is the largest currently being developed in Colombia. With 
it, the city now has 5,271 people who have been trained 
and certified under international NCCER regulations in 
16 specific disciplines, including electrical topography, 
insulation, storage and scaffolding, among others. 
Cartagena: the ninth most active port in the Americas 
INVEST IN CARTAGENA CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR 
WWW.INVESTINCARTAGENA.COM 
Source: SPRC and Contecar. 
Bolivar Investment Firm
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 41 
BARRANQUILLA FREE TRADE ZONE 
BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO 
Barranquilla, Atlantico. 
Name: Levis Racedo Wilches 
E-mail: lracedo@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Name: Giovanna Lomanto Alvarez 
E-mail: glomanto@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Name: Stephanie Marriaga Jambooz 
E-mail: smarriaga@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Telephone: 
PBX: 
CONTACT INFORMATION Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., U.O.Z.F. has an 
integrated management system certified under ISO 9001 version 
2008 standards and BASC version 2012. 
A pioneer in Colombia’s Free Trade Regime, Z.F. (Zona 
Franca, [Free Trade Zone]) de Barranquilla strives toward the 
consolidation of an integrated foreign trade platform that allows 
for implementation of large-scale industrial projects, commercial 
exchange between the largest markets in the world, domestic 
and international logistics development, merchandise transport 
by sea and river through an internal port and providing services 
to different economic sectors. 
This framework provides domestic and international 
entrepreneurs and investors with a broad and complete offering 
of products and services designed to facilitate production 
and worldwide trade, based out of one of the most important 
strategic hubs in the hemisphere. 
Because of its profitability, industrial and commercial projection 
and its inherent economic and social development, the products 
and services offered by Zona Franca de Barranquilla S.A. are the 
best investment option available. We invite you to become part 
of our success. 
www.zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
+57 5 3301430 
+57 5 3448299 
+57 5 3448288 
+57 5 3448442 
Cell. +57 3008157008-3002567584-3008910748
42 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Audio equipment rental (events). 
• 24-hour service, 7 days a week. 
• Lots and warehouses available under a lease modality. 
• Administration of Free Trade Regime. 
• Logistics platform for implementing business under 
Free Trade Regime. 
• Interconnection access with the Port of Barranquilla. 
• Free trade maritime and river port. 
• Social responsibility through the Free Trade Zone 
Foundation of Barranquilla. 
• Specialized software for e-Free Trade foreign trade 
operations. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Agro-industry 
• Food 
• Beverages/Liquor 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Energy 
• Hydrocarbons/Chemicals/Agro-chemicals 
• Logistics and storage 
• Wood 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Metallurgy 
• Plastics 
Declared area: 1,000,000 m2. 
Available area: 73,481.63 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale N/A 
Lots for lease 54,681.60 
Warehouse construction N/A 
Warehouses for sale N/A 
Warehouse rental 18,800.03 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
N/A 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent Subject to availability 
• Atunes y Enlatados del Caribe “Atunec S.A.” 
• Barranquilla Industrial de Confecciones S.A. 
• Boating International Sucursal Colombia S.A. 
• Comdistral S.A. 
• Compañia Envasadora del Atlantico Ltda. 
• Laboratorios Rety de Colombia S.A.”Retycol S.A.” 
• Mademeco S.A. 
• Plataforma Petrolera del Rio Magdalena “Petromag 
S.A.S.” 
• Proficol Andina B.V. 
• Shell Colombia S.A. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
www.zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
BARRANQUILLA FREE TRADE ZONE 
BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 43 
BRISA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
MUNICIPALITY OF DIBULLA, LA GUAJIRA 
WWW.ZOFRABRISA.COM 
INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX 
The Brisa Free Trade Zone, approved by Resolution No. 
7613 of August 5, 2010 by the National Directorate 
of Taxes and Customs, is an industrial complex with 
an area of 355 hectares, located in the municipality 
of Dibulla, La Guajira Department, with an adjacent 
multipurpose deep water port with public utilities and 
with the infrastructure required for the operation of 
industrial, services and logistics activities. 
Name: Victor Covo Mendez 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: vcovo@zofrabrisa.com 
Telephone: +57 1 6218429 
Name: Vivian Soto Cely 
Position: Assistant 
E-mail: info@zofrabrisa.com 
Telephone: +57 1 622 2327 / +57 310 269 6542 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Dibulla, Guajira. 
LOCATION 
Located in the municipality of Dibulla, department of 
La Guajira, on the country’s northern coast. 
Located on the Caribbean highway, 94 km east of Santa 
Marta and 74 km west of Riohacha. 
La Guajira, which is a border zone department and 
special customs zone, has a strategic location in the 
north of South America and in the extreme northeast 
of Colombia (Atlantic Coast). 
SECTORS 
• Agro-industry 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Petrochemical 
• Hydrocarbons 
• Mining 
• Iron and steel 
• Offshore industries 
Declared area: 3,545,388 m2. 
Available area: 3,251,300 m2.
44 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
• Large lot areas are available measuring between 
17 and 23 hectares. They make an excellent 
platform for those industries in the mining, oil, 
steel and metallurgical, energy, logistics and 
trade industries, among others. 
• Access to Puerto Brisa; a multipurpose deep-water 
port neighboring the free zone. 
• Utility network that is capable of servicing 
5,000 people as well as managing domestic and 
industrial solid waste. 
• Administrative services, maintenance of common 
areas, parking areas, commercial and service 
plazas. 
• High standards of safety and security (BASC rules 
and standards - Business Alliance for Secure 
Commerce). 
• Fortified perimeter fence. 
• Access road (2.3 km), a two-lane roundabout and 
double lane roads. 
• 6 roads enabled for freight vehicle access (three 
entering, three exiting) and four service scales. 
• Two parking lots, one prior to admission for load 
registration measuring 7,692 m2 and an additional 
one measuring 10,000 m2 used for loading and 
transit customs inspection. 
• There will be an area for logistic activities related 
to the Free Trade Zone, which will link road and 
rail transportation to the port. 
• Highly qualified and professional on-site personnel 
to manage and resolve issues related to the Free 
Trade Zone providing just the service and support 
that our customers need. 
• Advice and assistance in getting environmental 
permits and licenses for those industrial activities 
that require them. 
• Alcomex ZF Brisa S.A.S. 
• Operador Logistico Tayrona S.A.S. 
• Pro Zofra Brisa S.A.S. 
• Others in negotiation process 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 3,251,300 
Lot rental 3,251,300 
Warehouse construction Area to be defined (1) 
Warehouses for sale Area to be defined (1) 
Warehouse rental Area to be defined (1) 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
Area to be defined (1) 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
Area to be defined (1) 
Offices for sale Area to be defined (1) 
Offices for rent Area to be defined (1) 
Tank-Farm Area to be defined (1) 
Note 1: according to individual needs of each client. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZOFRABRISA.COM 
BRISA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
MUNICIPALITY OF DIBULLA, LA GUAJIRA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 45 
LA CAYENA FREE TRADE ZONE 
KM 8 VIA BARRANQUILLA, TUBARA-BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO 
WWW.ZOFRACAR.COM 
Name: Felipe Arroyo Douat 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: felipe.arroyo@zofracar.com 
Telephone: +57 318 800 7656 
Name: Johanna Bernal 
Position: Commercial Coordinator 
E-mail: comercial@zofracar.com 
Telephone: +57 318 7117388 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Tubara, Barranquilla. 
Characteristics and advantages of the Free Trade Zone 
We are the answer to the new challenges put forth by 
today’s world. Partnering with La Cayena will allow your 
business to flourish by being in the Free Trade Zone that 
features top urban and architectural specifications, 
managed by a highly qualified human resources team that 
will support you continuously during your operations. 
The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is located in Barranquilla, 
America’s Golden Gate. Due to its excellent location, this 
city is the bridge between Colombia, the Caribbean and the 
world. 
The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is part of a vast commercial 
ecosystem. We form a fundamental part of what the city 
offers logistically as we are a Free Trade Zone prepared for 
your operations to begin immediately and we can adapt to 
the needs of your business. 
The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is the new axis of industrial 
development in the city and provides you with access to 
the port along with air and ground transportation, making 
your operations more efficient. 
We offer industrial expertise; Barranquilla is the most 
industrialized city in the Caribbean region of Colombia. We 
were born from industry and our core is truly dedicated to it.
46 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology 
Declared area: 1,483,564 m2. 
Available area: 500,000 m2. 
• The La Cayena Free Trade Zone features the following, 
which represent the best of the environment we offer: 
• The Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, which 
serves Barranquilla. Considered to be the airport with 
the top infrastructure on the coast and second in the 
country in terms of international cargo transport. 
• Barranquilla is called the city that is “five times a port,” 
because it has infrastructure for land, maritime, river, 
air and telecommunications. 
• Easy access to urban areas, 10 minutes from Barranquilla, 
30 minutes from the airport and the port area. 
• There are continuous public transportation services 
to the Free Trade Zone, operated by three different 
companies. 
• Barranquilla offers the second most economical labor 
force in the country, highly qualified, enterprising, 
hard-working, tenacious and with a strong work ethic. 
• Easy access to the city’s universities. 
• In an area of the Caribbean with the least amount 
of seismic activity and also located outside of the 
hurricane corridor. 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 500,000 
Lot rental 100,000 
Warehouse construction 500,000 
Warehouses for sale N/A 
Warehouse rental 21,000 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
100,000 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent 1,000 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZOFRACAR.COM 
LA CAYENA FREE TRADE ZONE 
KM 8 VIA BARRANQUILLA, TUBARA-BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 47 
LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA 
Name: Julio Gonzalez Acosta 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: jgonzalez@zonafrancalasamericas.com 
Telephone: +57 316 526 1991 
Name: Hernan Rodriguez de Lima 
Position: Business Manager 
E-mail: hrodriguez@zonafrancalasamericas.com 
Telephone: 310 839 7611 
Telephone: +57 5 4328125 - 4328120 
Ext.: 8000, 8001 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Santa Marta, Magdalena. 
The Las Americas Free Trade Zone (ZFA) is a project 
that seeks to promote and develop an agro-industrial 
cluster of goods and services aimed at 
the national and foreign markets, committed to 
finding self-sustainable alternatives, promoting 
production technology development by applying 
co-generation processes based on natural gas 
combustion, establishing environmental policy 
and social development as fundamental parts 
of its mission, vision and business principles. 
Our industrial and administrative infrastructures 
fuse with the tropical dry forest landscape and 
cutting-edge technological development. 
ZFA is strategically located at km 16 on the 
alternate route to the Ruta del Sol II port with 
excellent access points: South of the city of 
Santa Marta, 7 km from the port terminal, 17 km 
from the Simón Bolívar Airport and to the center 
of the country by Ruta del Sol II. 
With a total area of 315,000 m, plus an expansion 
of 80,000 m2, our infrastructure offers public 
utilities, sites for businesses, qualified human 
resources and strategic partners. We offer 
logistics services, industrial steam, scale, solid 
waste collection, closed circuit television and 
perimeter security. 
WWW.ZFA.COM.CO
48 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Caribbean Eco Soaps S.A.S. 
• Atlantic Steam  Energy S.A.S. 
• Construfranca S.A.S. 
• Fast Terminal Santa Marta S.A.S. 
• Caribbean Associated Free Zone S.A.S. 
• Trading Services S.A.S. 
• Free Zone Services S.A.S. 
• Operador Logistico Tayrona S.A.S. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• 24-hour foreign trade operations. 
• General cargo warehouse storage. 
• Automotive sector recruiting service. 
• 24-hour security and monitoring. 
• Logistics services for loading and unloading of 
merchandise. 
• Merchandise transportation to and from the 
port. 
• Asphalt storage yards, automotive sector. 
• Consulting services for Free Trade Zone 
operations. 
• Tradebox System. Our own inventory system 
for foreign trade operations. 
• Online security camera monitoring. 
• Strategic logistics sector alliances. 
• 80,000 m2 expansion area. 
• Self-generating electricity service. SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Agro-industry 
• Oil 
• Energy 
• Logistics and storage 
• Others 
Declared area: 315,000 m2. 
Available area: 200,000 m2. 
Type of Real Estate 
Available Area 
(m2) 
Lots for sale N/A 
Lot rental 200,000 m2 
Warehouses construction 
availability 
20,000 m2 
Warehouses for sale N/A 
Warehouse rental By client request 
Covered storage yard rental By client request 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent Availability 300 m2 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZFA.COM.CO 
LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 49 
PALERMO FREE TRADE ZONE 
MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, MAGDALENA 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALERMO.COM 
Sitio Nuevo, Magdalena. 
Name: Leonardo Sicard Abad 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: lsicard@zonafrancapalermo.com 
Telephone: +57 1 6236011 / +57 5 3678000 
Name: Catalina Ortega Perez 
Position: Commercial 
E-mail: mortega@zonafrancapalermo.com 
Telephone: +57 1 6236011, ext. 1173 
CONTACT INFORMATION In Palermo, Magdalena, Grupo Coremar supports 
the development of a Free Trade Zone that, 
along with the Palermo Port Company and other 
industrial projects, will be part of the largest 
cluster of energy-related services in Colombia and 
a true multimodal platform that will offer both the 
incentives of the Free Trade Regime and also the 
tax incentives of the Sitio Nuevo Municipality. 
The Palermo Free Trade Zone seeks to meet the 
demand for industrial spaces for high value-added 
investment projects in the oil, mining and 
energy sectors that require strategic placement 
for logistics and international maritime, fluvial 
and ground transportation.
50 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Qualification for industrial users and 
commercial users. 
• Consulting on the Free Trade Regime for 
qualified users. 
• Administrative and DIAN offices. 
• Software for inventory management and 
foreign trade operations. 
• Administrative services, public utilities, 
security system and large parking areas. 
• Scales and machinery for handling cargo. 
• Integrated logistics services from the 
Palermo Multipurpose Port. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology 
• Others 
Declared area: 300,000 m2. 
Available area: 240,000 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate 
Lot rental 
Warehouse construction 
Warehouse rental 
Offices for rent 
• Elite logistics zf S.A.S. 
• Alcomex zf S.A.S. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALERMO.COM 
PALERMO FREE TRADE ZONE 
MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, MAGDALENA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 51 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPC.CO 
Name: Bernard Gilchrist 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: gerente@central.com.co 
Telephone: +57 6608946 
Name: Paola Emiliani 
Position: Commercial 
E-mail: comercial@central.com.co 
Telephone: +57 310 634 3412 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Characteristics and location 
The Parque Central Free Trade Zone is located in the 
Municipality of Turbaco, in the conurbation area with the 
District of Cartagena de Indias, located along the Northern 
Colombian Coast of the Caribbean Sea, the most important 
logistical platform and business hub. It offers the only 
industrial zone in the country next to a deep port, a variety 
of productive clusters and an excellent quality of life. 
With its location in Cartagena de Indias, your company 
could reduce costs by being located in the country’s most 
important port city, offering: 
• More maritime frequencies 
• Reduced transport times 
• Less freight costs 
These things make the Port of Cartagena a direct link 
to foreign trade and guarantee the competitiveness of 
domestic products in international markets. This is how 
Cartagena de Indias has become a city of global networking 
and business. 
The Parque Central Free Trade Zone offers innumerable 
advantages for your company: 
• APPOLO®: The most modern inventory software for 
Free Trade Zones in the country. 
• ROADWAY CONNECTIVITY: Surrounded by the 
primary shipping highways and just a few kilometers 
from the ports, along the Mamonal Industrial Zone, 
with easy access to public transportation. 
• LANDSCAPE: Beautiful landscape, 6.4-hectare 
reservoir and responsibility for the environment. 
CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE 
• HIGH STANDARDS FOR QUALITY: 
BASC and ISO 9001, version 2008 certification for 
activities as User Operator. 
Cartagena de Indias. 
PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE 
PARQUE CENTRAL 
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, BOLIVAR
52 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Developed lots, warehouses, storage yards and offices 
for industry, logistics and commerce. 
• Double scale at entrance and exit. 
• Comprehensive 24/7 security system. 
• DIAN building and special area for customs inspection 
with capacity for 12 tractor-trailers. 
• Services building with offices, conference rooms and 
restaurants available (phase two). 
• Trainings on the Free Trade Zone Regime, foreign trade 
and customs procedures. 
• Operation of Special Free Trade Zones. 
Other Services 
• Assistance in the process of installing, starting and 
operating your project. 
• Logistical support with local processes. 
• The Operations Directorate provides support with 
users’ international business operations, amongst 
other added-value services, with the support of 
Central S.A. 
• Automotive 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Agro-industry 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Metallurgical 
• Construction 
• Petrochemical - Plastics 
Declared area: 116 hectares. 
Available area: 45 hectares. 
SECTORS 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 
Lots for sale 380,000 (phase 
one) 340,000 (phase two) 
Lot rental By order 
Warehouse construction According to specifications 
Warehouses for sale According to specifications 
Warehouse rental According to specifications 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
According to specifications 
Offices for sale According to specifications 
Offices for rent According to specifications 
Others N/A 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
• Panelmet S.A.S. 
• Liners de Colombia S.A.S. 
• Estrumetal Caribe S.A.S. 
• Speed Transport S.A.S. 
• Free Zone Service S.A. 
• Planet Industrial S.A. 
• Distriservices S.A. Colombia 
• Industrial Taylor Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Uruz America Corp S.A.S. 
• Santafe Zona Franca S.A.S. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPC.CO 
PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE 
PARQUE CENTRAL 
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, BOLIVAR
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 53 
WWW.PUERTADELASAMERICASZF.COM 
The Puerta de las Americas Free Trade Zone is strategically 
located at the epicenter of the Colombian Caribbean, at 
km 12 of the Mar Cartagena - Barranquilla Highway and 7 
minutes from the Cartagena de Indias International Airport. 
With an area of over 60 hectares, Puerta de las Americas 
has become the new “downtown” of the Cartagena 
metropolitan area and within its closed perimeter it offers 
offices, businesses, shop windows, lots, health Free Trade 
Zone, fairgrounds, convention center, hotel, beach club 
(outside of the Free Trade Regime), among other services. 
Surrounded by schools, housing complexes, hotels, a golf 
course, medical Free Trade Zone, and the future Cartagena 
de Indias fairgrounds, this permanent Free Trade Zone 
for services offers an exceptional, high-value strategic 
location. 
Name: Martha Abondano C. 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: info@puertadelasamericaszf.com 
Telephone: +57 5 6 436 648 
Name: Paola Oliver Peñaranda 
Position: Commercial Coordinator 
E-mail: poliver@puertadelasamericaszf.com 
Telephone: +57 313 452 3320 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
PUERTA DE LAS AMERICAS 
FREE TRADE ZONE, S.A. 
CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR. 
Infrastructure 
The Puerta de las Americas Free Trade Zone offers a world-class 
platform built in accordance with international 
standards, strict environmental regulations, energy 
redundancy and the latest generation of connectivity. 
Advantages 
• Six minutes from the Cartagena de Indias International 
Airport. 
• Along the Mar Cartagena - Barranquilla Highway. 35 
minutes from Barranquilla. 
• Integral operator services through One Stop Office 
(Telephone IP, automatic receptionist, business 
services, professional consulting, personalized 
assistance for companies and professionals). 
• Services cluster (professional, business, health, 
exports). 
Security system 
• Comprehensive 24/7 centralized security system. 
• Perimeter fence. 
• Video camera and controlled access for vehicles and 
pedestrians. 
• Electronic monitoring system (optional). 
Network of services 
• Fiber optic connectivity latest generation equipment. 
• IP telephone network and local operator services. 
• Internal access for natural gas distribution. 
• 110-volt and 220-volt electricity network. Redundancy 
through cogeneration (phase 2). 
• Wastewater treatment plant.
54 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
SECTORS 
• BPO - ITO - KPO 
• Automotive 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Biotechnology 
• Apparel 
• Logistics and storage 
• Health 
• Tourism 
• Education 
• Research 
• Services 
Declared area: 260,000 m2. 
Available area: 29,000 m2. 
Services for Free Trade Zone user operators 
• One Stop Office – User operator services to facilitate 
installation and operation. 
• Entry and exit control for Free Trade Zone user 
operators. 
• Qualification of users of goods, users of services and 
business users. 
• Administrative offices. 
• National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) 
offices. 
• On-line inventory system for controlling operations in 
the Free Trade Zone. 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 1,118 
Lot rental 2 Ha 
Warehouse construction N/A 
Warehouses for sale 6,000 
Warehouse rental 8,000 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard rental 6,000 
Offices for sale 1,195 
Offices for rent 1,595 
Sale/lease medical clinics 2,300 
Lot for sale clinics 3,400 
Commercial sites for sale 247 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
• Centro Internacional BPO de Cartagena de Indias S.A.S. 
• Cartagena Medical City S.A.S. 
• Cartagena Technology Park S.A.S. 
• Constructora Colombiana de Zonas Francas S.A.S. 
• Servicios Electromecanicos y Civiles S.A.S. 
• Others undergoing the qualification process 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
WWW.PUERTADELASAMERICASZF.COM 
PUERTA DE LAS AMERICAS 
FREE TRADE ZONE, S.A. 
CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 55 
SANTA MARTA FREE TRADE ZONE 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA 
Name: Victoria Medina Cuello 
Position: Manager 
E-mail: vmedina@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com 
Name: Sandra Serrano Melendez 
Position: Administrative Professional 
E-mail: sserrano@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com 
Name: Raquel Charris Robles 
Position: Head of Operations 
E-mail: rcharris@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com 
Telephone: 
PBX. 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
“Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., 
U.O.Z.F. has an integrated management system 
certified under ISO 9001, version 2008 standards 
and BASC version 2008.” 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAINDUSTRIALDESANTAMARTA.COM WWW.ZONAFRANCABARRANQUILLA.COM 
Santa Marta, Magdalena. 
The Santa Marta Free Trade Zone, a pioneer in 
the regime for the Magdalena Department, is 
considered the most competitive offer in the city. 
Its location along the Troncal del Caribe highway 
just 10 km from Simón Bolivar Airport and 8 km 
from the Sociedad Portuaria de Santa Marta (Port 
Company of Santa Marta), provides our users 
with flexible access for their cargo to the interior 
of the country. 
The Santa Marta Free Trade Zone offers tax, 
customs and foreign trade benefits that are 
providing incentives for business clusters every 
day and generating economies of scale. 
We offer lot and warehouse leasing at truly 
competitive prices: Become part of a Free Trade 
Zone with experience to meet new goals. 
+57 5 4300639 / +57 5 4301175 
+57 5 4302547 / +57 5 4301314 
+57 5 4210201
56 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Almaservicio S.A.S. 
• Induservicios Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Chemcarmp S.A.S. 
• Prime Colombia S.A.S. 
• Royal Petroleum Corporation S.AS. 
• International Fuels Santa Marta S.A. 
• Operadora Logistica de Santa Marta S.A.S. 
• Litex Ltda. 
• C.I. Liber del Sur 
• Smart Services Colombia Ltda. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• Administration of Free Trade Regime. 
• 24-hour service, 7 days a week. 
• Lots and warehouses available for lease. 
• Public utilities. 
• E-trade software, specializing in management 
of foreign trade operations. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Biotechnology 
• Apparel 
• Logistics and storage 
• Hydrocarbons 
• Chemicals 
• Beverages/Liquor 
Declared area: 307,945.40 m2. 
Available area: 148,885 m2. 
Type of Real 
Estate 
Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale N/A 
Lot rental 145,697 m2 
Warehouse 
construction 
By client request and 
specifications 
Warehouses for sale N/A 
Warehouse rental 1,010 m2 
Covered storage 
yard rental 
1,948 m2 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent N/A 
Catering for rent 230 m2 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAINDUSTRIALDESANTAMARTA.COM WWW.ZONAFRANCABARRANQUILLA.COM 
SANTA MARTA FREE TRADE ZONE 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 57 
TAYRONA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA 
Name: Alfredo Ortega Salazar 
Position: Operations and Commercial Director 
E-mail: comercial@zonafrancatayrona.com 
Telephone: +57 4366100 - +57 3106015483 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Santa Marta, Magdalena. 
The Tayrona Free Trade Zone is located in Santa 
Marta, one of the cities closest to the central and 
eastern regions of Colombia. We stand out as the 
port closest to the United States, Europe and 
Venezuela. We have excellent roadway access 
connectivity by being located directly along the 
Troncal del Caribe Highway, the railway line and 
the Ruta del Sol Highway, placing us just 12 km 
from the Santa Marta Port. 
The city has the lowest air salinity percentage of 
the Colombian ports on the Caribbean, with the 
lowest relative humidity (70%) of the Caribbean 
Coast. This allows us to be an ideal place for 
companies in the metallurgical, agro-industrial 
and logistics operations, being able to protect 
and store parts and equipment with minimal risk 
of rust and deterioration. 
We have been able to achieve a position as one 
of the most important industrial and logistical 
parks in the country thanks to the management 
performed by our human resources team, our 
strategic location and because we are in a city 
with growth potential. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCATAYRONA.COM
58 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Knight S.A.S. 
• Logistica Integral Tayrona S.A.S. 
• Almaviva Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Districargo Operations S.A. Colombia 
• Servicios Industriales del Norte S.AS. 
• Distriservices S.A. Colombia 
• Logiservicios del Caribe S.A.S. 
• Inmar Overseas Sucursal Colombia 
• Travesa Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Tayrona Steel Pipe 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• 24-hour operations, 365 days a year. 
• 100-ton scale service. 
• Access to all public utilities. 
• Consolidation of cargo. 
• Deconsolidation of cargo. 
• Partial processing within the country. 
• Logistics service for the rest of the world to 
a third party in the TAN. 
• Assistance in foreign trade operations. 
SECTORS 
• Metallurgical 
• Agro-industrial 
• Logistics 
• Services 
• Food 
• Textiles 
Declared area: 1,001,602 m2. 
Available area: 550,000 m2. 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for lease and sale 550,000 m2 
Warehouses for lease and sale 3,000 m2 
Offices for lease and sale 400 m2 
Paved storage yards for lease 
and sale 
20,000 m2 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZONAFRANCATAYRONA.COM 
TAYRONA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 59 
INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE 
ATLANTICO, ZOFIA 
GALAPA, ATLANTICO 
WWW.ZOFIA.COM.CO 
Galapa, Atlantico. 
Name: Levis Racedo Wilches 
E-mail: lracedo@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Name: Giovanna Lomanto Alvarez 
E-mail: glomanto@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Name: Alejandra Maldonado Martinez 
E-mail: amaldonado@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Name: Alex D. Pacheco Andrade 
E-mail: apacheco@zonafrancabarranquilla.com 
Telephone: 
PBX: 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., U.O.Z.F. has an 
integrated management system certified under ISO 9001 version 
2008 standards and BASC version 2012. 
A permanent Free Trade Zone located in the Municipality of 
Galapa, 9.5 km from Barranquilla’s port and airport zones, with 
alternate ports in Santa Marta and Cartagena, it offers an area 
equipped for the establishment of companies that are dynamic 
and successful in their activities, meeting the rigorous demands of 
globalization in core elements including the environment, security 
in freight management, trust, competitiveness in utilities and 
total operational systematization of foreign trade. 
ZOFIA was developed as a physical structure with the latest 
technology, with modern facilities within a friendly environment. 
ZOFIA offers a rainwater drainage network that channels 
rainwater, underground medium and high tension electricity 
networks that give the landscape a positive visual impact, LED 
technology for public lighting, wastewater treatment plants that 
reuse flow for irrigation, a primary roadway with two lanes, each 9 
meters wide; two-way paved service roads that meet the highest 
quality standards. The entire park is separated into four industry 
sectors: services, light-, medium- and heavy-duty. 
At the International Free Trade Zone of Atlantico, ZOFIA, in 
addition to the benefits of the Free Trade Regime, you will receive 
special exemptions for over 10 years on property, industrial and 
commercial taxes, and related taxes granted by the Municipality 
of Galapa, Atlantico. 
Because of its profitability, industrial and commercial projection 
and its inherent economic and social development, the products 
and services offered by the Free Trade Zone of Barranquilla, S.A. 
are the best investment option available. 
We invite you to become part of our success. 
+57 300 815 7008 
+57 300 891 0748 
+57 300 703 1111 
+57 304 355 5384
60 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Permanent Free Trade Zone, with an area of 
1,200,000 m2. 
• International category platform. 
• 24-hour service, 7 days a week. 
• Guaranteed public utilities. 
• Urbanized lots available under a sale and/or lease 
modality. 
• Lots and warehouses available for establishing 
projects under the Free Trade Regime. 
• Rapid valuation investments. 
• Availability program: immediate. 
• In addition to the benefits of the Free Trade 
Regime, 10 years of special exemptions are 
granted for property, industry and commerce tax 
and related taxes. 
• Integrated consulting on foreign trade, training 
and upgrading. 
• Structuring of foreign trade projects. 
• In-house specialized software for e-Free foreign 
trade operations. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Logistics and storage 
• Construction materials 
• Food and beverages 
• Hydrocarbons/ chemicals/ petrochemicals 
• Metallurgy 
• Plastics 
• Wood 
• Glass 
Declared area: 1,200,000 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale from 1,600 m2 505,000 m2 
Lots for lease Subject to availability 
Warehouse construction From 570 m2 
Warehouses for sale 11,500 m2 
Warehouse rental 11,500 m2 
Covered storage yard rental Subject to customer 
specifications 
Offices for sale 11,075* m2 11,075* m2 
Offices for lease 11,075* m2 11,075* m2 
*Total area: Modality (sale and/or lease) depends on the needs of the potential client. 
• Premezclados y Concretos del Atlantico S.A.S. 
• ZF Ingenieria S.A.S. 
• Global Engineering Group S.A.S. 
• Jade Trading S.A.S. 
• Siscom Zona Franca S.A. 
• Easy Investment S.A.S. 
• Todo Llantas y Mas S.A.S. 
• Sistemas Constructivos Avanzados S.A.S. 
• Estacion de Servicios E.D.S Grupo Exito 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
WWW.ZOFIA.COM.CO 
INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE 
ATLANTICO, ZOFIA 
GALAPA, ATLANTICO
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 61 
PERMANENT FREE 
TRADE ZONE SANTELCA I. 
WWW.SANTELCA.COM 
Name: Santiago Vargas Ramos 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: gerencia@santelca.com 
Name: Carlos Emilio Vargas Ramos 
Position: Assistant Manager 
E-mail: cvargas@santelca.com 
Sales Department 
E-mail: ventas@santelca.com 
National line: +57 018000 517168 
Cell. +57 313 424 0587 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Permanent Free Trade Zone SANTELCA I., is located at kilometer 
19 of the Gambote-Mamonal Highway on the left-hand side 
in the industrial sector of the municipality of Turbana, Bolivar 
Department. It is adjacent to the Mamonal Industrial Zone and 
the Port of Cartagena, which is ranked 4th in Latin America and 
62nd in the world for freight handling. It connects the country 
with 70% of countries and over 500 ports that handle 98% of 
global freight. 
Our intent is to establish ourselves as a hub for development 
and a location for domestic and foreign companies, providing 
entrepreneurs with the support they need to receive the benefits 
granted under the Free Trade Regime: 15% of income, exempt from 
CREE Equity Tax, VAT and duty exemption for merchandise coming 
from the rest of the world, VAT exemption for raw materials, parts, 
supplies and finished goods sold from National Customs territory 
to Free Trade Zone users and exemption up to 100% for 5 years 
and gradually over the following 4 years on property, industry, 
trade taxes, notices and tables issued by the Municipality of 
Turbana, Bolivar; achieving a framework appropriate for each type 
of business and thus being able to contribute to strengthen the 
Port of Cartagena, which is now positioned as the top maritime 
port in freight handling in the country and has a port, airport and 
road infrastructure that meets all the demands of domestic and 
foreign industries. 
All of the above is offered within a framework of social and 
environmental responsibility, security, efficiency, transparency, 
technological development and best business practices. 
The combination of these factors will allow your company, with 
the assistance of the SANTELCA Permanent Free Trade Zone, 
to optimize your processes and satisfy your clients’ needs, truly 
reaching new levels of competitiveness. 
“Do business the intelligent way, let us help you.” 
TURBANA, CARTAGENA
62 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Customs jurisdiction area that includes the respective 
offices (DIAN and User Operator) and customs 
inspection area. 
• Roadways designed for circulation and freight vehicle 
traffic. 
• Customs control scales located at the entrance and 
exit of the Free Trade Zone. 
• Crane bridge service. 
• Banking services, restaurants, auditoriums and others 
on-site. 
• Outdoor and indoor green areas. 
• Deceleration and acceleration lane for entrance and 
exit to the Free Trade Zone. 
• Controlled entry and exit for individuals, vehicles and 
merchandise, 24-7 (CCTV). 
• Water treatment, energy and natural gas utilities. 
• Wastewater treatment plant. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 476,501 m2 
Lots for lease 
According to client request 
and specifications 
Warehouse construction 
Warehouses for sale 
Warehouse rental 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
Uncovered storage yard 
Offices for sale 
Offices for rent 
• Desarrolladora Diseños  Construcciones S.A.S. 
• V.D. El Mundo a sus Pies S.A.S. (Spring Step) 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SECTORS 
• Plastics 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Footwear and related parts 
• Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics 
• Food / Beverages 
• Construction 
• Chemicals 
• Petrochemical 
• Oil industry and related 
• Logistics and storage 
Declared area: 739,746.37 m2. 
Available area: 556,501 m2. 
TURBANA, CARTAGENA 
WWW.SANTELCA.COM 
PERMANENT FREE 
TRADE ZONE SANTELCA I.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 63 
WESTERN REGION 
Characteristics 
Population (2013, census 2005) 
Antioquia 6,299,990 
Caldas 984,115 
Quindio 558,969 
Risaralda 941,275 
Source: DANE (The National Administrative 
Department of Statistics). 
Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindio. 
Inflation Rate by City 
City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* 
Medellin 2.47 3.58 4.12 2.49 1.78 2.21 
Manizales 1.22 2.4 4.65 2.43 1.72 2.54 
Armenia 1.13 2.49 3.04 1.92 1.18 2.60 
Pereira 1.77 2.84 3.74 2.19 1.19 2.53 
National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 
*Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]). 
Paisaje Cultural Cafetero. 
Orquideorama, Medellin.
64 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
GDP by Department 
Department 
GDP 2012 
(US $millions) 
Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) 
Share 
% GDP 
Antioquia 48,505 7,796 13.1% 
Caldas 5,253 5,348 1.4% 
Quindio 2,866 5,157 0.8% 
Risaralda 5,116 5,467 1.4% 
Total GDP 370,098 229,094 
Source: DANE - Departmental Accounts. 
Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) 
Sector 
Total Proportion 
for Projects 
Financial Services 12.0% 
Software and IT Services 10.8% 
Agro-industry 9.6% 
Automotive 8.4% 
Telecommunications 8.4% 
BPO* 7.2% 
Metallurgical Industry 6.0% 
*Business Services. 
Source: FDI Markets. 
Unemployment Rate by Department 
Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Antioquia 12.8 11.9 10.4 10.6 9.7 
Caldas 12.9 14.0 11.8 10.2 9.2 
Quindio 18.8 18.1 17.7 15.4 15.8 
Risaralda 17.8 18.3 14.8 14.8 12.8 
National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of Statistics]). 
WESTERN REGION
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONAS FRANCAS 65 
Western Region 
Antioquia, Risaralda, 
Caldas and Quindio. 
• Investor confidence: 
Based on Colombian Confederation of 
Chambers of Commerce registries, more 
than 8,900 new companies were created in 
Antioquia in 2013. 
• Human talent: 
In Risaralda, there are 27 institutions of 
higher education supported by the Federal 
Ministry of Education. Direct support in 
developing customized training programs, 
and recruiting and selection processes. 
• The most innovative city in the world: 
in 2013, the Urban Land Institute awarded 
STRENGTHS 
Medellin the recognition of the Most 
Innovative City in the World. 
• Ease of doing business: 
Manizales, one of the capital cities in the 
region, is ranked first by the World Bank for 
Doing Business. 
• Sound tourism infrastructure: tourist 
attractions in the Department of Quindio, 
like the Coffee Park, Panaca, and the coffee-producing 
haciendas, attract a large number 
of domestic and foreign visitors.
66 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure 
The Coffee Cultural Landscape, an extraordinary 
example of a unique sustainable and productive 
cultural landscape, represents a powerful 
tradition and is a benchmark for both national 
and international coffee-producing areas. Coffee-production 
is the main distinctive symbol of 
Colombia (UNESCO, 2012). 
Agribusiness 
The department of Caldas works hard toward 
strengthening the agribusiness and agricultural 
sector. It develops projects to set up productive 
chains in the agricultural, livestock, and woodland 
sectors, among others. In turn, there is an 
investment in 8,280 acres in rubber and guadua 
(bamboo-like) plantations. The public-private 
alliance promotion is also important, as it aims to 
improve the industrial plants in the department. 
Infrastructure 
The Coffee Highway project, which includes 
Quindio, Risaralda, and Caldas is intended to 
strengthen the export of agricultural products 
from the departments in the Coffee Triangle. 
The Cesar Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct will link Pereira 
and Dosquebradas, playing an important role in 
vehicle transit between the cities of Armenia, 
Pereira, and Manizales. It was acknowledged with 
the National Architecture Award. The projects 
of the West Railroad Station, the Virginia Sea 
Wall, the Quimbaya Natural Park and its cable car 
system, and the Biopark. Matecaña International 
Airport, Department of Risaralda, in the process of 
remodeling. 
BPO 
It receives government support with the Cluster City 
Medellin project and a Communications Technology 
innovation plan focused on ICTs, medicine, and 
energy with approximately 400 innovation projects 
approved by Colciencias. 
Fashion System 
It constitutes 34% of the textile production in the 
country, 54% of apparel production, and 20% of 
leather, footwear, and leather goods production in 
Colombia. 
REGIONAL 
OPPORTUNITIES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 67 
PEREIRA INTERNATIONAL 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
Name: Daniel Eduardo Giraldo Salazar 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: gerencia@zonafrancadepereira.com 
Telephone: +57 310 8289 505 
Name: Ana Maria Alzate Herrera 
Position: Business Director 
E-mail: direccioncomercial@zonafrancadepereira.com 
Telephone: +57 314 8865 520 
CONTACT INFORMATION Characteristics and Advantages of the Free Trade Zone 
The Pereira Free Trade Zone offers an advantageous 
logistical location, making it the logistics hub in Colombia 
with specialization in four strategic sectors in accordance 
with the region’s industries (textiles/apparel, metallurgy, 
services (BPO-KPO-IT) and logistics). 
We have training programs to provide a workforce that meets 
the needs of our clients. Our people are the foundation of 
our Free Trade Zone, and that’s why we have a business 
social responsibility program committed to sustainable 
development through the creation of jobs and protecting 
the environment. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADEPEREIRA.COM
68 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADEPEREIRA.COM 
• 24-hour service, 7 days a week. 
• Administrative offices. 
• Urbanized lots available under a sale and/or lease 
modality. 
• Guaranteed public utilities. 
• Wastewater treatment plant. 
• Specialized software for managing foreign trade 
operations. 
• High security and safety standards (BASC-Business 
Alliance for Secure Commerce regulations and 
standards). 
• Human resources available to help with the initiation 
of your operation. The Pereira Free Trade Zone has a job 
pool and offers assistance with personnel recruitment 
according to profiles defined by users. 
• Business social responsibility - Growing Together 
Program. 
• 100% private Free Trade Zone. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 53,626 m2 
Lots for lease 42,092 m2 
Warehouse construction 54,350 m2 
Warehouses for sale 37,300 m2 
Warehouse rental 21,700 m2 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
16,092 m2 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent 7,528 m2 
Others N/A 
• Arturo Calle Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Onzas S.A.S. 
• Louis Barton 
• Sutex Internacional S.A.S. 
• Top Blue Jeans International S.A.S. 
• Fibra Hogar 
• Gino Passcalli 
• Andes Ingenieria Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Tecniservicios Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Azkoyen andina S.A.S. 
• Faic S.A.S. 
• Aselog Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Mobile Smart Ideas S.A.S. 
• Logirastreo S.A.S. 
• Primavera 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
PEREIRA INTERNATIONAL 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Textiles/Apparel 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• BPO/KPO Services 
Declared area: 273,000 m2. 
Available area: 69,718 m2.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 69 
Name: Jaime Henriquez Gallo 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: henriquez_g@hotmail.com 
Telephone: +57 (4) 319 7060, Medellin 
Name: María Isabel Sierra Vásquez 
Position: Regional Director 
E-mail: msierra@zonafrancadeuraba.com 
Telephone: +57 4 828 7050, Apartado 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
• The Uraba Free Trade Zone is located in the center of 
the region that neighbors the Gulf of Uraba, in the 
Apartado Municipality, a center for economic, social 
and exporting development. 
• Uraba is the Atlantic Port nearest to Bogota, Cali, 
Medellin and the center of the country, with the 
shortest land distances of 400 km, on average. 
• The Government and EPM promote industrial 
development in the region and are looking into energy 
tax rebates and new incentives to promote growth in 
the area. 
• The current port system handles 2.5 tons of cargo each 
year. A weekly route of banana boats to the USA and 
Europe operates third-party freight. 
• The “Uraba Port Promoter” operates the permit for a 
modern port system with specialized terminals along 
the gulf. 
• Industries within the Uraba Free Trade Zone have 
easy access to Central American markets that have 
40 million consumers. The Free Trade Zone in Colon, 
Panama, offers immense possibilities for fluid two-way 
international trade. 
• Significant budget amounts are being invested into 
the Medellin-Uraba highway to upgrade it and make it 
competitive. Likewise, the Government and State are 
working on “Highways to Prosperity,” which includes 
the modernization of this route. 
• The workforce in Uraba is young, abundant and 
qualified. 
• Security is guaranteed by the XVII Brigade of the 
National Army, the Navy, Police, DAS and Special 
Forces who patrol the entire area. 
Apartado, Antioquia. 
PERMANENT URABA 
FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. 
APARTADO, ANTIOQUIA. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADEURABA.COM
70 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Promotora Clinica Panamericana S.A.S. 
• Construcciones y Concretos de Uraba 
S.A.S. 
• Logizone S.A.S. 
• Cliu S.A.S. 
• Importaciones y Logistica Zahen 
• Arquitectura y Construcciones Proa 
EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES 
• IT inventory and operational system for 
permanent and special Free Trade Zones. 
• 24-hour service, 7 days a week. 
• Provision of all public utilities within the 
Free Trade Zone. 
• Specialized software for managing inventory 
and security control for the Free Trade Zone. 
• Scale service. 
• Wastewater treatment plant. 
• Electricity substation. 
• Sale and lease of fully urbanized lots, yards, 
warehouses and offices. 
SECTORS 
• Agro-industry 
• Apparel 
• Logistics and storage 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Health sector 
• BPO 
Declared area: 258,711 m2. 
Available area: 148,046 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 130,046 
Lot rental 18,000 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADEURABA.COM 
PERMANENT URABA 
FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. 
APARTADO, ANTIOQUIA.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 71 
Name: Harold Clavijo Díaz 
Position: General Manager (and) member of the 
Board of Directors 
E-mail: gerencia@zonafrancaeje.com 
Telephone: +57 6 731 2626 
Name: Alejandra Mora Daza 
Position: Commercial 
E-mail: comercial@zonafrancaeje.com 
Telephone: +57 318 548 4882 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
The Free Trade Zone of the Coffee Cultural Landscape 
is an important logistical platform that is driving 
internationalization in the Coffee Cultural Landscape 
and in the country, dynamically incorporating key 
competitive factors including: Location, infrastructure, 
incentives, market access, security, costs, decisive 
support and help with customs operations and other 
relevant factors. 
In addition to these benefits and factors, by the end of 
this year, the Free Trade Zone will again operate with 
cargo trains from the Pacific port in Buenaventura 
with the existing Multimodal Railway Terminal and 
within the Free Trade Zone, making it a top-notch 
transfer, distribution and commercial center. 
Located equidistant from Colombia’s largest 
cities: Bogota, Cali, Buenaventura, and Medellin, 
approximately 150 km; encompassing a population of 
23 million residents within a radius of 300 km to 216 
km from Buenaventura, a Pacific port that handles 
50% of the country’s foreign trade. 
Flexibility in processes. Because it is a smaller-sized 
Free Trade Zone, it has a real-time economy and thus, 
greater competitiveness. 
Up to 95% tax exemption from municipal taxes for 
companies located in the Free Trade Zone of the 
Coffee Cultural Landscape, offering very competitive 
rates nationally. 
The Quindio Department is comprised of 1,845 square 
kilometers and is one of the smallest in the country. 
Within its jurisdiction it has one brigade and three 
battalions of the National Army, which makes it one 
of the most secure regions in the country. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAEJE.COM 
COFFEE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
LA TEBAIDA, QUINDIO
72 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Magnetron Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Soluciones Tecnicas en Quimica Soluteq S.A.S. 
• Viva operador logistico S.A.S. 
• Free Zone Service S.A.S. 
• Industria Comercial Andina Icoandina S.A.S. 
• Transarmenia Carga Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Servicios Logisticos Integrados Slin S.A.S. 
• Comercial Ltda. 
• Multiservicios Partes y Equipos L.T.D.A. 
• Silo TT S.A.S. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• Service networks. 
• Fiber optics for voice, data and video 
communications. 
• PICIZ System - Integral Software for Inventory 
Control in Free Trade Zones. 
• On-site operations center and customs. 
• SYGA - Customs Information Technology 
System. 
• Wide pedestrian and vehicle lanes. 
• Private 24-hour security, 365 days a year. 
• Logistical, customs and administrative 
support. 
• Multimodal Railway Terminal. 
• Electricity substation with 40 MVA capacity. 
• User qualification. 
• Consulting on the administrative and 
operative Free Trade Zone Regime. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Construction materials 
• Logistics and storage 
• Agro-industry 
• Biotechnology 
• Others 
Declared area: 201,366 m². 
Available area: 40,457 m². 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 21,014 m2 
Lot rental 16,366 m2 
Warehouse construction N/A 
Warehouses for sale 1,016 m2 
Warehouse rental 2,061 m2 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
N/A 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for rent N/A 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAEJE.COM 
COFFEE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
LA TEBAIDA, QUINDIO
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 73 
PACIFIC REGION 
Characteristics 
Population (2013, census 2005) 
Cauca 1,354,733 
Huila 1,126,316 
Valle del Cauca 4,520,480 
Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of 
Statistics). 
Inflation Rate by City 
City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* 
Popayan 1.98 2.44 3.63 1.95 0.85 2.82 
Neiva 2.82 2.69 5.41 2.42 1.57 3.57 
Cali 1.2 2.46 3.19 1.89 1.74 2.50 
National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 
*Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of statistics]). 
Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca. 
Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Huila. 
Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca.
74 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
GDP by Department: 
Department 
GDP 2012 
(US $ in millions) 
Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) 
Share 
% GDP 
Cauca 5,487 4,086 1.5% 
Huila 6,724 6,047 1.8% 
Valle del Cauca 34,320 7,670 9.3% 
Total GDP 370,098 229,094 
Source: DANE. Departmental Accounts. 
Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) 
Sector 
Total Proportion 
for Projects 
Agro-industry 14.3% 
Financial Services 12.2% 
Entertainment 8.2% 
Consumer Products 6.1% 
Beverages 6.1% 
BPO* 6.1% 
Metallurgical Industry 41% 
*Business Services. 
Source: FDI Markets. 
PACIFIC REGION 
Unemployment Rate by Department 
Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 
Cauca 10.6 10.7 11.3 11.4 11.3 
Huila 11.0 9.2 7.9 9.7 8.6 
Valle del Cauca 14.0 13.0 13.9 13.4 12.9 
National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 
Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department 
of statistics]).
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONAS FRANCAS 75 
Pacific Region 
Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Huila. 
• An economy known for its drive and 
diversity: the Pacific Region is one of the 
main economic and industrial hubs in the 
country, with participation in several sectors 
such as real estate, industry, business, trade, 
and financial services. 
• Business-friendly environment: Valle del 
Cauca hosts over 1,100 companies with 
foreign capital since the 1940s, including 
more than 80 transnational corporations. 
This strengthens the perception of a region 
suitable for investment and business. The 
investment promotion agencies Invest 
Pacific and Invest in Huila, promote the 
region as Colombia’s platform in the Pacific. 
• Geostrategic location: The region’s 
proximity to the port of Buenaventura, 
the main port in Colombia on the Pacific, 
positions the region in a strategic location. 
Additionally, the international airport at Cali 
offers 367 weekly local flights and 68 direct 
international flights, generating excellent air 
connectivity. 
STRENGTHS 
• Abundant young and qualified workforce: 
60% of the population in Valle del Cauca is 
younger than 35 years, and 65.3% is part of 
the workforce. Cali provides more than 200 
graduate programs, over 40 master degrees, 
and 12 doctorates. 
• Sound infrastructure and connectivity: 2 
technological parks, more than 40 industrial 
areas and parks, 4 domestic airports, 4,720 
miles of highways and dozens of world-class 
public and communications service providers 
in Valle del Cauca alone. 
• High quality of life: Cali has one of the lowest 
costs of living among other cities in the country, 
in addition to 20 bilingual schools, the MIO 
mass transportation system, nearly 20 clinics 
that include 2 of the top 45 in Latin America, 6 
country clubs, 4 golf courses, and the second 
gastronomical destination in Colombia.
76 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Agribusiness 
The region has optimal biophysical and 
environmental conditions (climate, agro-ecology, 
microclimates) due to the department’s productive 
and potential areas being located in a tropical 
zone. This allows for a yearlong production capable 
of supporting the market. 
• Fruits and vegetables: 
The region is number one in terms of income as it 
enjoys one of the most fertile soils in the continent. 
• Shrimp farming: 
Strategic location to exploit, process, and export 
towards countries in the Pacific Rim as well as the 
local market. 
• Cocoa, chocolate, and confectionery: 
Growing cacao is a tradition and part of the culture 
in Huila. 
• Automotive: 
More than 70 certified companies focused on 
providing services and manufacturing metal-mechanic 
and plastic parts and software. The 
largest battery manufacturer in the country, 
2 motorcycle assembly companies, and 3 
manufacturers of ultralight aircraft. 
• Cosmetics and toiletries: 
Regional science and technology plans include CTI 
and RD centers to support the industry: International 
Center for Tropical Agriculture – CIAT. 
• Construction materials: 
Valle del Cauca has a grey cement dispatch in the 
region with a capacity of over 879,000 tons. 
• Logistics operations and infrastructure: 
Infrastructure works that will improve the 
conditions in the city: Avenue widening and 
junctions, improvement of public spaces, and 
education campuses. 
• BPO (Outsourced Services): 
Abundant workforce and low cost of living; great 
potential to address domestic and foreign markets. 
• Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO): 
Strong public and private institutional support. 
• IT, ITO, and software development: 
Four of the largest Colombian IT companies are 
located here, as well as Parquesoft, the largest 
national network of software entrepreneurship. 
• Hotel and tourism infrastructure: 
The department of Huila enjoys an excellent 
geographical location, with National Natural 
Parks such as Nevado del Huila, Purace, Picachos, 
Sumapaz, and Cueva de los Guacharos, which 
complement the natural reserves in each 
municipality, the department, and the general 
population. 
Huila is a diverse and unique destination, with 
specific qualities such as having a Biosphere 
Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and the haven to 
a missing link from the Miocene, in addition to 
events already famous nationwide such as the 
National Folklore and National Bambuco Festival, 
the Neiva Cattle Fair, and the Pitalito Equine and 
Crafts Fair. 
• Oil and mining goods and services: 
Potential mining resources in phosphor rock, 
clays, and marbles (calcareous rocks) in the Huila 
Department. 
REGIONAL 
OPPORTUNITIES
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 77 
Invest in Huila is the agency for attracting and 
promoting investment in Huila, created at the end 
of 2012 by the Neiva Chamber of Commerce with 
support from the national company Ecopetrol. 
Its objective is to facilitate domestic and foreign 
investment in the region, focusing efforts on 
strategic sectors previously defined to strengthen 
Huila’s social and business networks and continue 
the competitiveness of the department. 
The agency currently promotes attracting 
investment in Huila Department, placing special 
emphasis on the Surcolombiana Free Trade Zone, 
promoting development in sectors such as: 
health, food, services, agro-industry and all those 
related to the department’s productive endeavors 
and those of its capital city that create new jobs, 
industrial development and research. 
The agency has also been able to promote 
consolidation of the Surcolombiana Free Trade 
Zone. Thanks to an excellent alliance with 
Proexport, the Investment Project Bank for Huila 
Department was created. It provides information 
about the region’s productive projects through 
the 23 Proexport offices in the world. 
Name: Oscar Eduardo Chavarro Arias 
Position: Director of the Center for Competitiveness, 
Innovation and Enterprise 
E-mail: oscar.chavarro@ccneiva.org 
Telephone: +57 8713666, ext. 152 
Name: Diego Felipe Rojas Ipuz 
Position: Coordinator, Invest In Huila 
E-mail: feliperojas@ccneiva.org 
Telephone: +57 8713666, ext. 182 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Development agency for 
southern Colombia 
San Agustin, Huila. 
INVEST IN HUILA 
NEIVA, HUILA 
Agency 
WWW.INVESTINHUILA.COM
78 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HUILA DEPARTMENT 
INVEST IN HUILA SERVICES 
• Fishing industry and related 
• Processing plants 
• Raw materials for cosmetics companies 
• Raw materials for extracts 
• Filleting plants 
• Qualified technical and professional human 
resources 
• Mining 
• High-quality laboratory 
• Grinding plant 
• Fertilizer plants 
• Raw materials, dolomite, marble, barite, phosphate, 
calcium carbonate, clay, sulfur 
• Qualified technical and professional human 
resources 
• Transportation companies 
• Heavy and specialized machinery 
• Tourism 
• Investment in hotels 
• Investment in travel agencies 
• Investment in water and extreme sports 
• Tourism industry training schools 
• Investment in tourism projects 
• Tourism infrastructure 
• Qualified technical and professional human 
resources 
• Agro-industry 
• Fruit dehydration plants 
• Pulping plants 
• Cocoa drying services 
• Chocolate plant 
• Confectionery plant 
• Raw materials, coffee and its related products, 
cocoa and its related products, passion fruit 
• Land for new agriculture 
• Services 
• BPO companies 
• Software companies 
• Investment in renewable energy 
• Health and environmental tourism 
• Qualified technical and professional human 
resources 
The agency assists with the investment 
process beginning with an initial analysis and 
market exploration to the consolidation of the 
business, providing assistance to the investor 
for the different phases of implementation of 
the investment: exploration, installation and 
operation. 
WWW.INVESTINHUILA.COM 
INVEST IN HUILA 
NEIVA, HUILA 
Agency
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 79 
INVEST PACIFIC 
CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA 
Agency 
Name: Maria Eugenia Lloreda 
Position: Executive Director 
E-mail: mlloreda@investpacific.org 
Telephone: +57 2 8937882 
Web: www.investpacific.org 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
A. Who we are 
Invest Pacific, an Investment Promotion Agency in Valle del Cauca, 
is a non-profit organization created by the public and private sectors 
in the region (Valle del Cauca Department, the Mayor’s Office of Cali, 
Chambers of Commerce, Free Trade Zones and more than 80 private 
companies), for the purpose of promoting the department to attract 
national and foreign investment. 
As a regional promotion agency, we provide services with strict 
confidentiality and at no cost for investors who are interested in our 
region, facilitating the investment process by organizing schedules, 
providing information and networking with potential partners, 
associates or local suppliers, and supporting entities and the public 
sector in general. We also assist investors who are already established, 
providing support in resolving issues hindering investments and 
helping with reinvestment decisions. 
As part of our work with companies established in the Valle del Cauca, 
Invest Pacific coordinates the Foreign Investment Committee. This 
committee meets once a month and all of the presidents representing 
the 80+ multinational companies in the region are invited. The 
Committee addresses the obstacles these companies encounter in 
relation to their operations and supports processes for reinvesting 
profits, thereby, improving the business climate in the region. 
B. Sectors 
The promotion office’s objective is to promote the investment 
opportunities offered by regional clusters identified by public and 
private sectors. Thus, the agency primarily focuses on the following 
sectors: 
• Clinical excellence: This sector primarily refers to the market 
of medical services characterized by high standards of quality 
in specialized processes conducted at clinics and also includes 
the pharmaceutical and medical services sector, research and 
development, and distribution and marketing channels, among 
others. 
• Well-being and personal care: Includes the cosmetics products 
sector and the other parts of its value chain. These include 
chemical and natural ingredients, “wellness” products (including 
natural products and vitamin supplements), companies producing 
cosmetics and personal toiletries, companies manufacturing 
specialized packaging, accessories and also marketers and 
centers for treatment, beauty, gyms and spas. 
• Macrosnacks: Includes the following end-demand segments: 
confectionery, dairy products, dried fruit, beverages, fresh 
fruit, bakery products, chocolate and fried snacks. In turn, 
these industries are supported by activities including milling, 
production of sweeteners, flavoring and oil, and a transverse 
industry for packaging, graphics and marketing that provide 
related services. 
• White protein: Includes companies dedicated to the poultry 
industry (chicken and egg) and the pork industry, as well as the 
companies which provide services and support for the sector, 
such as feed concentrate, vaccinations, veterinary products, 
butchering, packaging and labeling, industrial refrigeration and 
specialized logistics services. 
WWW.INVESTPACIFIC.ORG
80 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
WWW.INVESTPACIFIC.ORG 
• Bioenergy: Bioethanol production in Colombia and the Valle 
del Cauca is derived from sugarcane (top national producer) and 
therefore, energy cogeneration is based on its biomass. There 
is also an opportunity for energy development from renewable 
sources, including vegetable and animal biomass, forestry waste 
and garbage waste products. 
• Fresh fruit: The Valle del Cauca offers a rich diversity of soils, 
climate areas, agroecological conditions and water resources 
that are the determining factors for fresh fruit production. The 
region produces approx. 536,000 tons of fruit, making it the top 
producer of citrus fruit, bananas and papaya; the second top 
producer of pineapple in Colombia; and the most diverse fruit 
production region in the country. 
• ITO, BPO  KPO: Cali is a strategic market for establishing 
outsourcing services operations due to the presence of over 100 
multinational companies, a low market saturation, availability of 
highly qualified human resources and an excellent quality of life. 
Additionally, the top four IT companies in Colombia are located 
in Cali. 
• Logistics: The Valle del Cauca is Colombia’s primary export 
platform on the Pacific Ocean and is the most centrally-located 
region for simultaneously reaching the internal market. 
The region has a multimodal logistics platform that includes: 
Colombia’s primary port on the Pacific Ocean (Buenaventura), 
which handles close to 50% of the country’s Comex, 5 maritime 
terminals, 5 Free Trade Zones, over 40 industrial parks, a railway 
and 77 direct international flights each week. 
However, the agency continues to support new companies from 
multiple sectors who have seen that the Valle del Cauca offers 
an excellent platform for supplying the internal market and also 
exporting to countries along the Pacific American Basin. For this 
reason, in recent years, a significant number of manufacturing 
companies in the metallurgy, automotive and packaging sectors 
have arrived, among others. 
C. Why invest in the Valle del Cauca? 
Our region offers ideal strategic advantages for establishing service 
centers and/or production plants in order to meet the needs of the 
domestic market and nearby international markets: 
• Geostrategic location: An advantageous location provides 
access to the Colombian domestic market (close to 60% of 
the internal market) and all Latin American countries, primarily 
those countries in the Pacific Alliance, because it has the only 
commercial port on the Pacific in Colombia. 
• World-class business network: The Valle del Cauca hosts 66 
of the 500 largest companies in the country. Furthermore, over 
100 multinational companies produce and export in the region: 
Colgate Palmolive, Nestlé, APTAR, Transcom, Hero Motors, 
Baxter, Reckitt Benckiser, Johnson  Johnson, Goodyear and 
Basf, among others. 
• Qualified human resources: Over 24,000 graduates each year 
and more than 40 higher education institutions, with nearly 700 
graduate training programs from technical degrees to doctorate 
degrees. The capital, Cali, has 12 internationally-recognized 
universities and the region hosts 20 renowned research and 
development centers. 
• Competitive costs: The Valle del Cauca is the third-ranked 
region in South America with the best cost-benefit relationship 
according to the Financial Times, and also offers natural 
advantages in logistical costs; real estate prices are among the 
most competitive in Latin America. 
• Infrastructure and connectivity: The region offers a Pacific port, 
Buenaventura, which handles over 14 million tons annually and 
is the closest port to the Panama Canal on the South American 
Coast; a railway concession operated by the second largest 
commodities operator in the world; an international airport with 
the least number of closed hours in the country; the second 
largest intermunicipal transportation terminal in Colombia; the 
mass urban transportation system with the largest coverage; 
six permanent Free Trade Zones; an underwater data cable and 
world-class telecommunications services providers. 
• Quality of life: Cali, salsa capital of the world and sports capital 
of the Americas, is the second-ranked gastronomy destination 
in Colombia. It offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its 
average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F), a mass 
transit system that covers 97% of the city, dozens of shopping 
areas, 2 of the top 45 clinics in Latin America, 10 museums, 6 
country clubs and 4 golf courses, among others. 
D. Recent success stories 
Fogel (2007), LG (2008), Biosalc (2009), Biostevia (2009), 
Confiteca (Confitecol - 2009), DirecTV (Telecenter Panamericana 
- 2009), Sab Miller (2009), Telemark (2009), Unilever (2009), 
Atos (2010), Olmué (2010), Group TCB (TCBUEN - 2011), 
MACJohnson Controls (2011), Sweet Sole - World Confections 
(2011), Avanza (2012), Gerdau (2012), CitiExpress (2013pr), 
Garaventa Lift (2013), Marriott (2013pr), NS Consultants (2013), 
Ortobras (2013), Zonamerica (2013), Transcom (2013) Aptar (2014), 
Furukawa (2014), ICTSI (Aguadulce – 2014), Hero Motors (2014). 
INVEST PACIFIC 
CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA 
Agency
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 81 
CAUCA FREE TRADE ZONE 
CAUCA DEPARTMENT 
Name: Eduard Hernan Mina Carabali 
Position: Director of Competitiveness 
Sustainability and Shared Value 
E-mail: director@zfcauca.com 
Telephone: +57 2 8259487 /+57 321 844 7434 
Name: Alexander Quintero Escobar 
Position: Commercial Coordinator 
E-mail: comercial@zfcauca.com 
Telephone: +57 2 8259487 / +57 321 490 3885 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Characteristics and advantages of the Free 
Trade Zone: The Cauca Free Trade Zone was 
established in accordance with the highest 
international standards, which allows industries 
of low, medium and high environmental impact 
to operate under the best conditions in a high-potential 
sector, facilitating logistics and offering 
the best location. 
Cauca. 
Benefits of being located within the Cauca Free 
Trade Zone: 
• Reduced initial investment and operating 
costs. 
• Reasonable electricity costs with economy of 
scale for the entire park. 
• Reduced water, sewage and gas costs. 
• Reduced security costs. 
• Option for 24-hour operation without outages 
or interruptions. 
• Opportunities to compete on an international 
level. 
• Improved quality of life for your employees. 
WWW.ZFCAUCA.COM 
Creando valor para el desarrollo regional
82 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SECTORS 
• Metallurgical 
• Food and beverages 
• Toiletries and cosmetics 
• Construction 
• Manufacturing 
• Chemicals 
• Auto parts 
Declared area: 1,313,588.4 m². 
Available area: 263,467 m². 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 204,706 
Lot rental 68,147 
Warehouse construction 2,400 
Warehouses for sale 10,700 
Warehouse rental 10,700 
Covered storage yard rental N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
10,000 
Offices for sale 0 
Offices for rent 192 
Others N/A 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
SERVICES 
• The Cauca Free Trade Zone offers the Piciz 
Web inventory program, which is able to route 
foreign trade operations and can be accessed 
anywhere in the world over the Internet. It 
also features developments in interfaces with 
company programs, which prevents double 
entry and improves processing times. Along 
with being a web-environment program, it 
processes operations with digital documents, 
working to create a cleaner and healthier 
environment (it does not use paper). 
• The Cauca Free Trade Zone has a National 
Directorate of Taxes and Customs office 
(DIAN) to facilitate customs processing 
operations and also operations that facilitate 
reaching foreign markets with flexible and 
simplified procedures. 
It also offers: 
• Continuous security with 24-hour perimeter 
monitoring. 
• Regional free trade police service. 
• Emergency care clinic with medical, dental 
and nursing care. 
• On-site paramedic service site. 
• In-house office for Comfacauca 
Compensation Fund. 
• Natural gas network. 
• Truck yard. 
• Cafeteria and restaurant. 
• Scale service. 
WWW.ZFCAUCA.COM 
CAUCA FREE TRADE ZONE 
CAUCA DEPARTMENT
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 83 
CELPA-PERMANENT 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
BUENAVENTURA, VALLE DEL CAUCA 
Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. 
Name: Julian A. Quiceno Carmona 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: jquiceno@celpa.com.co 
Web: http://www.celpa.com.co 
Telephone: +57 3148888717 - +57 3113786000 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Centro Logistico del Pacífico–CELPA S.A. is 
a Permanent Free Trade Zone approved by 
Resolution No. 2634 of March 2, 2011, by the 
National Directorate of Taxes and Customs 
(DIAN); designed as a pre and post port for 
Colombian international trade services in 
Buenaventura, which is located very close to 
the Panama Canal and connects to over 81 ports 
worldwide. 
In Colombia, Buenaventura is part of the Valle del 
Cauca Department, which has one of the top road 
infrastructure systems in the country and its port 
is located closest to primary development areas, 
allowing Centro Logístico del Pacífico CELPA S.A. 
to be the logistics platform with the top strategic 
location in the country. 
The CELPA S.A. Permanent Free Trade Zone 
is located just 15 minutes from the Sociedad 
Portuaria de Buenaventura (Port Company 
of Buenaventura) and 10 minutes from the 
Buenaventura Container Terminal, which handles 
over 60% of Colombia’s foreign trade, and it is 
designed to be a platform supporting activities in 
industrial, commercial and service sectors. 
Centro Logístico del Pacífico CELPA S.A. 
contributes to the development of the region 
by generating employment, investing in 
infrastructure and protecting the Pacific’s natural 
resources. 
WWW.CELPA.COM.CO
84 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SERVICES 
• Infrastructure and public services that 
facilitate business project development 
(water, electricity, telephone and internet). 
• A modern and flexible inventory control 
system that allows an FMM to be created 
very quickly, minimizing errors in diligence 
processes by users and in approval processes 
by the User Operator. 
• Services inherent to the actual operations 
of entry and exit of goods, including special 
schedules to meet the operational needs of 
our users at the times they need them and In- 
House service, among others. 
• A permanent DIAN official to respond to the 
day-to-day requirements of users’ operations. 
• Scale services for weighing operations if 
required by our users. 
• Training on the structure of the Free Trade 
Zone and the inventory control system. 
• Closed circuit television and security camera 
system for the protection of Free Trade Zone 
users and visitors. 
• 350 parking spaces for visitors. 
• Financial institutions and other supporting 
entities. 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Warehouse rental From 1,645.9 m2 
Lots for sale From 2,375 m2 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
• Decorceramica 
• Blu Logistics 
• Best Luck 
• Codifer 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
• Logistics and storage 
• Construction 
• Manufacturing 
• Automotive 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Agro-industry 
• Apparel 
• Biotechnology 
• Commercial 
Declared area: 348,300 m2. 
Available area : 254,530 m2. 
SECTORS 
WWW.CELPA.COM.CO 
CELPA-PERMANENT 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
BUENAVENTURA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 85 
PACIFIC FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADELPACIFICO.COM 
Name: Bertha Cecilia Rojas 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: ggeneral@zonafrancadelpacifico.com 
Telephone: +57 2 2800222 
Name: Nathalia Haddad 
Position: Commercial 
E-mail: comercial@zonafrancadelpacifico.com 
Telephone: +57 318 686 5185 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
Palmira, Valle del Cauca. 
• Modern private international center with a high-quality 
industrial and logistical platform. 
• Strategically located in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, just 
140 km from the Port of Buenaventura, 20 minutes 
from Cali, 5 minutes from Yumbo, and 5 minutes from 
the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, in the 
midst of the best roadway network in the country. 
• Leading user operator in Colombia with over 19 years 
of experience. 
• Real estate solutions, custom-made for each client. 
• ISO 9001:2008 certification and the first Free Trade 
Zone in the world with ISO 28000:2007 certification. 
• World-class infrastructure. 
• Aqueduct, electricity and sewage services with very 
competitive rates. 
• Natural gas supply source. 
• Wastewater treatment plant, potable water treatment 
plant and rainwater retention lake. 
• The safest Free Trade Zone in Colombia, with 3.2 km 
of perimeter barriers, 6 m in height and 20 m wide, on 
average. 
• All telecommunications and data transmission service 
providers. 
• Fiber optics installed at the park. 
• Modern communications plant.
86 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Termovalle S.C.A.E.S.P. 
• PGI Colombia Ltda. 
• Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S. 
• Merquimia Internacional S.A.S. 
• Sweet Sol Sucursal Colombia 
• Triada Ema S.A. 
• Oil Chemical Ltda. 
• Aptar 
• Furukawa 
• Licores de America 
• Opercomex Ltda. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• Training and conference rooms for 200 people. 
• Banking services. 
• Restaurant. 
• Emergency personnel, ambulance and fire truck, 24 
hours a day. 
• Permanent DIAN customs officials. 
• Dedicated, highly-qualified team with extensive 
experience in Free Trade Zone operations. 
• Comprehensive permanent security system with 
closed circuit television, electronic monitoring of 
entrances, double perimeter fence with movement 
sensors, motorized patrol on internal roads and 
permanent immediate-reaction security cable 24 
hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Extensive experience with the Free Trade Regime. 
• Assistance in developing your project. 
• User qualification. 
• User license for Pacífico Software. 
• Training for users. 
• Extended hours. 
• In-house, web-based inventory control software that 
can be accessed from anywhere in the world (Pacífico 
Software). 
• Integral natural gas network. 
SECTORS 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Agro-industry 
• Apparel 
• Logistics and storage 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction materials 
• Plastics 
• Food 
• Telecommunications 
• Textiles 
• Others 
Declared area: 556,000 m2. 
Available area: 89,500 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale 89,500 
Lots for lease 89,500 
Warehouse construction 67,000 
Warehouses for sale 81,300 
Warehouses for lease 81,300 
Covered storage yard 
rental 
N/A 
Uncovered storage yard 89,500 
Offices for sale 1,071 
Offices for lease 1,071 
WWW.ZONAFRANCADELPACIFICO.COM 
PACIFIC FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 87 
PALMASECA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA 
Name: Luz Elena Gonzalez P. 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: legonzalez@zfpalmaseca.com 
Telephone: +57 2 6511120 
Name: Juan Sebastian Zuñiga P. 
Position: Business Analyst 
E-mail: jszuniga@zfpalmaseca.com 
Telephone: +57 2 6511117 / +57 313 5908904 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
The Industrial Park of the Palmaseca Free Trade Zone is 
located in the Valle del Cauca Department, one of the most 
prosperous regions in Colombia that provides 11% of the 
national GDP. 
Strategic location 
• Just 140 km from the Buenaventura Port, Colombia’s 
largest port and the port of access to the Pacific 
Basin, which represents 86% of the global GDP. 
• The only Free Trade Zone in the country that adjoins 
an international airport (Alfonso Bonilla Aragon). Third 
largest cargo and passenger airport in the country. 
• Just 20 minutes from Cali, the capital of Valle del 
Cauca, and from Yumbo, Colombia’s industrial capital. 
Leading user operator in the southwestern region 
• Providing services to over 60 companies in the 
industrial sector, which enjoy the significant tax and 
customs incentives offered by the Free Trade Zone 
regime. Some advantages that make it the best choice 
for your business project are: 
• Experience and track record: The first Free Trade Zone 
in the region and second in the country, with over 20 
years of continuous operation. 
• Human resources: Specialists with vast experience in 
the sector. 
• A leader in the region, handling 63% of the total value 
of foreign trade operations and third nationally. 
• Integrated management system. 
• Security: Closed circuit television and 24/7 security 
system. 
• Permanent DIAN offices. 
• Developers of the industrial park infrastructure, 
which allows us to made adaptations according to 
client needs. 
• Technology: AMIGO, the first web-environment 
application developed in Colombia for Free Trade 
Zones and Datacenter for information security. 
Palmira, Valle del Cauca. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALMASECA.COM WWW.PALMASECAFREEZONE.COM
88 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Acelflex S.A.S. 
• Almaviva Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Amcor Holdings Australia PTY Ltda. 
• C.A.A. Zona Franca S.A.S. 
• Garaventa Lift Colombia S.A.S. 
• Metrokia S.A. 
• Ortobras Logistica Internacional S.A.S. 
• Plastic Films International S.A. 
• Sistemas Logisticos Industriales S.A.S. 
• Ssangyong Motor Colombia S.A. 
EXISTING COMPANIES 
SERVICES 
• Aqueduct and sewage. 
• Electricity (internal 5 MVA substation). 
• Telecommunications (voice and data). 
• Potable and wastewater treatment plant. 
• Scale service. 
• Bank. 
• Restaurant. 
• Fire station. 
• Free Trade Zone user operator. 
• End of temporary importation regimes. 
• Outsourcing Transitional Free Trade Zones. 
• Free Trade Zone regime training. 
SECTORS 
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing 
• Apparel 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals 
• Logistics and storage 
• Agro-industry 
• Others 
Declared area: 553,000 m2. 
Available area*: 250,000 m2. 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for lease N/A 
Lots for sale 0 
Warehouse construction 250,000* 
Warehouses for sale N/A 
Warehouses for lease 2,000 
Covered storage yard rental 0 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental 
0 
Offices for sale N/A 
Offices for lease 300 
Other N/A 
*Total uncovered area leased, intended for future development. 
WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALMASECA.COM WWW.PALMASECAFREEZONE.COM 
PALMASECA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. 
PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 89 
WWW.ZFSURCOLOMBIANA.COM 
Name: Olga Lucia Monje Alvarez 
Position: General Manager 
E-mail: gerencia@zfsurcolombiana.com 
Telephone: +57 316 470 8625 
Name: Leidy Lorena Trujillo Chavarro 
Position: Commercial 
E-mail: asistente@zfsurcolombiana.com 
Telephone: +57 3118302673 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
CONNECTIVITY ROUTES WITH HUILA 
Two-lane Espinal - Pitalito. 
Transversal de la Macarena: Neiva, Colombia - La Uribe, San 
Juan de Arama, Meta (122 km). Communication with Meta 
and Venezuela. 
Paletara Corridor: San Jose de Isnos, Huila - Coconuco, 
Cauca (125 km). Communication with Popayan and 
Buenaventura. 
Transversal del Libertador: La Plata–Inza-Totoro-Popayan 
(110 km). Connectivity with the Pacific Ocean and 
Buenaventura Port. Southern Corridor: San Miguel–Santa 
Ana, Putumayo (180 km). Communication with Ecuador. 
AIRPORTS 
El Huila has a domestic airport located in Neiva, with 18 
flights daily and an airport in Pitalito with two flights. 
El Huila is a region highly dedicated to the agro-industrial 
sector that generates significant volumes of coffee farming 
(top domestic product), orchards (largest producer of 
passion fruit), fisheries (top producer of tilapia), rice (agro-industry 
with top technological level) and cocoa (top 
quality), among others. It also has the largest deposits of 
phosphoric rock, marble and other minerals. Third largest oil 
producing region in Colombia. The region has an abundant 
and qualified workforce, with technicians and professionals 
in various knowledge sectors. 
Palermo, Huila. 
DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES 
The Surcolombiana Free Trade Zone is the top business 
center in southern Colombia. Strategically located just 
4.5 kilometers from the city of Neiva, on the route to the 
municipality of Palermo, along the road of the future two-lane 
Espinal-Pitalito. 
Net developable area of 51.9 ha, with over 84,000 m2 of 
roads, 145,056 m2 of green areas, 22,194 m2 of shared areas 
and 8,115 of service zones. 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
SURCOLOMBIANA S.A.S. U.O. 
MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, NEIVA, HUILA
90 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
SECTORS 
• Agro-industrial: Opportunities in processes of 
transformation and commercialization of special 
coffees, production of balanced animal feed, cocoa 
collectors and exporters, juice production, dehydrated 
fruit, fruit concentrates and products derived from 
fruit. 
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: Cocoa-based 
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry. 
• Construction materials. 
• Biotechnology. 
• Apparel. 
• Logistics and storage. 
• Manufacturing. 
• Fishing sector: Opportunities in tilapia production, 
transformation and commercialization processes. 
• Mining: Products derived from phosphate and marble 
mining. 
• Oil services: Companies providing services to 
hydrocarbon companies. 
• TIC-BPO: Back Office in Customer Care sectors. 
• ESO (Engineering Services Outsourcing), FAO (Finance 
and Accounting Outsourcing), HRO (Human Resource 
Outsourcing), software development. 
• Automotive. 
Declared area: 519,789.46 m2. 
Available area: 269,380.58 m2. 
SERVICES 
• Electricity substation. 
• Underground telecommunications network. 
• Potable water treatment plant, wastewater network. 
• Fire prevention network. 
• Natural gas network. 
• 24-hour comprehensive electronic security systems. 
• Scales. 
• Forklifts. 
• Parking areas. 
• Conference rooms. 
• Training room. 
• User operator services. 
• Administration of Free Trade Regime. 
• Administration, monitoring and control of foreign trade 
operations. 
• Guaranteed utilities. 
• Assistance in the process of installing, starting and 
operating your project. 
• Training on foreign trade and the Free Trade Regime. 
Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) 
Lots for sale From 627 m2 
Lot rental From 627 m2 
Covered storage yard 
rental Storage yards from 627 m2 
Uncovered storage yard 
rental Storage yards from 627 m2 
Sites for sale From 37 m2 
Warehouse construction As required 
Warehouses for sale As required 
Warehouse rental As required 
Offices for sale As required 
Offices for rent As required 
REAL ESTATE OFFERED 
WWW.ZFSURCOLOMBIANA.COM 
FREE TRADE ZONE 
SURCOLOMBIANA S.A.S. U.O. 
MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, NEIVA, HUILA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 91 
SECTORS 
AGRIBUSINESS 
LOGISTICS 
AUTOMOTIVE 
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS 
METALWORKING 
BPO, SOFTWARE  IT SERVICES 
COSMETICS AND 
TOILETRIES 
HOTEL AND TOURIST INDUSTRY 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
HEALTH CARE
92 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
• Install hydrothermal treatment plants to facilitate 
sanitary access to fruits like papaya, pitahaya, and 
mango, among others, as well as the construction of 
collection centers for Colombian fruit to be duly selected, 
prepared, and exported. The presence of Caribbean and 
Pacific ports offers easy access to international markets 
for taking advantage of 13 free trade treaties (Ministry of 
Commerce, Industry and Tourism, 2014). 
AGRIBUSINESS 
• More than half of the land that is productive ready 
for agricultural activity is located in just 7 tropical 
countries: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, 
Congo, and Sudan. FAO, 2010. 
• Colombia is the second largest country in Latin America 
with the highest annual precipitation rates and ranked 
18th in the world. FAO, 2010. 
• Generator 6,1% of the domestic GDP and 8% of the 
exports. DANE, 2013. 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
• Undertake strategic alliances with current biodiesel 
production plants, with sights set on improving the 
current yields of 386,953 liters a day (the highest in 
the country). (Federación Nacional de Biocombustibles 
de Colombia, [National Federation of Colombian 
Biofuels], 2013). 
• Support existing projects and any development 
required for a strategic partner for entering into the 
production stage. Additionally, there are new projects 
to be developed that need capital investments for the 
initiation of the production stage. 
• Develop research projects (Greenfield) for the 
development of second-generation biofuels from local 
partners with experience in the sector. This class of 
biofuels will be the future of the industry, thanks to 
the potential and benefits linked to its production and 
consumption. 
BIOFUELS 
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTOR 
• Construct bio-refineries, biomass transformation 
plants, develop trans-esterification complexes that 
transform palm oil into biodiesel. Colombia is capable 
of covering an annual production of close to a million 
tons. Ministry of Agriculture. 
Atlantico 
Cordoba 
Antioquia Santander 
Risaralda 
Boyaca 
Tolima 
Cauca 
Meta 
Valle 
del 
Cauca 
Quindio 
Caldas 
Norte 
de Santander
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 93 
• Construction of factories for the initial transformation 
of cocoa into products such as cocoa butter and cocoa 
liquor. Colombia can cover an annual production close 
to 100,000 tons of cocoa. Ministry of Agriculture. 
• Make productive alliances for the reactivation of 
cultivation and infrastructure in disuse for shrimp 
farming in the coastal waters of the Caribbean and 
Pacific, which have previously been proven to be 
productive and profitable. 
• Establish strategic alliances with local fish farmers who 
need to increase production and make investments to 
improve yields from fish farming. 
• Install processing plants with the aim of covering 
domestic demand and generating surpluses destined 
for exportation, both as fresh and processed products. 
COCOA, CHOCOLATE MAKING, AND THE CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY 
AQUACULTURE 
• Establish plants with Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) 
product lines, with the aim of accessing third party 
countries with whom there are trade agreements that 
can be taken advantage of for this kind of product. 
• Construct production plants for processed foods 
like pulp, marmalade, sauces, and other products 
derived from fruit and vegetables, with the aim of 
commercializing their production in the domestic 
market and exploring markets for exportation. 
• Develop strategic alliances with local owners and 
producers in the fruit and vegetable sector to take 
advantage of more than seven (7.0) million hectares 
in the country that are suitable for fruit and vegetable 
production. (Asociacion Hortifruticola de Colombia, 
[Vegetable and Fruit Growers’ Association of Colombia]). 
• Develop productive alliances with small cocoa 
producers to link them into the joint development 
of medium and long term projects where there is a 
commitment to supply the raw material.
94 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
BPO, SOFTWARE 
 IT SERVICES 
Antioquia 
Caldas 
Risaralda 
Valle del Cauca 
Cundinamarca 
Santander 
Atlantico 
• The Industry grew 18% between 2012 and 2013. 
Colombian Association of Contact Centers, 2014. 
• More than 246,000 jobs generated by the industry. 
Portfolio Economic Journal, 2014. 
• The country has the second fastest growing labor 
force in the region. IMD, 2014. 
• Major companies and multinationals such as 
Convergys, Genpact, IBM, Hewlett Packard, 
and Teleperformance established Shared Service 
Centers and Data Centers in the country. 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
• Install specialized BPO voice centers for Telemarketing, 
Collections, Sales, and Customer Service that allow 
for greater opportunities for entering formal work, 
especially with a large technical and technological 
workforce composed of more than 495,000 graduates 
(Ministry of Education, 2014). 
• Install Outsourcing centers for Engineering Services, 
Telemedicine, Research and Development, Graphic 
Design, and Business Analytics, since they are the 
highest value-added services demanded by different 
verticals in Colombia and for which there is a workforce 
of more than 650,000 professionals in the areas of 
Management, Engineering, Design, and Medicine 
(Ministry of Education, 2014). 
• Install and operate BPO/Back office centers for sectors 
such as health care, retail, finance and insurance, 
telecommunications, oil and gas, infrastructure, and 
transportation, among others.
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 95 
• International freight market up to 165 million tons 
(seaports only). 
• Local air freight market of more than 900 
thousands tons 
• 75% of the largest distribution companies in the 
world have access to Colombian service ports 
either for imports and/or exports. 
• 5 cities and their surrounding areas account 
for over 80% of foreign trade in terms of 
volume and value, but have one of the greatest 
LOGISTICS 
distances between manufacturing locations and 
consumption centers. 
• Coal and fuels account for 75% of foreign trade 
volume. Excluding them, 81% of the trade value is 
mobilized in containers, the rest is done through 
dry bulk freight. 
• In 2013, the freight exports grew 2.1% (total 
exported in 2013: 132 million tons of freight), 
while imports have grown 5% ((total imported in 
2013: 30 million tons of freight). 
• Low freight costs to transport merchandise to 
North America, South America, and Central 
America compared to others found in the region. 
• Approximately 1,000 airfreight frequencies. 
• Between 40% and 50% increase is expected in 
freight activity as a result of the recently signed 
Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and 
Colombia. 
• Thanks to its trade agreements, Colombia has 
preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers. 
• With Colombia’s privileged position facing the 
Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean and serving as the 
gateway to South America, your company will 
be able to have a direct link to the major ports, 
production and distribution hubs in the world. 
• Creation of logistics platforms (transfer 
platforms). 
• Creation of dry ports. 
• Creating an infrastructure that includes 
numerous ways of transport. 
• Improved frozen food chain (frozen food division, 
dry and frozen, increased capacity of containers). 
• Implementation of information systems that 
allows you to monitor stock load and unload in 
real time (in selected ports). 
• Thanks to its trade agreements, Colombia has 
preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers. 
ADVANTAGES OPPORTUNITIES
96 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
AUTOMOTIVE 
Risaralda 
Cundinamarca 
Valle del Cauca 
Atlantico 
Antioquia 
• Colombia is the fourth largest vehicle-assembly nation in 
Latin America employing 2.6% of the total professionals 
working in the manufacturing industry. ANDI, 2012. 
• The country has a fleet of about 3,5 million vehicle 
units, of which around 57% are imported. 
• In 2013, vehicle sales in Colombia recorded record 
figures surpassing 324,000 units sold. 
• Colombia hosts world-class assembly factories such as: 
Renault, General Motors, Mazda, Toyota-Hino, and Buscarr. 
• Manufacturing or assembling passenger vehicles, 
given the motorization index in Colombia, which is 
below average for medium to low income countries 
like Colombia. The motorization index is 52 people 
per vehicle, far below the Latin American average of 
96. Reductions in interest rates, growth in disposable 
income, and the availability of lines of credit via the 
financial system in the country are contributing 
to growth in domestic vehicle sales. The apparent 
consumption of vehicles in the country has been 
maintained above 300,000 units annually. It is 
expected that by 2020 the number of vehicles in 
Colombia will double, achieving sales of 380,000 units 
per year on average. (BBVA Research, 2013). 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
• Manufacture auto parts for the domestic market, as 
well as electrical components, and other engine parts. 
Purchases of domestic parts by car manufacturers has 
grown continuously since 2009. Sales are around US 
$600 million per year. 
ASSEMBLY 
AUTO PARTS
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 97 
• Fastest growing sector during 2013, with an increase 
of 9.8%. 
• In 2013, the GDP in civil projects increased by 12.7% 
and 11.4% in builings. DANE 2013. 
• In 2013, home sales increased 11.7%. Camacol, 2014. 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
CONSTRUCTION 
MATERIALS 
• Create cement, lime, or plaster products, the demand 
for which has grown in Colombia due to growth in the 
construction of civil works and buildings. Imports of these 
kinds of products are around US $200 million per year. 
• Manufacture clay and non-refractory ceramic products 
for structural use. In Colombia, there is a deficit in 
the domestic production of these kinds of products 
of more than US $80 million, which is reflected by a 
considerable amount of imports (approximately US 
$180 million a year). 
• Deepening the process of urbanization where the 
number of homes showed a sustained growth in addition 
to an increased income per capita demonstrating a gap 
between home construction and household growth. 
• Major multinational companies have established 
operations in the country such as Prebuild, Lafarge, 
Holcim and Saint Gobain.
98 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
COSMETICS 
AND TOILETRIES 
• Colombia is the fifth largest market for cosmetics and 
toiletries in Latin America. Euromonitor International, 
2014. 
• Since 2000 the productive activity in the sector has 
had an average annual growth rate of 9.9%. Chamber 
of Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry. 
• Industry sales are expected to have an annual 
compounded growth of 7,4% between the 2013-2018 
periods. Euromonitor International, 2014. 
• Major multinational companies have established 
operations in the country such as Kimberly-Clark, 
Belcorp, Yanbal, Henkel, Procter  Gamble, Avon and 
Unilever. 
• Establish logistics centers for supplying the growing 
Latin American market, which by 2015 is estimated to 
represent 17.5% of the global market for cosmetics and 
toiletries, and which should grow at an average annual 
rate of 6.2%, overtaking the estimated growth of this 
sector worldwide (5.2%). 
• Establish research centers for the development of 
natural ingredients, taking advantage of tax incentives 
established by the National Government for innovative 
research and development projects and Colombia’s 
biological diversity and extensive range of flora. 
• Construct production centers for supplying the growing 
domestic market. It is estimated that by 2018 Colombia 
will establish itself within the 5 countries with the 
most significant regional market share, overtaking 
countries like Chile and Peru, and with a market that 
will grow at an average annual rate of 7.4%. 
LOGISTIC HUBS 
OUTPUT 
I + D + I 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
Antioquia 
Magdalena 
Valle del Cauca 
Cundinamarca and Bogota
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 99 
• In 2013 steel production reached 1.3 million tons. 
ANDI, 2103. 
• In 2014, the estimated consumption in Colombia was 
3.4 million tons, representing an opportunity for the 
sector. In 2011, steel production reached 1.78 million 
tons. ANDI, 2013. 
• Major multinational companies have established 
operations in the country such as Gerdau and Techint. 
• Production of Industrial Machinery. In particular, 
machinery for agriculture, mining, and construction, 
and machinery for transmitting electricity. The 
production of special use machinery in Colombia is 
insufficient given the needs of the Colombian market. 
Domestic production has the capacity to satisfy only 
17.7% of domestic consumption, and therefore imports 
account for 87% of domestic demand. 
METALWORKING 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA 
• The manufacturing of electronic components 
such as electrical equipment and communication 
and electricity cables. The demand for electrical 
components in Colombia is growing by an average 
rate of 10.7% annually, widening the gap with respect 
to domestic production, which would only be able to 
satisfy 59% of the demand. 
Bolívar 
Caldas 
Risaralda 
Tolima 
Boyaca 
Magdalena 
Atlantico
100 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 
HOTEL AND 
TOURIST INDUSTRY 
INFRASTRUCTURE 
San Andres 
Bolivar 
Antioquia 
Choco 
Cordoba 
Santander 
Boyaca 
Guajira 
Magdalena 
Vichada 
Valle del Cauca 
Bogota 
Amazonas 
Atlantico 
Coffee Cultural 
Landscape 
Altillanura 
• Develop limited and full service hotel projects that 
would be benefited by companies located in unclaimed 
territory, thus benefiting from the potential market and 
from the tax and customs benefits of the tax regime. 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY 101 
HEALTH CARE 
• Implement hospital projects for providing medical 
services via the use of technology aimed at strengthening 
the offering of medical procedures abroad, whose flow 
of international tourists is growing, given that Colombia 
has highly competitive costs of operation (in Colombia 
medical procedures cost between 10% and 35% of the 
prices found in developed countries). The Colombian 
health care system is ranked as the best in Latin America 
and 22nd in the world. Additionally, 6.6% of its GDP is 
dedicated to health care. 
• Three investment niches have been identified: Clinics 
and General Hospitals, Specialized Clinics, and Clinical 
Laboratories, based upon the fact that Colombia has a 
history of innovation and achievements that give the 
country and its doctors the international recognition 
they currently have (quality and availability of human 
resources ready and available for the sector). 
OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
Canada 
Toronto 
Montreal 
Vancouver 
United States 
Miami 
Washington D.C. 
Nueva York 
Atlanta 
Texas 
Los Angeles 
Chicago 
Mexico 
Ciudad de Mexico 
Guatemala 
Costa Rica 
Ecuador 
Peru 
Chile 
Argentina 
Brazil 
Venezuela 
toronto@proexport.com.co 
montreal@proexport.com.co 
vancouver@proexport.com.co 
miami@proexport.com.co 
washington@proexport.com.co 
newyork@proexport.com.co 
atlanta@proexport.com.co 
texas@proexport.com.co 
losangeles@proexport.com.co 
chicago@proexport.com.co 
mexico@proexport.com.co 
guatemala@proexport.com.co 
sanjosecr@proexport.com.co 
quito@proexport.com.co 
lima@proexport.com.co 
santiago@proexport.com.co 
buenosaires@proexport.com.co 
saopaulo@proexport.com.co 
caracas@proexport.com.co 
Panama 
Caribbean 
Puerto Rico 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Dominican Republic 
Germany 
United Kingdom 
France 
Portugal 
Spain 
Turkey 
Russia 
United Arab Emirates 
India 
China 
Beijing 
Shanghai 
South Korea 
Japan 
Indonesia 
Colombia 
panama@proexport.com.co 
caribbean@proexport.com.co 
puertorico@proexport.com.co 
trinidadtobago@proexport.com.co 
repdominicana@proexport.com.co 
frankfurt@proexport.com.co 
london@proexport.com.co 
paris@proexport.com.co 
lisboa@proexport.com.co 
madrid@proexport.com.co 
istanbul@proexport.com.co 
moscow@proexport.com.co 
abudhabi@proexport.com.co 
newdelhi@proexport.com.co 
beijing@proexport.com.co 
shanghai@proexport.com.co 
seoul@proexport.com.co 
tokyo@proexport.com.co 
jakarta@proexport.com.co 
info@proexport.com.co 
Libert y Orden
FREE TRADE 
ZONES 
DIRECTORY 
Libert yOrden

Free trade zones directory

  • 1.
    FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY Libert yOrden
  • 3.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 3 MINISTER’S LETTER FOR THE 2014 FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY A letter from the Minister of Comerce, Industry and Tourism In Colombia, Free Trade Zones have become the first-line of development to face the challenges of the XXI century. They have been effective in attracting investment and generating employment, while being important centers for regional progress. With 56 years in existence, they have evolved, with a special transformation in 1991, when the Minister of Foreign Trade at that time and current President of the Republic, Juan Manuel Santos, signed the formation of the Private Free Trade Zones which led to the development of new areas for industry, commerce and services with special custom and tax regulations in Bogota, Rionegro, Palmira, Cartagena and La Tebaida. With the rise of the national economy, Free Trade Zones grew rapidly throughout the Colombian territory as logistics and business development centers. This is reflected in the 99 that have been approved under the current tax and customs system. We currently have the largest number of industrial parks in Latin America. Free Trade Zone projects are being developed in almost all regions of Colombia in order to improve trade logistics and directly reach markets benefiting from the free trade system, thus, obtaining a greater competitive advantage. A boom that has forced builders to wage on these business centers as new focus for investment and industry growth. It has boosted employment by creating 13,749 direct and over 97,984 indirect positions. We strongly believe that this figure will continue to grow, from the investment in infrastructure and the expansion of the Free Trade Zones for services classified as “employment generators.” Free Trade Zones are a business model that have undoubtedly transformed the industrial sector through incentives and benefits such as the flat income tax rate of 15%, the exemption in customs duties and the facilitation of importing and exporting, all key factors to meet the needs of today’s market that is constantly changing when implementing free trade agreements and thus, the interests of different sectors to improve logistics and have a presence in other countries in order to take advantage of tariff preferences. Thanks to these incentives, the country’s strategic location, its excellent connectivity to the Americas, Europe and Asia and the possibility of attracting companies to use Colombia as a platform for the distribution of their products internationally, the activity of industrial parks is a pillar of competitive development of our regions and an excellent opportunity on the road to the nation’s prosperity. CECILIA ALVAREZ-CORREA Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
  • 4.
    4 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF PROEXPORT COLOMBIA Colombia is projected as one of the most promising destinations for business in the last decade. The Government adopted policies that generated dynamics in its domestic market and a growing trade integration with the world. Foreign direct investment is one of the elements that reflect the momentum of the country: 10 years ago, this amount totaled about US $1,720 million and by the end of 2013 that figure reached over $16,772 million, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Major companies decided to invest in our country and also to expand their business to other markets, motivated by the security and benefits that the Colombian legislation provides to foreign investors, amongst others. Within the last 10 years, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) averaged a growth of 4.7%. In addition, some interesting facts to highlight include a domestic market of 47 million inhabitants, which 55% are under 30 years of age and the middle class increased its per capita GDP: it went from $1,980 in 2000, to US $8,300 in 2014. Furthermore, the current free trade agreements with Colombia open the gateway for companies operating in the country and / or with potential to do so, to obtain tax benefits offered by nearly 50 markets with 1,500 million consumers of which it has privileged access. In recent years, the three major rating agencies (Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings) granted investment grade to Colombia. In addition, the World Bank Doing Business ranked it as the third friendliest country in the region to do business with and with the most positive reforms that have been implemented for this purpose. Development, stability, dynamics and projection are some of the attributes that are used by major international financial institutions, as well as multilateral agencies to refer to Colombia, considering it as a reliable and attractive partner for foreign investors. Colombia also has optimal regulation of Free Trade Zones, strengthened by Law 1004 of 2005, with which the country was placed in the orbit of global trade and considerably raised the entry of foreign investment, which in turn, has generated new jobs and increased the development of our industry. This publication provides you with privileged information on its potential, the opportunities, and all advantages offered by the free zones of Colombia for investors interested in establishing themselves in the country. Find a partner at Proexport, with tailored information and legal advice through our network of offices in Colombia and in 26 countries. MARIA CLAUDIA LACOUTURE President of Proexport Colombia
  • 5.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 5 Buenos Aires 6h15m Los Angeles 8h20m Mexico City 4h45m Quito 1h30m Lima 3h00m Santiago de Chile 5h00m Toronto 6h05m Caracas 1h20m São Paulo 5h45m Miami 3h00m New York 5h35m Madrid 9h40m Paris 10h40m Frankfurt 11h15m COLOMBIA: A COMPETITIVE LOCATION WITH EASY ACCESS TO GLOBAL MARKETS There are more than 3,300 maritime export routes sailing from Colombian ports offering regular, direct or connecting service on 30 steamship companies with destinations in 480 ports around the world. More than 165 million tons of export and import products were moved by ocean in 2013. Country Frequency United States 242 Panama 224 Ecuador 76 Peru 68 Mexico 66 Venezuela 33 Spain 32 El Salvador 32 Brazil 28 Chile 22 Dominican Republic 18 Costa Rica 13 Curacao 11 Aruba 9 Cuba 9 Argentina 8 Germany 7 France 7 Bolivia 7 Guatemala 6 Canada 5 Portugal 4 United Kingdom 4 Puerto Rico 4 Total 935 The data includes routes departing from the ports of Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. Source: Routes and Tariffs – Tools for the Colombian exporter. Processed by Proexport Colombia.
  • 7.
    TABLE OF CONTENTS Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Proexport Colombia Investor Services ANDI Chamber of Users of Free Trade Zones FREE TRADE ZONES Andean Region Caribbean Region Western Region Pacific Region SECTORS Agribusiness BPO, Software & IT Services Logistics Automotive Construction Materials Cosmetics and Toiletries Metallurgical Hotel and Tourist Industry Infrastructure Health Care 14 91 8 9 12 15 33 63 73 92 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101
  • 8.
    8 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO The mission of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is to encourage trade, production of goods, services and technology, as well as the promotion of the country’s regional tourism in order to improve its competitiveness and sustainability, so that it creates a greater added value. This seeks to strengthen the domestic production both locally and internationally, while ensuring adequate free market practices to benefit consumers and tourists, as well as improving the quality of life of Colombians positioning the country at a global stage. The Ministry formulates, adopts, directs, and coordinates the general policies of economic and social development of the country, which are related to competitiveness, integration, and development of the productive sectors of the industry. In addition, it supports the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), international trade of goods, services and technology, the promotion of foreign investment, domestic trade, and tourism. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism comprises several affiliated and related entities such as Proexport, Bancoldex, Artesanias de Colombia (Crafts of Colombia), Industry and Commerce Superintendence, Guild Superintendence, the Board of Accountants, the National Guarantee Fund, the National Institute of Metrology and the Technical Council of Public Accountants. Liber Orden MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TOURISM
  • 9.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 9 PROEXPORT COLOMBIA INVESTOR SERVICES PROEXPORT COLOMBIA is the organization in charge of promoting Colombia as an international tourist destination, attracting direct foreign investment and fostering nontraditional exports. Through our national and international office network, we provide support and comprehensive assistance to national entrepreneurs, through offering services with the aim of facilitating the design and execution of its internationalization strategy, seeking the generation and tracking of business opportunities. We foster international business through the identification of market opportunities, the design of penetration strategies, the internationalization of companies, assistance in the design of action plans, contact between entrepreneurs in sales promotion, investment and international tourism activities; the specialized services offered to foreign entrepreneurs who are interested in acquiring Colombian goods and services or investing in Colombia, and the creation of alliances with private and public, national and international entities, enabling us to broaden the availability of resources in order to support the various corporate initiatives promoted by the organization for the development and improvement of its service portfolio. Our network of sales promotion offices helps us to provide a wide array of services, both for Colombian exporters, international buyers and foreign investors. SERVICES FOR THE INVESTOR ¿WHO ARE WE? Specilied websites. Interntionl seminrs nd events. Informtion Accompniment Lel Guide to Do Business, Free Trde Zones Director, Lel Services Director, news nd nnouncements, newsletters. Promotionl events Medi outrech. APRI’S Coordintion nd development of investment ends. SIFAI Encourin nd fcilittin investment sstem. Support nd follow-up of the stblished investors. Preprtion of tilor-mde informtion.
  • 10.
    Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver CANADA UNITED KINGDOM FRANCE SPAIN UNITED STATES San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. New York, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago MEXICO Mexico City, Guadalajara NORTH TRIANGLE (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) COSTA RICA (Panama). ECUADOR PERU CHILE CARIBBEAN Pto. Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago VENEZUELA ARGENTINA BRAZIL PORTUGAL COLOMBIA PROEXPORT IN
  • 11.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO 11 FREETRADE ZONES DIRECTORY INDONESIA JAPAN SOUTH KOREA CHINA Beijing , Shanghai SPAIN GERMANY RUSSIA TURKEY Poland and Sweden UNITED ARAB EMIRATES INDIA IN THE WORLD
  • 12.
    12 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO ANDI The Chamber of Users of Free Trade Zones belongs to the ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE EMPRESARIOS (National Association of Entrepreneurs). Industrial operators and Free Trade Zone traders can join in, provided they join the ANDI and express their interest in joint activities to seek the harmonious development of the Free Trade Zone regime in Colombia. The members of the Chamber must sign, implement, and disseminate the Declaration of Ethical Principles of ANDI. The Chamber activities are focused on: • Proposing rules and procedures that seek the comprehensive development of Free Trade Zones. • Defending legal stability for companies that comprise the Chamber. • Encouraging ethics and good business practices of the Free Trade Zones. • Conducting surveys about the performance of the regime in the sector. • Issuing periodic statistical reports on the operations of the Free Trade Zones. • Carrying out special committees to review the legal and operational aspects that are important for activities in Free Trade Zones. • Guiding members on the proper implementation of legislation. • Unifying legal perspectives. • Defending access to Free Trade Zone products for countries which have signed international agreements. • Representing and accompanying members of the Chamber or their respective users, with state entities. Additionally, it holds monthly meetings with operational managers to analyze and look for solutions to the various operations carried out in the different regions, and hence, periodically issues a criteria manual. It supports the preparation of business mission agendas from other countries (whether public or private). Coordinates conferences and seminars in other countries to promote the opportunities offered by Free Trade Zones to foreign investors, with agencies that promote Colombia, such as PROEXPORT COLOMBIA. It schedules training programs on different topics and also organizes the National Convention with the participation of domestic and foreign entrepreneurs. CHAMBER OF USERS OF FREE TRADE ZONES
  • 13.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 13 Atlantic Ocean Venezuela Brazil Peru Ecuador Pacific Ocean 6 7 9 10 12 15 14 11 8 1 2 3 16 4 5 FREE TRADE ZONE / REGIONS Western Region / Free Trade Zone Antioquia Rionegro. Uraba. Zofiva S.A.S. 10 Quindio 11 Eje Cafetero. Risaralda Internacional de Pereira. Andean Region / Free Trade Zone Norte de Santander Cucuta. 1 Santander 2 Santander. Boyaca 3 Agroindustrial GEA. Cundinamarca Intexzona. Metropolitana. Occidente. Tocancipa. Bogota. Zofrandina S.A.S. International FTZ Operator User S.A.S. ( IFOU S.A.S). Pacific Region/ Free Trade Zone Huila Surcolombiana. Cauca Cauca. Parque del Sur. Valle del Cauca Celpa. Pacifico. Palmaseca. Zonamerica. Caribbean Region / Free Trade Zone Atlantico La Cayena. ZOFIA. Barranquilla. Del Rio. 5 6 Bolivar Santelca. Parque Central. Puerta de las Americas. La Candelaria. Zofranca. Dexton. 7 La Guajira Brisa. 8 Magdalena Las Americas. Tayrona. Santa Marta. Palermo. 14 12 13 15 Tolima 4 Zona Franca Industrial y Logística de Ibague. 9 16 Caldas Andina. 13
  • 14.
    Infraestructura portuaria. ANDEANREGION CARIBBEAN REGION WESTERN REGION PACIFIC REGION FREE TRADE ZONES
  • 15.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 15 ANDEAN REGION Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Santander and Norte de Santander. Characteristics Population (2013, census 2005) Bogota D.C. 7,674,366 Boyaca 1,272,855 Cundinamarca 2,598,245 Norte de Santander 1,332,378 Santander 2,040,932 Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics). El Cocuy National Natural Park, Boyaca. Inflation Rate by City City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* Bogota D.C. 1.88 3.25 3.21 2.43 2.43 2.84 Tunja 2.23 1.93 4.31 2.16 1.53 3.18 Cucuta 4.47 2.42 5.00 2.01 0.03 2.09 Bucaramanga 3.13 3.91 5.76 3.48 2.08 3.40 National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 *Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]). Bogota.
  • 16.
    16 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO GDP by Department Department GDP 2012 (US $millions) Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) Share % GDP Bogota D.C. 91,507 12,086 24.7% Boyaca 10,596 8,336 2.9% Cundinamarca 18,977 7,420 5.1% Norte de Santander 5,874 4,447 1.6% Santander 26,848 13,221 7.3% Total GDP 370,098 229,094 Source: DANE. Departmental Accounts. Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003–2013) Sector Total Proportion for Projects Software and IT Services Sector 16.0% BPO* 12.2% Financial Services 9.4% Telecommunications 9.1% Textiles 6.9% Agro-industry 6.6% *Business Services. Source: FDI Markets. Unemployment Rate by Department Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Bogota D.C. 11.5 10.6 9.6 9.5 9.0 Boyaca 9.8 10.1 8.0 7.3 8.9 Cundinamarca 10.6 10.1 9.9 9.4 8.3 Norte de Santander 10.3 11.7 12.2 12.4 13.0 Santander 7.8 8.8 7.6 7.8 7.3 National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]). ANDEAN REGION
  • 17.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONASFRANCAS 17 Andean Region Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Santander and Norte de Santander. • Access to the main regional markets: With 7.6 million potential consumers, Bogota has the highest urban population in the country. Thanks to the free trade agreements and unilateral preferential customs practices, companies based in Bogota can access a global market worth US $41 billion and 1.4 billion people. • A privileged geographic location: The region is strategically located in the center of the continent and the country, and has excellent air connectivity with numerous direct daily flights to main cities in the United States. • A large and qualified workforce: In Bogota, there are around 115 higher educational institutions, from which close to 96,000 professionals and technicians graduate every year. The city produces the highest proportion of educated technicians and technology workers in Colombia, and has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on engineering and hard sciences. STRENGTHS • Competitive costs: Compared to other main cities in Latin America, Bogota has a competitive cost structure. The city enjoys an excellent cost-benefit ratio thanks to the quality in its human capital and operative environment. • An excellent environment to conduct business: Bogota is ranked as the sixth best city to do business with in Latin America based on the AmericaEconomia 2014 rankings. • Entrepreneurship: Santander has one of the highest business creation rates with its efficient technological infrastructure for competitiveness and a significant number of renowned research centers. • Quality of life: The region has favorable quality of life indicators, with a high per capita income, above-average human development indexes, and urban areas with safety indexes above those of the main cities in Latin America.
  • 18.
    18 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO Agribusiness Fruits, vegetables and their preparations, ingredients for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries that wish to leverage human capital, and population diversity for research, development, and innovation processes. Oil Goods and Services In recent years, Bogota has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for the oil and gas services industry in South America, due to the oil boom and attractive business environment in Colombia. Of the total number of oil and gas services companies, 89% is concentrated in Bogota and the surrounding region. Automotive Bogota has the largest vehicle fleet in Colombia. In 2013, around 1.8 million cars were in circulation in the city, representing 39% of the country’s fleet of vehicles. 4 of the 7 manufacturing plants located in Colombia are in Bogota, along with more than 100 auto part companies, which generate around 85% of the production of auto parts in the country. BPO – Shared Services Bogota, thanks to a wide range of advantages, has become the ideal destination in South America for providing offshore/nearshore services: contact centers, digital content, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Norte de Santander has the goal of promoting the widespread use of the Internet, via the development and efficient use of infrastructure and the promotion and appropriation of ICT services. A digital ecosystem is being developed (infrastructure, services, applications, and users). Santander is working on strengthening departmental connectivity with improved access and widespread use of information technologies, and strengthening the logistical infrastructure via the use of multimodal transportation. Construction Materials Bogota is the city with the most projects being developed in the country, with more than 30% of the areas under construction nationally concentrated here. The construction of homes and corporate infrastructure (offices, warehouses, and business) are the main segments being developed in the city. Boyaca has the country’s main limestone deposits, which is the main raw material used for cement production. Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure 889,000 foreigners visited Bogota during 2013, 52% of the total number of visitors to the country, with tourism being the main reason for their visit (54%). The city is positioned as an emerging business epicenter for the region, with excellent potential for developing tourist infrastructure projects. Infrastructure Various public and private projects are moving forward in Santander, including the improvement of road infrastructure, the Hidrosogamoso energy project, the Gibraltar Pipeline, the expansion of the Ecopetrol refinery, a Multimodal Port and Logistical Platform in Barrancabermeja, and Free Trade Zones for health care, among others. Considered as part of the development of the Fourth Generation Road Plan is the Western Perimeter of Cundinamarca, which connects Caqueza with the road out to Llano and the road out to Bogota, 164 kms. REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
  • 19.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 19 INVEST IN BOGOTA Investment Promotion Agency for the Bogota Region Agency WWW.INVESTINBOGOTA.ORG Name: Juan Gabriel Perez Position: Executive Director E-mail: info@investinbogota.org CONTACT INFORMATION Created by the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the Capital District, ranked as the best investment agency in a developing country by the World Bank in 2009. Offering investors specialized services at no cost and with complete confidentiality in each phase of the investment process: exploration, decision, installation, operation and reinvestment. Strong reasons to invest in Bogota: • Economic Strength: With 7.6 million residents and a GDP of US $90.2 billion, Bogota is the center of the domestic economy and has a dynamic market. It has received nearly US $12 billion in investment over the last 10 years. It hosts over 1,500 foreign capital companies. • A favorable Business Environment: The city is one of the most competitive in Latin America and one of the region’s top business centers; international rankings have highlighted Bogota for tax incentives, a pro-investment climate and as a city of the future, among others. • Strategic Location: Bogota has access to an extended market of over 1,450 million inhabitants and US $44 billion. It has the top-ranked airport for handling freight and third-ranked for passenger traffic in Latin America.
  • 20.
    20 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO Agency WWW.INVESTINBOGOTA.ORG • Young, high-quality workforce: Bogota has a vast offering of human resources qualified in various knowledge sectors. Its workforce totals over 4.5 million people; it hosts 47% of Colombian research groups and over 44% of all PhDs in the country. • Quality of life: It is an excellent place to live thanks to its restaurants, international schools, city parks, wetlands, free music in the park festivals, museums, art galleries, theaters, bike paths and bike lanes. • Economic sectors with excellent investment opportunities: A. Life sciences Biotechnology Medical equipment and supplies Pharmaceuticals B. City infrastructure and projects Hospitality and tourism Transportation and logistics infrastructure City projects C. Light manufacturing Processed foods Automotive and transport Cosmetics Chemicals D. Services BPO and shared services Creative industries IT services Business and consulting services Services for the oil and gas industry Clean technologies INVEST IN BOGOTA Investment Promotion Agency for the Bogota Region
  • 21.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 21 BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA WWW.ZONAFRANCABOGOTA.COM CALLE 106 N.º 15A-25, BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA. CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Diego Gaitan Galindo Position: General Manager E-mail: dgaitan@zonafrancabogota.com Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 114 Name: Juan Manuel Sanchez Position: Assistant Vertical Business Services Manager E-mail: jsanchez@zonafrancabogota.com Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 221 Name: Margarita Herrera Position: Assistant Vertical Commercial, Industrial and Logistics Manager E-mail: mherrera@zonafrancabogota.com Telephone: +57 1 404 6644, ext: 166 • 17 years of experience developing and promoting Free Trade Zones in Colombia. • The Bogota Free Trade Zone has 223 companies qualified as users in the park. • User operator of 42 permanent and permanent special Free Trade Zones throughout the country. • In 2013, the Bogota Free Trade Zone recorded over 650,000 foreign trade operations for an estimated value of US $32 million, thereby generating 55% of customs taxes in the country. • To date, approximately 23,700 direct and 37,000 indirect jobs have been created. THE MOST COMPETITIVE BUSINESS CLUSTER IN THE COUNTRY • INDUSTRY AND LOGISTICS CLUSTER The Bogota Free Trade Zone (ZFB) is the epicenter of the most important Colombian industrial and logistics companies. Around 180 companies generating integrated production from various subsectors including logistics and storage, manufacturing and apparel, among BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE (ZFB), COLOMBIA’S MOST IMPORTANT SERVICE AND INDUSTRIAL PARK Bogota. others. ZFB offers warehouse spaces designed with top infrastructure and with optimal utilities for efficient operations. • SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER: ZF TOWERS The Bogota Free Trade Zone brings together the most important companies in the BPO / ITO / KPO / SCC sectors, which provide comprehensive solutions based on the operative advantages and the physical infrastructure facilities and technological support that the park provides. ZFB offers “Plug and Play” solutions for Call Centers, Back Office, IT (Software support, implementation and development) and shared services centers. “ZF Towers Services Technology Park is the most modern technological and services park in the country, with environmental infrastructure and smart solutions for every process.” • STRATEGIC LOCATION • Just 15 km from the El Dorado International Airport. • Near the newest hotel area in Bogota. • Close to major entry and exit roadways towards the north and interior of the country. • Easy access to the city’s major road arteries: Avenida 26, Avenida Calle 13, Avenida Boyaca and Avenida Ciudad de Cali. • More than 25 public transportation routes travel through the area, including access to the Transmilenio system and SITP buses. • Adjoining residential areas: qualified workforce available in the nearby area. • SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FOR USERS • Education through Unifranca, the Free Trade Zone education center, accessibility to agreements with SENA, U. Monserrate, Uniminuto, Uniagustiniana, Uniempresarial, the Ministry of Development and PNUD. • Employment: Use of the employment portal: www. trabajaenzonafrancabogota.com • Facilities: Six financial institutions and ATMs, food court, supermarket, pharmacy, four internal transportation routes and service station. • Health: Medical clinic, ambulance, fire department, recreation areas and gardens. • Spaces: Conference rooms, auditoriums and business centers.
  • 22.
    22 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES EXISTING COMPANIES UNIQUE SERVICES • Connectivity: The Bogota Free Trade Zone is the most inter-connected place in the country. We have 14 broadband providers with last-mile access and two underwater cable nodes (Columbus Networks and Global Crossing). • Electricity: Double electricity supply ring at different tension levels (13.8 and 34.5 kVAs). Rates with economy of scale for the entire park due to block purchasing by the user operator. • Ongoing 24/7 Security: Dual-mesh perimeter security, movement sensors, CCTV, continuous lighting, internal security patrol and controlled visitor entry. • PICIZ Web: Integral Information Control Program developed for the Bogota Free Trade Zone to control and register its users’ operations. • Fire detection and protection systems. • Reduced water, sewage and gas costs. • Availability of made to measure properties, operation-ready, turnkey and designed according to need. • Qualification of users and preparation of operations manual. • Trainings for users on the Free Trade Regime and training on operating from a Free Trade Zone. • Assistance in preparing integration certifications. • Assignment of personnel directly trained on project installations according to client needs. • Control of foreign trade operations and inventories in the operational phase according to current legal regulations. • Quick operations: Maximum intake 15 minutes, 40 seconds on scale, 10 minutes total in operation. • DIAN office inside the facilities. • Teledatos Zona Franca S.A. (Teleperformance) • DHL Global Forwarding ZF • Fepco Zona Franca S.A.S. • UPS Colombia Ltda. • Levapan Colombia S.A.S. • Genpact Colombia S.A.S. • Sutherland BPO S.A.S. • Fibertex Corporation • Valmy de Colombia S.A.S. • Terremark Service Group Inc. • Brightstar Colombia S.A.S. • Globalog S.A. • Trading Foods Ltda. • Chalver S.A. ZFB USER OPERATOR SERVICES REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Warehouse construction ND Warehouses for sale 22,300 Warehouse rental 19,800 Uncovered storage yard rental ND Uncovered storage yard rental ND Offices for sale 2,972 Offices in warehouses for lease 361 Offices for lease ZF Towers 11,600 • Logistics and storage • BPO / ITO / KPO • Manufacturing • Automotive • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction materials • Agro-industry • Biotechnology and chemicals • Food • Services companies Declared area: 96 hectares. SECTORS WWW.ZONAFRANCABOGOTA.COM BOGOTA FREE TRADE ZONE BOGOTA, CUNDINAMARCA
  • 23.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 23 METROPOLITANA FREE TRADE ZONE MUNICIPALITY OF COTA, CUNDINAMARCA CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Jorge Eduardo Salamanca Gallo Position: General Manager E-mail: jsalamanca@zfmetropolitana.com Telephone: +57 1 622 6250 The Free Trade Zone closest to Bogota, designed and developed for high value logistics operations. Excellent location for technology companies and services. Because of its proximity to Bogota (just 2.5 km from Bogota and 4.5 km from the Transmilenio terminus station), and the availability of medium and large covered spaces with the latest specifications, it is ideal for operations that need to be close to the largest consumer center, close to the country’s largest roadways (Ruta del Sol, highway to Buenaventura and BTS), and to El Dorado International Airport. Ideal for logistics operations. No tolls to enter or exit Bogota, no restrictions on mobility that are typical of other areas of the city. WWW.ZFMETROPOLITANA.COM Cota, Cundinamarca.
  • 24.
    24 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Web-environment software, interconnected with Colombian authorities. • Inspection area for Colombian customs (DIAN). • Optimum security systems. • Latest technology infrastructure. • Truck scale and PTAR. • Wide driving lanes. • Work yards with international standards. • Manufacturing • Cosmetics • Logistics and storage • Pharmaceuticals • Technology • BPO and call centers Declared area: 235,000 m2. Available area: 70,000 m2. • Free Zone Service • Flor Emprendimiento • CRA • Fudosan • Vera Inversiones SECTORS EXISTING COMPANIES REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale N/A Lots for lease 20,000 Warehouse construction N/A Warehouses for sale 35,000 Warehouses for lease 35,000 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental N/A Offices for sale 11,000 Offices for lease 11,000 WWW.ZFMETROPOLITANA.COM METROPOLITANA FREE TRADE ZONE MUNICIPIO DE COTA, CUNDINAMARCA
  • 25.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 25 OCCIDENTE FREE TRADE ZONE MOSQUERA, CUNDINAMARCA WWW.ZONAFRANCAOCCIDENTE.COM Name: Alvaro Muñoz Roldan Position: General Manager E-mail: amunoz@zonafrancaoccidente.com Telephone: +57 1 893 33 00, ext. 105 Name: Catalina Velez Arango Position: Commercial Coordinator E-mail: cvelez@zonafrancaoccidente.com Telephone:+57 1 893 33 00, ext. 120 CONTACT INFORMATION Permanent Free Trade Zone; 328,000 m2. Located in Mosquera, Cundinamarca, along Troncal de Occidente Avenue, which connects 19 key hubs for transferring freight domestically. 15 qualified users located within 40,000 m2. Representing the largest industries in the sectors of manufacturing, logistics, automotive, packaging, fiber optics, oil, construction services and paint, among others. These companies create over 300 jobs in the region and operations generating FOB income greater than US $500 million. ADVANTAGES: • Save time and transport costs due to the excellent condition of access roadways and a location just 10 km from Bogota, ideal for merchandise entering the capital and even more strategic for the distribution of products to the exterior. • Located between Siberia, Funza and Fontibon, top industrial locations in the Bogota Metropolitan Area, with direct access routes along two primary roadways: Calle 80 and Calle 13. • Modern infrastructure able to host projects with demanding service requirements. • Outside parking area for freight vehicles, 100 spots. • Competitive pricing for service rates. • Exemption from Industry and Trade, and Property Tax, applicable to the Municipality of Mosquera. • 20 km by land from El Dorado International Airport.
  • 26.
    26 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO WWW.ZONAFRANCAOCCIDENTE.COM • AGP Representaciones Ltda. • Corev Consorcio de Revestimientos S.A.S. • Centak Export S.A.S. • Kenworth de la Montaña S.A. • Impormaster Zona Franca • Dinpro International S.A.S. • Construcciones en Zonas Francas S.A.S. • Inversiones Santa Rosa Zona Franca S.A.S. • Redilog Redes Logisticas S.A.S. • Grupo Constructores Unidos Zonas Francas S.A.S. • Trade Service Group INC. • Cofitel Andino • TNCC S.A.S. • Imtub S.A. • Medirex S.A.S. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • Design and construction of warehouse and office projects. • 10 MVA electricity substation. • Internal natural gas network. • Telecommunications service with three providers and fiber optic. • Potable water aqueduct, rainwater and wastewater sewage system. • Rainwater retention lake with a pump system and wastewater treatment plant. • DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales de Colombia, [National Directorate of Taxes and Customs]) on-site and 24-hour customs operations. • Private 24-7 security service, CCTV and double-mesh, electric perimeter fence. • Complimentary weighing services with 100-ton capacity entry and exit scales. • External parking area for 70 freight vehicles with an office for merchandise registry operations. • Provision of training and conference rooms. • Free transport route between ZFO and Bogota. SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction • Agro-industry • Biotechnology • Logistics and storage • Oil • Outsourcing services Declared area: 328,717 m2. Available area: 94,000 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 41,600 Lots for lease N/A Warehouse construction 41,600 Warehouses for sale 54,600 Warehouse rental 54,600 Covered storage yard rental 36,900 Uncovered storage yard rental 42,750 Offices for sale 10,000 Offices for rent 10,000 OCCIDENTE FREE TRADE ZONE MOSQUERA, CUNDINAMARCA
  • 27.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 27 SANTANDER FREE TRADE ZONE OFFSHORING OUTSOURCING PARK. FLORIDABLANCA, SANTANDER CONTACT INFORMATION WWW.ZONAFRANCASANTANDER.COM Name: Nivea Santarelli Position: General Manager E-mail: nsantarelli@zonafrancasantander.com Telephone: +57 318 712 9432 Name: Dalia Sepulveda Position: Business Director E-mail: dsepulveda@zonafrancasantander.com Telephone: +57 318 716 7771 • The Santander Offshoring Outsourcing Park Free Trade Zone is located in the Santander Department, a geo-strategic center in northeastern Colombia. The region has an inherent market of over 15 million residents and serves as a major artery between the country’s interior and the major ports and industrial centers along Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. • Initially established as a Free Trade Zone for the Services Sector, the Santander Offshoring Free Trade Zone Outsourcing Park offers domestic and foreign companies the best solutions and alternatives as a suitable platform for establishing Offshoring Outsourcing operations, providing access to the benefits of the Colombian Free Trade Regime and to Floridablanca, Santander. markets in Colombia, Latin America, Europe, the USA and the rest of the world. • Its operational dynamic is focused on three strategic platforms: • Global services - (BPO, KPO, ITO) • Logistics and distribution • High added-value manufacturing • ITO (Development of Software, Back Office, Data Center) • BPO (Contact/Call Centers, Shared Services) • KPO (Engineering, consulting, robotics) • Innovation and technological development • Logistics and storage • Pharmaceuticals • Manufacturing • Auto parts / Metallurgy • Others Declared area: 294,397.81 m2. Available area: 54,264.03 m2. SECTORS
  • 28.
    28 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Arvato Colombia S.A.S. - Multinational member of the German Bertelsmann Group • Construction services at the Santander Free Trade Zone (Grupo MARVAL) • Carvajal Tecnologia y Servicios • Ingenieria Integral Zona Franca S.A.S. (EME Engineering Group) • Free Zone Services S.A.S. (NISSAN Logistics Operator) • Bonanza Proyectos y Negocios • Ecosi S.A.S. • AES Cargo Zona Franca S.A.S. • AMV Zona Franca S.A.S. • EL Gualilo Free Zone EXISTING COMPANIES REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale Lots from 2,200 m2 to 12,000 m2 Lot rental Lots from 2,200 m2 and up Warehouse construction Lots from 2,200 m2 Warehouses for sale Warehouses from 650 m2 and up Warehouse rental Warehouses from 650 m2 and up Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental Yards from 2,000 m2 Offices for sale Offices from 44 m2 Offices for rent Up to full floors of 840 m2 Business center Turnkey offices from 5 m2 up to 38 m2 SERVICES The Santander Offshoring Outsourcing Park Free Trade Zone offers all of the facilities and tools that are key for successful operations: • Competitive technological and physical infrastructure: spaces that support all types of operations, high design and functionality standards, support technology and world-class connectivity. • Spaces for creating and transfering knowledge: On-site technical, technological and higher education institutions. Auditoriums, areas for meetings, events and training. • Strategic location within the Bucaramanga metropolitan area: Quick and easy human resources mobility, thanks to the mass transportation route service system. • Services to support the scalability of your operations: Business support network, flexible and trusted operational team on-site and environmental consulting, access to job opportunities (Your Employment at ZFS), which support the scalability of your operations. • Flexible real estate offerings: More than one real estate solution designed and constructed to satisfy different needs (offices, lots, warehouses and business center). • Tax, customs and foreign trade incentives: Single income tax rate of 15%. Exemption from CREE equity tax. Exemption from industry and commerce tax on sales. Exemption from VAT and tariff on foreign goods, equipment and products. Exemption from VAT for goods, products and equipment purchased in national customs territory. Access to free trade agreements signed by Colombia, among others. With an optimal infrastructure, pertinent supporting institutions, an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, in a region recognized as one of the top 100 most attractive cities in the world for outsourcing investment (Tholons Consulting), the Santander Free Trade Zone is the best choice for world-class companies interested in localizing their offshoring outsourcing operations. WWW.ZONAFRANCASANTANDER.COM SANTANDER FREE TRADE ZONE OFFSHORING OUTSOURCING PARK. FLORIDABLANCA, SANTANDER
  • 29.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 29 Invest in Santander is the Santander Investment Promotion Firm created by the region’s public and private sector, represented by the Government of Santander, the Mayor’s Office of Bucaramanga, the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce, the Santander Free Trade Zone and ANDI. Our primary objective is to attract foreign investment that supports consolidation of highly productive and competitive sectors for regional development. At Invest in Santander, we offer free assistance in the process of localizing any foreign company that is interested in making Santander the destination for its investment. • Santander is the fourth largest economy in the country and the top center for development in northeastern Colombia. Its per capita GDP amounts to approximately US $12,000 - double the national average. • Bucaramanga has the best revenue distribution in the country, making it the most equitable economy nationally, with the lowest poverty rates and one of the lowest unemployment rates. Name: Cesar Andres Hernandez Gonzalez Position: Executive Director E-mail: cesar.hernandez@investinsantander.co Telephone: +57 7 6527000, ext: 260 CONTACT INFORMATION WWW.INVESTINSANTANDER.CO INVEST IN SANTANDER BUCARAMANGA, SANTANDER Agency
  • 30.
    30 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO INVEST IN SANTANDER BUCARAMANGA, SANTANDER Agency • The Bucaramanga metropolitan area has 17 universities with over 100,000 students. Each year 12,000 professionals and 2,000 technicians and technologists graduate, most with degrees in engineering, life sciences and administrative sciences. • Barrancabermeja is the oil capital of Colombia and the primary port along the Magdalena River. The largest refinery in the country is located here and is one of the country’s epicenters of financial and industrial development. • Bucaramanga is ranked 77th on Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations 2014 and Santander is ranked 10th on Business Friendless [sic: Friendliness] and FDI Strategy on the Ranking South American States of the Future 2014/15 from FDI Magazine. SERVICES WWW.INVESTINSANTANDER.CO • Oil sector goods and services • Life sciences (health, pharma, medical equipment and devices) • Global services - BPO, KPO, ITO • Information Technology - IT • Metallurgy • Engineering and construction • Agro-industry
  • 31.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 31 FREE TRADE ZONE OF TOCANCIPA, S.A. TOCANCIPA, CUNDINAMARCA WWW.ZONAFRANCATOCANCIPA.COM Tocancipa, Cundinamarca. CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Leonilde Arredondo Londoño Position: General Manager E-mail: leonilde.arredondo@zonafrancatocancipa.com Telephone: +57 1 312 0854 Cell phone: +57 311 764 8260 Name: Andres Avila Rojas Position: Business Manager E-mail: aavila@zonafrancatocancipa.com. Telephone: +57 1 312 0854 Cell phone: +57 320 344 9210 LOCATION Zona Franca de Tocancipa (FRANCA) has a strategic location that offers the conditions required for improving its competitiveness globally. FRANCA is your opportunity to connect with the world. Located on a high mobility roadway corridor 35 km from Bogota and 45 minutes from the El Dorado international cargo and passenger airport. INFRASTRUCTURE The Tocancipa Free Trade Zone was built in accordance with the highest international standards, allowing industries with low, medium and high environmental impact to operate under the best conditions and within a sustainable environment. ROADWAYS • Roads for heavy-duty traffic with 10-meter wide surfaces and large lanes with green areas and bike routes. • Large parking areas. SECURITY SYSTEMS • Comprehensive and centralized 24/7 security system. • Double-mesh electric perimeter fence with zone-specific intrusion sensors. • Perimeter video cameras and controlled vehicle and pedestrian entry. NETWORK OF SERVICES • Six-inch high-pressure PVC internal hydraulic networks. • Wastewater treatment plant. • Rain water collection systems and overflow lakes. • Double overhead electricity network of 11,400 volts and 34,500 volts, electricity available according to the needs of your business. • Internal access for gas distribution. • Telephone network with all services, provided by ETB and ducts available for other operators. • Fiber optic internet connection. • Fire protection network built in accordance with NFPA codes. OTHER BENEFITS • Partial tax exemption from Municipal Industry and Business Tax for five years. • Three Data Centers are operated from the interior of the complex and are able to provide services for your company.
  • 32.
    32 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Agro-industry • Biotechnology • Agro-industry, food/beverage, chemicals, metallurgical, plastics, wood and glass Declared area: 387,697 m2. Available area: 130,000 m2. SECTORS SERVICES Services for Free Trade Zone user operators • Entry and exit control for Free Trade Zone user operators. • Qualification of users of goods, users of services and business users. • On-line inventory system for controlling operations in the Free Trade Zone. • Scales for truck entry and exit. • National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) offices. • Administrative offices. Other Services • Businesses, restaurants and cafeterias. • Health care center. • Conference and training rooms. • On-site banking institutions. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Type of real estate area available m2) Lots for sale 130,000 Lot rental 70,000 Warehouse construction 150,000 according to client specifications Warehouses for sale 150,000 Warehouse rental 150,000 Covered storage yard rental 50,000 Uncovered storage yard rental 50,000 Offices for sale 30,000 Offices for rent 30,000 Sites for sale N/A • DataCenter BT LATAM (United Kingdom): TIER - 4. • DataCenter TV AZTECA (Mexico): office operating as Cross Connection co-location, providing information technology networks and services. • MANTOS ANDINOS S.A.S. (Venezuela): preparation of waterproof, laminated and drainage asphalt-based products, design services for asphalt-based products. • QUIMEXCOL ZONA FRANCA S.A.S. manufacturing of chemical products for water treatment in various applications and providing packaging, packing services and lab analysis. Company undergoing qualification process. • CERVECERIA BBC DE LA SABANA S.A.S., beer manufacturing and production. • A ALPE LOGISTICA S.A.S., manufacturing filters for stationary and industrial equipment and heavy-duty mobile equipment. EXISTING COMPANIES WWW.ZONAFRANCATOCANCIPA.COM FREE TRADE ZONE OF TOCANCIPA S.A. TOCANCIPA, CUNDINAMARCA
  • 33.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 33 CARIBBEAN REGION Characteristics Population (2013, census 2005) Atlantico 2,402,910 Bolivar 2,049,109 Magdalena 1,235,532 Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics). Atlantico, Bolivar, Magdalena and La Guajira. Tayrona National Natural Park. Cartagena de Indias. Inflation Rate by City City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* Barranquilla 1.80 3.38 4.58 3.02 1.54 2.99 Cartagena 2.03 3.23 4.17 2.98 1.57 3.00 Santa Marta 1.69 3.32 3.90 2.32 1.61 2.65 Riohacha 0.98 3.79 2.55 2.06 3.70 3.01 National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 *Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]).
  • 34.
    34 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO CARIBBEAN REGION GDP by Department Department GDP 2012 (US $millions) Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) Share % GDP Atlantico 13,948 5,876 3.8% Bolivar 14,793 7,303 4.0% Magdalena 4,755 3,885 1.3% La Guajira 4,447 5,085 1.2% Total GDP 370,098 229,094 Source: DANE - Departmental Accounts. Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) Sector Total Proportion for Projects BPO* 10.9% Coal, Oil, and Gas 8.4% Consumer Products 7.6% Transportation 7.6% Industrial Equipment 6.7% Chemicals 5.9% Software and IT Services 5.0% Metallurgical Industry 5.0% *Business Services. Source: FDI Markets. Unemployment Rate by Department Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Atlantico 10.4 9.6 8.1 8.0 7.5 Bolivar 10.1 8.2 7.7 7.6 7.3 Magdalena 9.8 8.3 9.8 7.8 7.9 La Guajira 10.0 9.1 8.6 8.5 7.1 National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]).
  • 35.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONASFRANCAS 35 Caribbean Region Atlantico, Bolivar, Magdalena and La Guajira. • Strategic location: Thanks to its location in the Caribbean, just two hours away from the U.S. and one hour from Panama, this is one Latin America’s gateways, making it possible to connect with markets from the five continents. • Port infrastructure: This region has air, maritime, and fluvial ports to freight all kinds of products through different connecting routes with access towards the rest of the country and the world. STRENGTHS • Human resources: Renowned institutes providing technical and specialized education programs to prepare qualified professionals. • Public services: Private companies provide a full array of reliable public services at competitive prices. • Quality of life: Cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla are known for their high-quality health services, diverse education options, social clubs, restaurants, outdoor activities, and their proximity to tourism sites in the country.
  • 36.
    36 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure Tourism is one of the sectors with the most growth in the region, particularly due to beach and historic site destinations. The top destinations in the Atlantic include Barranquilla, Puerto Colombia, Lago del Cisne, Bocas de Ceniza, Tubara, Castillo de Salgar, Puente Pumarejo, and the Usiacuri hot springs, which provide high tourism potential. The Tourism Diversity Project in the department of Magdalena aims to increase and diversify the tourism attractions offered to both domestic and foreign consumers to consolidate tourism globalization in the Santa Marta District. Agribusiness The region enjoys great farming potential thanks to its abundant and productive soils and the wide availability of water resources. Also, Bolivar is one of the most important tourist destinations in Colombia. Agricultural activities in this department focus on the following products: yuca, sorghum, yam, soy, and traditional corn. The farming investments in the department of Magdalena include sectors like fruit and vegetable production, plant/biofuel oils and fats, meat and milk cattle raising, aquaculture, marine, and sport fishing, forestry (wood, special coffee, cocoa and its derivatives.) Automotive Atlantico presents opportunities in the department of bus, truck, and light vehicle assembly. As for the auto part sector, this department has approximately 20 institutes providing technical and specialized education programs to prepare qualified professionals. The port of Barranquilla is the number one steel location of Colombia, managing 40% of the total traffic. BPO Contact Barranquilla is a project led by the District’s City Hall and supported by the Chamber of Commerce and conducted by the Aliarse foundation. It is designed to foster specific English language skills so that graduate and undergraduate students from public schools can work as bilingual Call Center representatives (ProBarranquilla 2012). Infrastructure Thanks to its ideal strategic location to conduct international trade with the east coasts of the U.S. and Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Rim and Europe, the department of Magdalena has the means to develop a sound logistics position and deal with the increasing import and export cargo operations. By streamlining and diversifying its infrastructure and transportation and logistics services, this department will increase Colombia’s export products towards international markets. The Guajira Puerto Brisa and multifunctional Free Trade Zone is a project that will be carried out in the municipality of Dibulla. This project will help transport oil, coal, carbon coke, and other minerals. REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
  • 37.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 37 PRO BARRANQUILLA Agency BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO WWW.PROBARRANQUILLA.ORG ProBarranquilla As the promotional agency for Barranquilla and the Atlantico Department, we are always seeking new opportunities for growth and progress for the region. Our primary goal is to advise investors so they will come to our city and take advantage of all benefits and perks that the top port city in Colombia has to offer. With the objective of attracting investment and development in Atlantico, ProBarranquilla offers confidential, no-cost services for investors. From the moment that investors begin to consider the department, the agency offers support including information and analysis on legal matters, markets, costs, availability of human resources, infrastructure and other elements relevant to the investor’s business. ProBarranquilla also provides consulting for new companies as they enter domestic and regional networks in the sector, offering networking with local business leaders and to build alliances with universities and other top institutions. The agency also provides information on logistical issues and on recruitment of personnel. In this way, it is able to continuously support and advise new companies on proper operation and development in the city. Goals achieved Every day, Barranquilla and the Atlantico Department are positioned worldwide as strategic locations for establishing new companies and for creating distribution centers that reach the continent. This is due to characteristics that have made the department a strategic location for successful business initiatives, including its multi-purpose port terminals, the airport’s passenger and freight capacity, roadway infrastructure that connects it with the country’s major cities and the excellent opportunities of the Free Trade Zones. As an example of the boom that is occurring with investment in Barranquilla and the Atlantico, in the last 10 years, with the help from ProBarranquilla, the region has achieved 621 investment projects, 19 of which have been mergers and acquisitions, 235 have been expansion projects and 392 have been new company projects, which represent a total amount of over 3,096 billion investment dollars in the region and the creation of 25,100 direct jobs. Name: Ana Maria Badel Position: Executive Director E-mail: ana.badel@probarranquilla.org Telephone: +57 5 3561435 web: www.probarranquilla.org Museo del Caribe, Barranquilla. CONTACT INFORMATION
  • 38.
    38 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO PRO BARRANQUILLA Agency BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO WWW.PROBARRANQUILLA.ORG These investments primarily originated from Colombia (70%), the United States (13%), Venezuela (6%), France (4%), Spain (3%) and Chile (2%), among others. The economic sectors most represented in the investments in the department are Logistics, Distribution and Transportation, 17%; BPOIT, 15%; Commercial, 15%; Metallurgy, 12%; Food and Beverage and Construction Materials, 11%. Ten reasons to invest in Barranquilla and the Atlantico Department 1. Strategic location It is the gateway to Latin America. With a strategic location in the Caribbean, just two and a half hours from the United States and one hour from Panama, it is able to connect with markets in five continents. 2. Port infrastructure Its multimodal status and the connection of two key waterways in the country (Magdalena River and the Atlantic Ocean), it is the most important port city in the Colombian Caribbean. It is the only terminal in Colombia that offers the ability to transport all types of freight because of its 15 maritime ports, allowing Barranquilla to be the largest connectivity platform for business exchange. 3. Utilities Private sector companies provide trustworthy service in supplying all utilities that a company could need in its operations at competitive prices. 4. Human resources There are over 27 higher education institutions for technical, professional and specialized training, providing a qualified workforce that can adapt to the needs of the companies located in the region. 5. Incentives There are tax and non-tax incentives available for new companies located in Barranquilla, with exemptions for up to 10 years on industry and trade tax. 6. Economic centers There is a wide range of offices, shopping centers and over 400 hectares of industrial parks, including three Free Trade Zones that offer technology training and facilities at very good prices. 7. Qualify of life Barranquilla is recognized for the quality of its health services, diversity in its educational choices with bilingual schools, social clubs for all types of water and sports activities, Colombian and international restaurants, its proximity to top tourist attractions in the country, and so much more. 8. New era of public management Today, Barranquilla is listed by the World Bank as a top city in public administration, with an ongoing commitment to the development of infrastructure projects and urban renovation works that make it a dynamic and increasing competitive city. In recent years, the District and Department Governments have budgeted over US $2 billion for investment in the city. 9. Our commitment More than 110 private sector businesses in the city and the economic business associations have supported ProBarranquilla’s work in promoting and attracting investments by supporting potential investors confidentially and at no cost. 10. Colombia on the move Colombia is in the midst of a strong commitment to internationalizing its economy, reflected by the 16 signed Free Trade Agreements, commercial agreements with 64 countries and a 206% increase in direct foreign investments from 2011 to 2013.
  • 39.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 39 CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Maria Camila Salas Position: Director E-mail: mcsalas@investincartagena.com Telephone: +57 5 6655861 Cell: +57 313 291 3300 Twitter: @investincartagena Web: www.investincartagena.com INVEST IN CARTAGENA is the Cartagena and Bolivar Investment Firm created with support from the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, the Government of Bolivar and ANDI (Bolivar Region), whose objective is to attract foreign and domestic investment by developing strategies to position Cartagena and Bolivar as a magnet for potential investors. Services offered at no cost and with complete confidentiality, facilitating the opening of your business and expansion projects. According to the Baseline Investment report for the city of Cartagena de Indias performed by the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce, business investment in the city totaled over 4 billion Colombian pesos in 2012, which awarded the Bolivar Department a place on the Ranking South American States of the Future 2014/15 issued by FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). It held second position in Colombia and seventh in the region as one of the top developers with best strategies to attract investors. INVEST IN CARTAGENA Bolivar Investment Firm CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR Cartagena de Indias. Reasons to invest in Cartagena and Bolivar: • The biodiversity of the extensive territory of the Bolivar Department is conducive to agricultural production and integrated production. • In 2013, the Bolivar Department was ranked as the second top exporter in Colombia, with 28.5% in exports, making it number one in the Caribbean region. Customs in Cartagena is number one in Colombia with 59.5% of the country’s total FOB value. • Cartagena has a strategic location along the Caribbean, just a two-hour flight away from Florida and a one-hour flight from Panama. With fluid maritime and fluvial connectivity, just three days by ship from the coast of Florida and five days by ship from the eastern coast of the United States. • Cartagena is the primary platform for foreign trade in Colombia, allowing preferential access to over 1.5 billion consumers via its ports and airport, through commercial agreements with 48 countries. • We offer a safe, large, calm, deep bay. There are no problems with tides, currents or hurricanes; a depth up to 18 m is ideal for port development. • Top tourism destination in Colombia for leisure and corporate travelers. Ranked 14th in America on the ICCA Ranking and 56th in the world. We offer a world-class hotel infrastructure that has attracted international chains including the Iberostar Group, Viceroy - Obra PIA Group, Hilton, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Hampton and more. An increase in infrastructure is expected in upcoming years. In just the first quarter of 2014, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, records showed a total of 72,280 m2 in area approved for hotel construction. WWW.INVESTINCARTAGENA.COM Strategic Hub in Latin America and the Caribbean
  • 40.
    40 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO Rank Port Country Volume (Million TEUS) 1 Los Angeles USA 7.9 2 Long Beach USA 6.1 3 New York USA 5.5 4 Colon Panama 3.4 5 Balboa Panama 3.3 6 Santos Brazil 3.0 7 Savannah USA 2.9 8 Oakland USA 2.4 9 Cartagena Colombia 2.2 10 Seattle USA 2.0 SERVICES In the exploration phase: • General and sector information (custom made). • Schedules for institutional and commercial contacts. • Meetings with public and university officials - Public and private networking. • Assistance in site location. • Information about lot costs, public utilities by zone, sites, etc. In the installation phase: • Consultation on starting a company. • Support with paperwork and regulations for initiating a project. • Networking with potential customers and suppliers. Aftercare (established investor): • Monitoring, assistance and representation with local and regional governments. • Productive supply chains. • Assistance with recruitment and selection of human resources. • Agro-industry • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Petrochemical • Plastics • Tourism • Metallurgical SECTORS • The city has worked with over 140 direct foreign investment projects. Installation and expansion projects have been completed in different sectors, with the most significant companies being: Grupo Phoenix Packaging [sic: Packaging] Caribe S.A.S., Grupo Viceroy - OBRA PIA, Jason Industrial Inc., Mexichem, Tenaris, Puerto Bahía, Argos - Expansion Project, Auteco y Cemex. EXISTING COMPANIES • Cartagena also offers fluvial transportation by the Magdalena River, which connects to the rest of the country through the Dique Canal. Our industrial zone has an excellent infrastructure of logistical ports, making it one of the most competitive investment destinations in the Colombian Caribbean. We also have the most efficient port in the country, awarded by the Caribbean Shipping Association for six consecutive years. • The city’s port handled 71.53% of the country’s container freight in 2013, and manages 60% of the freight between Colombia and the USA. We have also been the largest hub worldwide for Hamburg Sud since 2010, and the largest hub in the Americas for Hapag Lloyd since 2013, among others. We have four Free Trade Zones, four public port terminals, over 40 private terminals and numerous private parks, which make Cartagena very attractive for any investment. We also offer total coverage with public utilities throughout the entire area. • We have the second largest oil refinery in the country. Currently in its final expansion and modernization phase, it will double its current capacity with a total investment of US $6.4 million. The expanded and updated refinery will be the most modern refinery in Latin America and will begin operation in the second quarter of 2015. This project is the largest currently being developed in Colombia. With it, the city now has 5,271 people who have been trained and certified under international NCCER regulations in 16 specific disciplines, including electrical topography, insulation, storage and scaffolding, among others. Cartagena: the ninth most active port in the Americas INVEST IN CARTAGENA CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR WWW.INVESTINCARTAGENA.COM Source: SPRC and Contecar. Bolivar Investment Firm
  • 41.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 41 BARRANQUILLA FREE TRADE ZONE BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO Barranquilla, Atlantico. Name: Levis Racedo Wilches E-mail: lracedo@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Name: Giovanna Lomanto Alvarez E-mail: glomanto@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Name: Stephanie Marriaga Jambooz E-mail: smarriaga@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Telephone: PBX: CONTACT INFORMATION Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., U.O.Z.F. has an integrated management system certified under ISO 9001 version 2008 standards and BASC version 2012. A pioneer in Colombia’s Free Trade Regime, Z.F. (Zona Franca, [Free Trade Zone]) de Barranquilla strives toward the consolidation of an integrated foreign trade platform that allows for implementation of large-scale industrial projects, commercial exchange between the largest markets in the world, domestic and international logistics development, merchandise transport by sea and river through an internal port and providing services to different economic sectors. This framework provides domestic and international entrepreneurs and investors with a broad and complete offering of products and services designed to facilitate production and worldwide trade, based out of one of the most important strategic hubs in the hemisphere. Because of its profitability, industrial and commercial projection and its inherent economic and social development, the products and services offered by Zona Franca de Barranquilla S.A. are the best investment option available. We invite you to become part of our success. www.zonafrancabarranquilla.com +57 5 3301430 +57 5 3448299 +57 5 3448288 +57 5 3448442 Cell. +57 3008157008-3002567584-3008910748
  • 42.
    42 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Audio equipment rental (events). • 24-hour service, 7 days a week. • Lots and warehouses available under a lease modality. • Administration of Free Trade Regime. • Logistics platform for implementing business under Free Trade Regime. • Interconnection access with the Port of Barranquilla. • Free trade maritime and river port. • Social responsibility through the Free Trade Zone Foundation of Barranquilla. • Specialized software for e-Free Trade foreign trade operations. SECTORS • Automotive • Agro-industry • Food • Beverages/Liquor • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Energy • Hydrocarbons/Chemicals/Agro-chemicals • Logistics and storage • Wood • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Metallurgy • Plastics Declared area: 1,000,000 m2. Available area: 73,481.63 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale N/A Lots for lease 54,681.60 Warehouse construction N/A Warehouses for sale N/A Warehouse rental 18,800.03 Covered storage yard rental N/A Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent Subject to availability • Atunes y Enlatados del Caribe “Atunec S.A.” • Barranquilla Industrial de Confecciones S.A. • Boating International Sucursal Colombia S.A. • Comdistral S.A. • Compañia Envasadora del Atlantico Ltda. • Laboratorios Rety de Colombia S.A.”Retycol S.A.” • Mademeco S.A. • Plataforma Petrolera del Rio Magdalena “Petromag S.A.S.” • Proficol Andina B.V. • Shell Colombia S.A. EXISTING COMPANIES www.zonafrancabarranquilla.com BARRANQUILLA FREE TRADE ZONE BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO
  • 43.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 43 BRISA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. MUNICIPALITY OF DIBULLA, LA GUAJIRA WWW.ZOFRABRISA.COM INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX The Brisa Free Trade Zone, approved by Resolution No. 7613 of August 5, 2010 by the National Directorate of Taxes and Customs, is an industrial complex with an area of 355 hectares, located in the municipality of Dibulla, La Guajira Department, with an adjacent multipurpose deep water port with public utilities and with the infrastructure required for the operation of industrial, services and logistics activities. Name: Victor Covo Mendez Position: General Manager E-mail: vcovo@zofrabrisa.com Telephone: +57 1 6218429 Name: Vivian Soto Cely Position: Assistant E-mail: info@zofrabrisa.com Telephone: +57 1 622 2327 / +57 310 269 6542 CONTACT INFORMATION Dibulla, Guajira. LOCATION Located in the municipality of Dibulla, department of La Guajira, on the country’s northern coast. Located on the Caribbean highway, 94 km east of Santa Marta and 74 km west of Riohacha. La Guajira, which is a border zone department and special customs zone, has a strategic location in the north of South America and in the extreme northeast of Colombia (Atlantic Coast). SECTORS • Agro-industry • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Petrochemical • Hydrocarbons • Mining • Iron and steel • Offshore industries Declared area: 3,545,388 m2. Available area: 3,251,300 m2.
  • 44.
    44 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES INFRASTRUCTURE • Large lot areas are available measuring between 17 and 23 hectares. They make an excellent platform for those industries in the mining, oil, steel and metallurgical, energy, logistics and trade industries, among others. • Access to Puerto Brisa; a multipurpose deep-water port neighboring the free zone. • Utility network that is capable of servicing 5,000 people as well as managing domestic and industrial solid waste. • Administrative services, maintenance of common areas, parking areas, commercial and service plazas. • High standards of safety and security (BASC rules and standards - Business Alliance for Secure Commerce). • Fortified perimeter fence. • Access road (2.3 km), a two-lane roundabout and double lane roads. • 6 roads enabled for freight vehicle access (three entering, three exiting) and four service scales. • Two parking lots, one prior to admission for load registration measuring 7,692 m2 and an additional one measuring 10,000 m2 used for loading and transit customs inspection. • There will be an area for logistic activities related to the Free Trade Zone, which will link road and rail transportation to the port. • Highly qualified and professional on-site personnel to manage and resolve issues related to the Free Trade Zone providing just the service and support that our customers need. • Advice and assistance in getting environmental permits and licenses for those industrial activities that require them. • Alcomex ZF Brisa S.A.S. • Operador Logistico Tayrona S.A.S. • Pro Zofra Brisa S.A.S. • Others in negotiation process EXISTING COMPANIES Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 3,251,300 Lot rental 3,251,300 Warehouse construction Area to be defined (1) Warehouses for sale Area to be defined (1) Warehouse rental Area to be defined (1) Covered storage yard rental Area to be defined (1) Uncovered storage yard rental Area to be defined (1) Offices for sale Area to be defined (1) Offices for rent Area to be defined (1) Tank-Farm Area to be defined (1) Note 1: according to individual needs of each client. REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZOFRABRISA.COM BRISA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. MUNICIPALITY OF DIBULLA, LA GUAJIRA
  • 45.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 45 LA CAYENA FREE TRADE ZONE KM 8 VIA BARRANQUILLA, TUBARA-BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO WWW.ZOFRACAR.COM Name: Felipe Arroyo Douat Position: General Manager E-mail: felipe.arroyo@zofracar.com Telephone: +57 318 800 7656 Name: Johanna Bernal Position: Commercial Coordinator E-mail: comercial@zofracar.com Telephone: +57 318 7117388 CONTACT INFORMATION Tubara, Barranquilla. Characteristics and advantages of the Free Trade Zone We are the answer to the new challenges put forth by today’s world. Partnering with La Cayena will allow your business to flourish by being in the Free Trade Zone that features top urban and architectural specifications, managed by a highly qualified human resources team that will support you continuously during your operations. The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is located in Barranquilla, America’s Golden Gate. Due to its excellent location, this city is the bridge between Colombia, the Caribbean and the world. The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is part of a vast commercial ecosystem. We form a fundamental part of what the city offers logistically as we are a Free Trade Zone prepared for your operations to begin immediately and we can adapt to the needs of your business. The La Cayena Free Trade Zone is the new axis of industrial development in the city and provides you with access to the port along with air and ground transportation, making your operations more efficient. We offer industrial expertise; Barranquilla is the most industrialized city in the Caribbean region of Colombia. We were born from industry and our core is truly dedicated to it.
  • 46.
    46 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Agro-industry • Biotechnology Declared area: 1,483,564 m2. Available area: 500,000 m2. • The La Cayena Free Trade Zone features the following, which represent the best of the environment we offer: • The Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, which serves Barranquilla. Considered to be the airport with the top infrastructure on the coast and second in the country in terms of international cargo transport. • Barranquilla is called the city that is “five times a port,” because it has infrastructure for land, maritime, river, air and telecommunications. • Easy access to urban areas, 10 minutes from Barranquilla, 30 minutes from the airport and the port area. • There are continuous public transportation services to the Free Trade Zone, operated by three different companies. • Barranquilla offers the second most economical labor force in the country, highly qualified, enterprising, hard-working, tenacious and with a strong work ethic. • Easy access to the city’s universities. • In an area of the Caribbean with the least amount of seismic activity and also located outside of the hurricane corridor. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 500,000 Lot rental 100,000 Warehouse construction 500,000 Warehouses for sale N/A Warehouse rental 21,000 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental 100,000 Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent 1,000 REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZOFRACAR.COM LA CAYENA FREE TRADE ZONE KM 8 VIA BARRANQUILLA, TUBARA-BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO
  • 47.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 47 LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA Name: Julio Gonzalez Acosta Position: General Manager E-mail: jgonzalez@zonafrancalasamericas.com Telephone: +57 316 526 1991 Name: Hernan Rodriguez de Lima Position: Business Manager E-mail: hrodriguez@zonafrancalasamericas.com Telephone: 310 839 7611 Telephone: +57 5 4328125 - 4328120 Ext.: 8000, 8001 CONTACT INFORMATION Santa Marta, Magdalena. The Las Americas Free Trade Zone (ZFA) is a project that seeks to promote and develop an agro-industrial cluster of goods and services aimed at the national and foreign markets, committed to finding self-sustainable alternatives, promoting production technology development by applying co-generation processes based on natural gas combustion, establishing environmental policy and social development as fundamental parts of its mission, vision and business principles. Our industrial and administrative infrastructures fuse with the tropical dry forest landscape and cutting-edge technological development. ZFA is strategically located at km 16 on the alternate route to the Ruta del Sol II port with excellent access points: South of the city of Santa Marta, 7 km from the port terminal, 17 km from the Simón Bolívar Airport and to the center of the country by Ruta del Sol II. With a total area of 315,000 m, plus an expansion of 80,000 m2, our infrastructure offers public utilities, sites for businesses, qualified human resources and strategic partners. We offer logistics services, industrial steam, scale, solid waste collection, closed circuit television and perimeter security. WWW.ZFA.COM.CO
  • 48.
    48 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Caribbean Eco Soaps S.A.S. • Atlantic Steam Energy S.A.S. • Construfranca S.A.S. • Fast Terminal Santa Marta S.A.S. • Caribbean Associated Free Zone S.A.S. • Trading Services S.A.S. • Free Zone Services S.A.S. • Operador Logistico Tayrona S.A.S. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • 24-hour foreign trade operations. • General cargo warehouse storage. • Automotive sector recruiting service. • 24-hour security and monitoring. • Logistics services for loading and unloading of merchandise. • Merchandise transportation to and from the port. • Asphalt storage yards, automotive sector. • Consulting services for Free Trade Zone operations. • Tradebox System. Our own inventory system for foreign trade operations. • Online security camera monitoring. • Strategic logistics sector alliances. • 80,000 m2 expansion area. • Self-generating electricity service. SECTORS • Automotive • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Agro-industry • Oil • Energy • Logistics and storage • Others Declared area: 315,000 m2. Available area: 200,000 m2. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale N/A Lot rental 200,000 m2 Warehouses construction availability 20,000 m2 Warehouses for sale N/A Warehouse rental By client request Covered storage yard rental By client request Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent Availability 300 m2 REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZFA.COM.CO LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
  • 49.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 49 PALERMO FREE TRADE ZONE MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, MAGDALENA WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALERMO.COM Sitio Nuevo, Magdalena. Name: Leonardo Sicard Abad Position: General Manager E-mail: lsicard@zonafrancapalermo.com Telephone: +57 1 6236011 / +57 5 3678000 Name: Catalina Ortega Perez Position: Commercial E-mail: mortega@zonafrancapalermo.com Telephone: +57 1 6236011, ext. 1173 CONTACT INFORMATION In Palermo, Magdalena, Grupo Coremar supports the development of a Free Trade Zone that, along with the Palermo Port Company and other industrial projects, will be part of the largest cluster of energy-related services in Colombia and a true multimodal platform that will offer both the incentives of the Free Trade Regime and also the tax incentives of the Sitio Nuevo Municipality. The Palermo Free Trade Zone seeks to meet the demand for industrial spaces for high value-added investment projects in the oil, mining and energy sectors that require strategic placement for logistics and international maritime, fluvial and ground transportation.
  • 50.
    50 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Qualification for industrial users and commercial users. • Consulting on the Free Trade Regime for qualified users. • Administrative and DIAN offices. • Software for inventory management and foreign trade operations. • Administrative services, public utilities, security system and large parking areas. • Scales and machinery for handling cargo. • Integrated logistics services from the Palermo Multipurpose Port. SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Agro-industry • Biotechnology • Others Declared area: 300,000 m2. Available area: 240,000 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Lot rental Warehouse construction Warehouse rental Offices for rent • Elite logistics zf S.A.S. • Alcomex zf S.A.S. EXISTING COMPANIES WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALERMO.COM PALERMO FREE TRADE ZONE MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, MAGDALENA
  • 51.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 51 WWW.ZONAFRANCAPC.CO Name: Bernard Gilchrist Position: General Manager E-mail: gerente@central.com.co Telephone: +57 6608946 Name: Paola Emiliani Position: Commercial E-mail: comercial@central.com.co Telephone: +57 310 634 3412 CONTACT INFORMATION Characteristics and location The Parque Central Free Trade Zone is located in the Municipality of Turbaco, in the conurbation area with the District of Cartagena de Indias, located along the Northern Colombian Coast of the Caribbean Sea, the most important logistical platform and business hub. It offers the only industrial zone in the country next to a deep port, a variety of productive clusters and an excellent quality of life. With its location in Cartagena de Indias, your company could reduce costs by being located in the country’s most important port city, offering: • More maritime frequencies • Reduced transport times • Less freight costs These things make the Port of Cartagena a direct link to foreign trade and guarantee the competitiveness of domestic products in international markets. This is how Cartagena de Indias has become a city of global networking and business. The Parque Central Free Trade Zone offers innumerable advantages for your company: • APPOLO®: The most modern inventory software for Free Trade Zones in the country. • ROADWAY CONNECTIVITY: Surrounded by the primary shipping highways and just a few kilometers from the ports, along the Mamonal Industrial Zone, with easy access to public transportation. • LANDSCAPE: Beautiful landscape, 6.4-hectare reservoir and responsibility for the environment. CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE • HIGH STANDARDS FOR QUALITY: BASC and ISO 9001, version 2008 certification for activities as User Operator. Cartagena de Indias. PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE PARQUE CENTRAL CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, BOLIVAR
  • 52.
    52 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Developed lots, warehouses, storage yards and offices for industry, logistics and commerce. • Double scale at entrance and exit. • Comprehensive 24/7 security system. • DIAN building and special area for customs inspection with capacity for 12 tractor-trailers. • Services building with offices, conference rooms and restaurants available (phase two). • Trainings on the Free Trade Zone Regime, foreign trade and customs procedures. • Operation of Special Free Trade Zones. Other Services • Assistance in the process of installing, starting and operating your project. • Logistical support with local processes. • The Operations Directorate provides support with users’ international business operations, amongst other added-value services, with the support of Central S.A. • Automotive • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Agro-industry • Manufacturing • Apparel materials • Logistics and storage • Metallurgical • Construction • Petrochemical - Plastics Declared area: 116 hectares. Available area: 45 hectares. SECTORS Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale Lots for sale 380,000 (phase one) 340,000 (phase two) Lot rental By order Warehouse construction According to specifications Warehouses for sale According to specifications Warehouse rental According to specifications Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental According to specifications Offices for sale According to specifications Offices for rent According to specifications Others N/A REAL ESTATE OFFERED • Panelmet S.A.S. • Liners de Colombia S.A.S. • Estrumetal Caribe S.A.S. • Speed Transport S.A.S. • Free Zone Service S.A. • Planet Industrial S.A. • Distriservices S.A. Colombia • Industrial Taylor Zona Franca S.A.S. • Uruz America Corp S.A.S. • Santafe Zona Franca S.A.S. EXISTING COMPANIES WWW.ZONAFRANCAPC.CO PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE PARQUE CENTRAL CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, BOLIVAR
  • 53.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 53 WWW.PUERTADELASAMERICASZF.COM The Puerta de las Americas Free Trade Zone is strategically located at the epicenter of the Colombian Caribbean, at km 12 of the Mar Cartagena - Barranquilla Highway and 7 minutes from the Cartagena de Indias International Airport. With an area of over 60 hectares, Puerta de las Americas has become the new “downtown” of the Cartagena metropolitan area and within its closed perimeter it offers offices, businesses, shop windows, lots, health Free Trade Zone, fairgrounds, convention center, hotel, beach club (outside of the Free Trade Regime), among other services. Surrounded by schools, housing complexes, hotels, a golf course, medical Free Trade Zone, and the future Cartagena de Indias fairgrounds, this permanent Free Trade Zone for services offers an exceptional, high-value strategic location. Name: Martha Abondano C. Position: General Manager E-mail: info@puertadelasamericaszf.com Telephone: +57 5 6 436 648 Name: Paola Oliver Peñaranda Position: Commercial Coordinator E-mail: poliver@puertadelasamericaszf.com Telephone: +57 313 452 3320 CONTACT INFORMATION PUERTA DE LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE, S.A. CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR. Infrastructure The Puerta de las Americas Free Trade Zone offers a world-class platform built in accordance with international standards, strict environmental regulations, energy redundancy and the latest generation of connectivity. Advantages • Six minutes from the Cartagena de Indias International Airport. • Along the Mar Cartagena - Barranquilla Highway. 35 minutes from Barranquilla. • Integral operator services through One Stop Office (Telephone IP, automatic receptionist, business services, professional consulting, personalized assistance for companies and professionals). • Services cluster (professional, business, health, exports). Security system • Comprehensive 24/7 centralized security system. • Perimeter fence. • Video camera and controlled access for vehicles and pedestrians. • Electronic monitoring system (optional). Network of services • Fiber optic connectivity latest generation equipment. • IP telephone network and local operator services. • Internal access for natural gas distribution. • 110-volt and 220-volt electricity network. Redundancy through cogeneration (phase 2). • Wastewater treatment plant.
  • 54.
    54 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES SECTORS • BPO - ITO - KPO • Automotive • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Biotechnology • Apparel • Logistics and storage • Health • Tourism • Education • Research • Services Declared area: 260,000 m2. Available area: 29,000 m2. Services for Free Trade Zone user operators • One Stop Office – User operator services to facilitate installation and operation. • Entry and exit control for Free Trade Zone user operators. • Qualification of users of goods, users of services and business users. • Administrative offices. • National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) offices. • On-line inventory system for controlling operations in the Free Trade Zone. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 1,118 Lot rental 2 Ha Warehouse construction N/A Warehouses for sale 6,000 Warehouse rental 8,000 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental 6,000 Offices for sale 1,195 Offices for rent 1,595 Sale/lease medical clinics 2,300 Lot for sale clinics 3,400 Commercial sites for sale 247 REAL ESTATE OFFERED • Centro Internacional BPO de Cartagena de Indias S.A.S. • Cartagena Medical City S.A.S. • Cartagena Technology Park S.A.S. • Constructora Colombiana de Zonas Francas S.A.S. • Servicios Electromecanicos y Civiles S.A.S. • Others undergoing the qualification process EXISTING COMPANIES WWW.PUERTADELASAMERICASZF.COM PUERTA DE LAS AMERICAS FREE TRADE ZONE, S.A. CARTAGENA, BOLIVAR.
  • 55.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 55 SANTA MARTA FREE TRADE ZONE SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA Name: Victoria Medina Cuello Position: Manager E-mail: vmedina@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com Name: Sandra Serrano Melendez Position: Administrative Professional E-mail: sserrano@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com Name: Raquel Charris Robles Position: Head of Operations E-mail: rcharris@zonafrancaindustrialdesantamarta.com Telephone: PBX. CONTACT INFORMATION “Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., U.O.Z.F. has an integrated management system certified under ISO 9001, version 2008 standards and BASC version 2008.” WWW.ZONAFRANCAINDUSTRIALDESANTAMARTA.COM WWW.ZONAFRANCABARRANQUILLA.COM Santa Marta, Magdalena. The Santa Marta Free Trade Zone, a pioneer in the regime for the Magdalena Department, is considered the most competitive offer in the city. Its location along the Troncal del Caribe highway just 10 km from Simón Bolivar Airport and 8 km from the Sociedad Portuaria de Santa Marta (Port Company of Santa Marta), provides our users with flexible access for their cargo to the interior of the country. The Santa Marta Free Trade Zone offers tax, customs and foreign trade benefits that are providing incentives for business clusters every day and generating economies of scale. We offer lot and warehouse leasing at truly competitive prices: Become part of a Free Trade Zone with experience to meet new goals. +57 5 4300639 / +57 5 4301175 +57 5 4302547 / +57 5 4301314 +57 5 4210201
  • 56.
    56 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Almaservicio S.A.S. • Induservicios Zona Franca S.A.S. • Chemcarmp S.A.S. • Prime Colombia S.A.S. • Royal Petroleum Corporation S.AS. • International Fuels Santa Marta S.A. • Operadora Logistica de Santa Marta S.A.S. • Litex Ltda. • C.I. Liber del Sur • Smart Services Colombia Ltda. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • Administration of Free Trade Regime. • 24-hour service, 7 days a week. • Lots and warehouses available for lease. • Public utilities. • E-trade software, specializing in management of foreign trade operations. SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Biotechnology • Apparel • Logistics and storage • Hydrocarbons • Chemicals • Beverages/Liquor Declared area: 307,945.40 m2. Available area: 148,885 m2. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale N/A Lot rental 145,697 m2 Warehouse construction By client request and specifications Warehouses for sale N/A Warehouse rental 1,010 m2 Covered storage yard rental 1,948 m2 Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent N/A Catering for rent 230 m2 REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZONAFRANCAINDUSTRIALDESANTAMARTA.COM WWW.ZONAFRANCABARRANQUILLA.COM SANTA MARTA FREE TRADE ZONE SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
  • 57.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 57 TAYRONA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA Name: Alfredo Ortega Salazar Position: Operations and Commercial Director E-mail: comercial@zonafrancatayrona.com Telephone: +57 4366100 - +57 3106015483 CONTACT INFORMATION Santa Marta, Magdalena. The Tayrona Free Trade Zone is located in Santa Marta, one of the cities closest to the central and eastern regions of Colombia. We stand out as the port closest to the United States, Europe and Venezuela. We have excellent roadway access connectivity by being located directly along the Troncal del Caribe Highway, the railway line and the Ruta del Sol Highway, placing us just 12 km from the Santa Marta Port. The city has the lowest air salinity percentage of the Colombian ports on the Caribbean, with the lowest relative humidity (70%) of the Caribbean Coast. This allows us to be an ideal place for companies in the metallurgical, agro-industrial and logistics operations, being able to protect and store parts and equipment with minimal risk of rust and deterioration. We have been able to achieve a position as one of the most important industrial and logistical parks in the country thanks to the management performed by our human resources team, our strategic location and because we are in a city with growth potential. WWW.ZONAFRANCATAYRONA.COM
  • 58.
    58 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Knight S.A.S. • Logistica Integral Tayrona S.A.S. • Almaviva Zona Franca S.A.S. • Districargo Operations S.A. Colombia • Servicios Industriales del Norte S.AS. • Distriservices S.A. Colombia • Logiservicios del Caribe S.A.S. • Inmar Overseas Sucursal Colombia • Travesa Zona Franca S.A.S. • Tayrona Steel Pipe EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • 24-hour operations, 365 days a year. • 100-ton scale service. • Access to all public utilities. • Consolidation of cargo. • Deconsolidation of cargo. • Partial processing within the country. • Logistics service for the rest of the world to a third party in the TAN. • Assistance in foreign trade operations. SECTORS • Metallurgical • Agro-industrial • Logistics • Services • Food • Textiles Declared area: 1,001,602 m2. Available area: 550,000 m2. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for lease and sale 550,000 m2 Warehouses for lease and sale 3,000 m2 Offices for lease and sale 400 m2 Paved storage yards for lease and sale 20,000 m2 REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZONAFRANCATAYRONA.COM TAYRONA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. SANTA MARTA, MAGDALENA
  • 59.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 59 INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE ATLANTICO, ZOFIA GALAPA, ATLANTICO WWW.ZOFIA.COM.CO Galapa, Atlantico. Name: Levis Racedo Wilches E-mail: lracedo@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Name: Giovanna Lomanto Alvarez E-mail: glomanto@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Name: Alejandra Maldonado Martinez E-mail: amaldonado@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Name: Alex D. Pacheco Andrade E-mail: apacheco@zonafrancabarranquilla.com Telephone: PBX: CONTACT INFORMATION Operated by Zona Franca Barranquilla S.A., U.O.Z.F. has an integrated management system certified under ISO 9001 version 2008 standards and BASC version 2012. A permanent Free Trade Zone located in the Municipality of Galapa, 9.5 km from Barranquilla’s port and airport zones, with alternate ports in Santa Marta and Cartagena, it offers an area equipped for the establishment of companies that are dynamic and successful in their activities, meeting the rigorous demands of globalization in core elements including the environment, security in freight management, trust, competitiveness in utilities and total operational systematization of foreign trade. ZOFIA was developed as a physical structure with the latest technology, with modern facilities within a friendly environment. ZOFIA offers a rainwater drainage network that channels rainwater, underground medium and high tension electricity networks that give the landscape a positive visual impact, LED technology for public lighting, wastewater treatment plants that reuse flow for irrigation, a primary roadway with two lanes, each 9 meters wide; two-way paved service roads that meet the highest quality standards. The entire park is separated into four industry sectors: services, light-, medium- and heavy-duty. At the International Free Trade Zone of Atlantico, ZOFIA, in addition to the benefits of the Free Trade Regime, you will receive special exemptions for over 10 years on property, industrial and commercial taxes, and related taxes granted by the Municipality of Galapa, Atlantico. Because of its profitability, industrial and commercial projection and its inherent economic and social development, the products and services offered by the Free Trade Zone of Barranquilla, S.A. are the best investment option available. We invite you to become part of our success. +57 300 815 7008 +57 300 891 0748 +57 300 703 1111 +57 304 355 5384
  • 60.
    60 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Permanent Free Trade Zone, with an area of 1,200,000 m2. • International category platform. • 24-hour service, 7 days a week. • Guaranteed public utilities. • Urbanized lots available under a sale and/or lease modality. • Lots and warehouses available for establishing projects under the Free Trade Regime. • Rapid valuation investments. • Availability program: immediate. • In addition to the benefits of the Free Trade Regime, 10 years of special exemptions are granted for property, industry and commerce tax and related taxes. • Integrated consulting on foreign trade, training and upgrading. • Structuring of foreign trade projects. • In-house specialized software for e-Free foreign trade operations. SECTORS • Automotive • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Logistics and storage • Construction materials • Food and beverages • Hydrocarbons/ chemicals/ petrochemicals • Metallurgy • Plastics • Wood • Glass Declared area: 1,200,000 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale from 1,600 m2 505,000 m2 Lots for lease Subject to availability Warehouse construction From 570 m2 Warehouses for sale 11,500 m2 Warehouse rental 11,500 m2 Covered storage yard rental Subject to customer specifications Offices for sale 11,075* m2 11,075* m2 Offices for lease 11,075* m2 11,075* m2 *Total area: Modality (sale and/or lease) depends on the needs of the potential client. • Premezclados y Concretos del Atlantico S.A.S. • ZF Ingenieria S.A.S. • Global Engineering Group S.A.S. • Jade Trading S.A.S. • Siscom Zona Franca S.A. • Easy Investment S.A.S. • Todo Llantas y Mas S.A.S. • Sistemas Constructivos Avanzados S.A.S. • Estacion de Servicios E.D.S Grupo Exito EXISTING COMPANIES WWW.ZOFIA.COM.CO INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE ATLANTICO, ZOFIA GALAPA, ATLANTICO
  • 61.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 61 PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE SANTELCA I. WWW.SANTELCA.COM Name: Santiago Vargas Ramos Position: General Manager E-mail: gerencia@santelca.com Name: Carlos Emilio Vargas Ramos Position: Assistant Manager E-mail: cvargas@santelca.com Sales Department E-mail: ventas@santelca.com National line: +57 018000 517168 Cell. +57 313 424 0587 CONTACT INFORMATION Permanent Free Trade Zone SANTELCA I., is located at kilometer 19 of the Gambote-Mamonal Highway on the left-hand side in the industrial sector of the municipality of Turbana, Bolivar Department. It is adjacent to the Mamonal Industrial Zone and the Port of Cartagena, which is ranked 4th in Latin America and 62nd in the world for freight handling. It connects the country with 70% of countries and over 500 ports that handle 98% of global freight. Our intent is to establish ourselves as a hub for development and a location for domestic and foreign companies, providing entrepreneurs with the support they need to receive the benefits granted under the Free Trade Regime: 15% of income, exempt from CREE Equity Tax, VAT and duty exemption for merchandise coming from the rest of the world, VAT exemption for raw materials, parts, supplies and finished goods sold from National Customs territory to Free Trade Zone users and exemption up to 100% for 5 years and gradually over the following 4 years on property, industry, trade taxes, notices and tables issued by the Municipality of Turbana, Bolivar; achieving a framework appropriate for each type of business and thus being able to contribute to strengthen the Port of Cartagena, which is now positioned as the top maritime port in freight handling in the country and has a port, airport and road infrastructure that meets all the demands of domestic and foreign industries. All of the above is offered within a framework of social and environmental responsibility, security, efficiency, transparency, technological development and best business practices. The combination of these factors will allow your company, with the assistance of the SANTELCA Permanent Free Trade Zone, to optimize your processes and satisfy your clients’ needs, truly reaching new levels of competitiveness. “Do business the intelligent way, let us help you.” TURBANA, CARTAGENA
  • 62.
    62 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Customs jurisdiction area that includes the respective offices (DIAN and User Operator) and customs inspection area. • Roadways designed for circulation and freight vehicle traffic. • Customs control scales located at the entrance and exit of the Free Trade Zone. • Crane bridge service. • Banking services, restaurants, auditoriums and others on-site. • Outdoor and indoor green areas. • Deceleration and acceleration lane for entrance and exit to the Free Trade Zone. • Controlled entry and exit for individuals, vehicles and merchandise, 24-7 (CCTV). • Water treatment, energy and natural gas utilities. • Wastewater treatment plant. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 476,501 m2 Lots for lease According to client request and specifications Warehouse construction Warehouses for sale Warehouse rental Covered storage yard rental Uncovered storage yard Offices for sale Offices for rent • Desarrolladora Diseños Construcciones S.A.S. • V.D. El Mundo a sus Pies S.A.S. (Spring Step) EXISTING COMPANIES SECTORS • Plastics • Manufacturing • Apparel • Footwear and related parts • Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics • Food / Beverages • Construction • Chemicals • Petrochemical • Oil industry and related • Logistics and storage Declared area: 739,746.37 m2. Available area: 556,501 m2. TURBANA, CARTAGENA WWW.SANTELCA.COM PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE SANTELCA I.
  • 63.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 63 WESTERN REGION Characteristics Population (2013, census 2005) Antioquia 6,299,990 Caldas 984,115 Quindio 558,969 Risaralda 941,275 Source: DANE (The National Administrative Department of Statistics). Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindio. Inflation Rate by City City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* Medellin 2.47 3.58 4.12 2.49 1.78 2.21 Manizales 1.22 2.4 4.65 2.43 1.72 2.54 Armenia 1.13 2.49 3.04 1.92 1.18 2.60 Pereira 1.77 2.84 3.74 2.19 1.19 2.53 National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 *Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]). Paisaje Cultural Cafetero. Orquideorama, Medellin.
  • 64.
    64 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO GDP by Department Department GDP 2012 (US $millions) Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) Share % GDP Antioquia 48,505 7,796 13.1% Caldas 5,253 5,348 1.4% Quindio 2,866 5,157 0.8% Risaralda 5,116 5,467 1.4% Total GDP 370,098 229,094 Source: DANE - Departmental Accounts. Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) Sector Total Proportion for Projects Financial Services 12.0% Software and IT Services 10.8% Agro-industry 9.6% Automotive 8.4% Telecommunications 8.4% BPO* 7.2% Metallurgical Industry 6.0% *Business Services. Source: FDI Markets. Unemployment Rate by Department Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Antioquia 12.8 11.9 10.4 10.6 9.7 Caldas 12.9 14.0 11.8 10.2 9.2 Quindio 18.8 18.1 17.7 15.4 15.8 Risaralda 17.8 18.3 14.8 14.8 12.8 National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of Statistics]). WESTERN REGION
  • 65.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONASFRANCAS 65 Western Region Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindio. • Investor confidence: Based on Colombian Confederation of Chambers of Commerce registries, more than 8,900 new companies were created in Antioquia in 2013. • Human talent: In Risaralda, there are 27 institutions of higher education supported by the Federal Ministry of Education. Direct support in developing customized training programs, and recruiting and selection processes. • The most innovative city in the world: in 2013, the Urban Land Institute awarded STRENGTHS Medellin the recognition of the Most Innovative City in the World. • Ease of doing business: Manizales, one of the capital cities in the region, is ranked first by the World Bank for Doing Business. • Sound tourism infrastructure: tourist attractions in the Department of Quindio, like the Coffee Park, Panaca, and the coffee-producing haciendas, attract a large number of domestic and foreign visitors.
  • 66.
    66 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO Hotel and Tourism Infrastructure The Coffee Cultural Landscape, an extraordinary example of a unique sustainable and productive cultural landscape, represents a powerful tradition and is a benchmark for both national and international coffee-producing areas. Coffee-production is the main distinctive symbol of Colombia (UNESCO, 2012). Agribusiness The department of Caldas works hard toward strengthening the agribusiness and agricultural sector. It develops projects to set up productive chains in the agricultural, livestock, and woodland sectors, among others. In turn, there is an investment in 8,280 acres in rubber and guadua (bamboo-like) plantations. The public-private alliance promotion is also important, as it aims to improve the industrial plants in the department. Infrastructure The Coffee Highway project, which includes Quindio, Risaralda, and Caldas is intended to strengthen the export of agricultural products from the departments in the Coffee Triangle. The Cesar Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct will link Pereira and Dosquebradas, playing an important role in vehicle transit between the cities of Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales. It was acknowledged with the National Architecture Award. The projects of the West Railroad Station, the Virginia Sea Wall, the Quimbaya Natural Park and its cable car system, and the Biopark. Matecaña International Airport, Department of Risaralda, in the process of remodeling. BPO It receives government support with the Cluster City Medellin project and a Communications Technology innovation plan focused on ICTs, medicine, and energy with approximately 400 innovation projects approved by Colciencias. Fashion System It constitutes 34% of the textile production in the country, 54% of apparel production, and 20% of leather, footwear, and leather goods production in Colombia. REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
  • 67.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 67 PEREIRA INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE Name: Daniel Eduardo Giraldo Salazar Position: General Manager E-mail: gerencia@zonafrancadepereira.com Telephone: +57 310 8289 505 Name: Ana Maria Alzate Herrera Position: Business Director E-mail: direccioncomercial@zonafrancadepereira.com Telephone: +57 314 8865 520 CONTACT INFORMATION Characteristics and Advantages of the Free Trade Zone The Pereira Free Trade Zone offers an advantageous logistical location, making it the logistics hub in Colombia with specialization in four strategic sectors in accordance with the region’s industries (textiles/apparel, metallurgy, services (BPO-KPO-IT) and logistics). We have training programs to provide a workforce that meets the needs of our clients. Our people are the foundation of our Free Trade Zone, and that’s why we have a business social responsibility program committed to sustainable development through the creation of jobs and protecting the environment. WWW.ZONAFRANCADEPEREIRA.COM
  • 68.
    68 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES WWW.ZONAFRANCADEPEREIRA.COM • 24-hour service, 7 days a week. • Administrative offices. • Urbanized lots available under a sale and/or lease modality. • Guaranteed public utilities. • Wastewater treatment plant. • Specialized software for managing foreign trade operations. • High security and safety standards (BASC-Business Alliance for Secure Commerce regulations and standards). • Human resources available to help with the initiation of your operation. The Pereira Free Trade Zone has a job pool and offers assistance with personnel recruitment according to profiles defined by users. • Business social responsibility - Growing Together Program. • 100% private Free Trade Zone. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 53,626 m2 Lots for lease 42,092 m2 Warehouse construction 54,350 m2 Warehouses for sale 37,300 m2 Warehouse rental 21,700 m2 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental 16,092 m2 Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent 7,528 m2 Others N/A • Arturo Calle Zona Franca S.A.S. • Onzas S.A.S. • Louis Barton • Sutex Internacional S.A.S. • Top Blue Jeans International S.A.S. • Fibra Hogar • Gino Passcalli • Andes Ingenieria Zona Franca S.A.S. • Tecniservicios Zona Franca S.A.S. • Azkoyen andina S.A.S. • Faic S.A.S. • Aselog Zona Franca S.A.S. • Mobile Smart Ideas S.A.S. • Logirastreo S.A.S. • Primavera EXISTING COMPANIES PEREIRA INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE ZONE SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Textiles/Apparel • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • BPO/KPO Services Declared area: 273,000 m2. Available area: 69,718 m2.
  • 69.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 69 Name: Jaime Henriquez Gallo Position: General Manager E-mail: henriquez_g@hotmail.com Telephone: +57 (4) 319 7060, Medellin Name: María Isabel Sierra Vásquez Position: Regional Director E-mail: msierra@zonafrancadeuraba.com Telephone: +57 4 828 7050, Apartado CONTACT INFORMATION • The Uraba Free Trade Zone is located in the center of the region that neighbors the Gulf of Uraba, in the Apartado Municipality, a center for economic, social and exporting development. • Uraba is the Atlantic Port nearest to Bogota, Cali, Medellin and the center of the country, with the shortest land distances of 400 km, on average. • The Government and EPM promote industrial development in the region and are looking into energy tax rebates and new incentives to promote growth in the area. • The current port system handles 2.5 tons of cargo each year. A weekly route of banana boats to the USA and Europe operates third-party freight. • The “Uraba Port Promoter” operates the permit for a modern port system with specialized terminals along the gulf. • Industries within the Uraba Free Trade Zone have easy access to Central American markets that have 40 million consumers. The Free Trade Zone in Colon, Panama, offers immense possibilities for fluid two-way international trade. • Significant budget amounts are being invested into the Medellin-Uraba highway to upgrade it and make it competitive. Likewise, the Government and State are working on “Highways to Prosperity,” which includes the modernization of this route. • The workforce in Uraba is young, abundant and qualified. • Security is guaranteed by the XVII Brigade of the National Army, the Navy, Police, DAS and Special Forces who patrol the entire area. Apartado, Antioquia. PERMANENT URABA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. APARTADO, ANTIOQUIA. WWW.ZONAFRANCADEURABA.COM
  • 70.
    70 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Promotora Clinica Panamericana S.A.S. • Construcciones y Concretos de Uraba S.A.S. • Logizone S.A.S. • Cliu S.A.S. • Importaciones y Logistica Zahen • Arquitectura y Construcciones Proa EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • IT inventory and operational system for permanent and special Free Trade Zones. • 24-hour service, 7 days a week. • Provision of all public utilities within the Free Trade Zone. • Specialized software for managing inventory and security control for the Free Trade Zone. • Scale service. • Wastewater treatment plant. • Electricity substation. • Sale and lease of fully urbanized lots, yards, warehouses and offices. SECTORS • Agro-industry • Apparel • Logistics and storage • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Health sector • BPO Declared area: 258,711 m2. Available area: 148,046 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 130,046 Lot rental 18,000 WWW.ZONAFRANCADEURABA.COM PERMANENT URABA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A.S. APARTADO, ANTIOQUIA.
  • 71.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 71 Name: Harold Clavijo Díaz Position: General Manager (and) member of the Board of Directors E-mail: gerencia@zonafrancaeje.com Telephone: +57 6 731 2626 Name: Alejandra Mora Daza Position: Commercial E-mail: comercial@zonafrancaeje.com Telephone: +57 318 548 4882 CONTACT INFORMATION The Free Trade Zone of the Coffee Cultural Landscape is an important logistical platform that is driving internationalization in the Coffee Cultural Landscape and in the country, dynamically incorporating key competitive factors including: Location, infrastructure, incentives, market access, security, costs, decisive support and help with customs operations and other relevant factors. In addition to these benefits and factors, by the end of this year, the Free Trade Zone will again operate with cargo trains from the Pacific port in Buenaventura with the existing Multimodal Railway Terminal and within the Free Trade Zone, making it a top-notch transfer, distribution and commercial center. Located equidistant from Colombia’s largest cities: Bogota, Cali, Buenaventura, and Medellin, approximately 150 km; encompassing a population of 23 million residents within a radius of 300 km to 216 km from Buenaventura, a Pacific port that handles 50% of the country’s foreign trade. Flexibility in processes. Because it is a smaller-sized Free Trade Zone, it has a real-time economy and thus, greater competitiveness. Up to 95% tax exemption from municipal taxes for companies located in the Free Trade Zone of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, offering very competitive rates nationally. The Quindio Department is comprised of 1,845 square kilometers and is one of the smallest in the country. Within its jurisdiction it has one brigade and three battalions of the National Army, which makes it one of the most secure regions in the country. WWW.ZONAFRANCAEJE.COM COFFEE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FREE TRADE ZONE LA TEBAIDA, QUINDIO
  • 72.
    72 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Magnetron Zona Franca S.A.S. • Soluciones Tecnicas en Quimica Soluteq S.A.S. • Viva operador logistico S.A.S. • Free Zone Service S.A.S. • Industria Comercial Andina Icoandina S.A.S. • Transarmenia Carga Zona Franca S.A.S. • Servicios Logisticos Integrados Slin S.A.S. • Comercial Ltda. • Multiservicios Partes y Equipos L.T.D.A. • Silo TT S.A.S. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • Service networks. • Fiber optics for voice, data and video communications. • PICIZ System - Integral Software for Inventory Control in Free Trade Zones. • On-site operations center and customs. • SYGA - Customs Information Technology System. • Wide pedestrian and vehicle lanes. • Private 24-hour security, 365 days a year. • Logistical, customs and administrative support. • Multimodal Railway Terminal. • Electricity substation with 40 MVA capacity. • User qualification. • Consulting on the administrative and operative Free Trade Zone Regime. SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Construction materials • Logistics and storage • Agro-industry • Biotechnology • Others Declared area: 201,366 m². Available area: 40,457 m². Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 21,014 m2 Lot rental 16,366 m2 Warehouse construction N/A Warehouses for sale 1,016 m2 Warehouse rental 2,061 m2 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental N/A Offices for sale N/A Offices for rent N/A REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZONAFRANCAEJE.COM COFFEE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FREE TRADE ZONE LA TEBAIDA, QUINDIO
  • 73.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 73 PACIFIC REGION Characteristics Population (2013, census 2005) Cauca 1,354,733 Huila 1,126,316 Valle del Cauca 4,520,480 Source: DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics). Inflation Rate by City City 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014* Popayan 1.98 2.44 3.63 1.95 0.85 2.82 Neiva 2.82 2.69 5.41 2.42 1.57 3.57 Cali 1.2 2.46 3.19 1.89 1.74 2.50 National Total 2.00 3.17 3.73 2.44 1.94 2.73 *Year-to-Date (Jan-Jul). Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of statistics]). Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca. Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Huila. Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca.
  • 74.
    74 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO GDP by Department: Department GDP 2012 (US $ in millions) Per capita GDP 2012 (US $) Share % GDP Cauca 5,487 4,086 1.5% Huila 6,724 6,047 1.8% Valle del Cauca 34,320 7,670 9.3% Total GDP 370,098 229,094 Source: DANE. Departmental Accounts. Main Sectors Receiving FDI (2003-2013) Sector Total Proportion for Projects Agro-industry 14.3% Financial Services 12.2% Entertainment 8.2% Consumer Products 6.1% Beverages 6.1% BPO* 6.1% Metallurgical Industry 41% *Business Services. Source: FDI Markets. PACIFIC REGION Unemployment Rate by Department Department 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Cauca 10.6 10.7 11.3 11.4 11.3 Huila 11.0 9.2 7.9 9.7 8.6 Valle del Cauca 14.0 13.0 13.9 13.4 12.9 National Total 12.0 11.8 10.8 10.4 9.6 Source: DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica, [National Administrative Department of statistics]).
  • 75.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO DIRECTORIO ZONASFRANCAS 75 Pacific Region Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Huila. • An economy known for its drive and diversity: the Pacific Region is one of the main economic and industrial hubs in the country, with participation in several sectors such as real estate, industry, business, trade, and financial services. • Business-friendly environment: Valle del Cauca hosts over 1,100 companies with foreign capital since the 1940s, including more than 80 transnational corporations. This strengthens the perception of a region suitable for investment and business. The investment promotion agencies Invest Pacific and Invest in Huila, promote the region as Colombia’s platform in the Pacific. • Geostrategic location: The region’s proximity to the port of Buenaventura, the main port in Colombia on the Pacific, positions the region in a strategic location. Additionally, the international airport at Cali offers 367 weekly local flights and 68 direct international flights, generating excellent air connectivity. STRENGTHS • Abundant young and qualified workforce: 60% of the population in Valle del Cauca is younger than 35 years, and 65.3% is part of the workforce. Cali provides more than 200 graduate programs, over 40 master degrees, and 12 doctorates. • Sound infrastructure and connectivity: 2 technological parks, more than 40 industrial areas and parks, 4 domestic airports, 4,720 miles of highways and dozens of world-class public and communications service providers in Valle del Cauca alone. • High quality of life: Cali has one of the lowest costs of living among other cities in the country, in addition to 20 bilingual schools, the MIO mass transportation system, nearly 20 clinics that include 2 of the top 45 in Latin America, 6 country clubs, 4 golf courses, and the second gastronomical destination in Colombia.
  • 76.
    76 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Agribusiness The region has optimal biophysical and environmental conditions (climate, agro-ecology, microclimates) due to the department’s productive and potential areas being located in a tropical zone. This allows for a yearlong production capable of supporting the market. • Fruits and vegetables: The region is number one in terms of income as it enjoys one of the most fertile soils in the continent. • Shrimp farming: Strategic location to exploit, process, and export towards countries in the Pacific Rim as well as the local market. • Cocoa, chocolate, and confectionery: Growing cacao is a tradition and part of the culture in Huila. • Automotive: More than 70 certified companies focused on providing services and manufacturing metal-mechanic and plastic parts and software. The largest battery manufacturer in the country, 2 motorcycle assembly companies, and 3 manufacturers of ultralight aircraft. • Cosmetics and toiletries: Regional science and technology plans include CTI and RD centers to support the industry: International Center for Tropical Agriculture – CIAT. • Construction materials: Valle del Cauca has a grey cement dispatch in the region with a capacity of over 879,000 tons. • Logistics operations and infrastructure: Infrastructure works that will improve the conditions in the city: Avenue widening and junctions, improvement of public spaces, and education campuses. • BPO (Outsourced Services): Abundant workforce and low cost of living; great potential to address domestic and foreign markets. • Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO): Strong public and private institutional support. • IT, ITO, and software development: Four of the largest Colombian IT companies are located here, as well as Parquesoft, the largest national network of software entrepreneurship. • Hotel and tourism infrastructure: The department of Huila enjoys an excellent geographical location, with National Natural Parks such as Nevado del Huila, Purace, Picachos, Sumapaz, and Cueva de los Guacharos, which complement the natural reserves in each municipality, the department, and the general population. Huila is a diverse and unique destination, with specific qualities such as having a Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and the haven to a missing link from the Miocene, in addition to events already famous nationwide such as the National Folklore and National Bambuco Festival, the Neiva Cattle Fair, and the Pitalito Equine and Crafts Fair. • Oil and mining goods and services: Potential mining resources in phosphor rock, clays, and marbles (calcareous rocks) in the Huila Department. REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
  • 77.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 77 Invest in Huila is the agency for attracting and promoting investment in Huila, created at the end of 2012 by the Neiva Chamber of Commerce with support from the national company Ecopetrol. Its objective is to facilitate domestic and foreign investment in the region, focusing efforts on strategic sectors previously defined to strengthen Huila’s social and business networks and continue the competitiveness of the department. The agency currently promotes attracting investment in Huila Department, placing special emphasis on the Surcolombiana Free Trade Zone, promoting development in sectors such as: health, food, services, agro-industry and all those related to the department’s productive endeavors and those of its capital city that create new jobs, industrial development and research. The agency has also been able to promote consolidation of the Surcolombiana Free Trade Zone. Thanks to an excellent alliance with Proexport, the Investment Project Bank for Huila Department was created. It provides information about the region’s productive projects through the 23 Proexport offices in the world. Name: Oscar Eduardo Chavarro Arias Position: Director of the Center for Competitiveness, Innovation and Enterprise E-mail: oscar.chavarro@ccneiva.org Telephone: +57 8713666, ext. 152 Name: Diego Felipe Rojas Ipuz Position: Coordinator, Invest In Huila E-mail: feliperojas@ccneiva.org Telephone: +57 8713666, ext. 182 CONTACT INFORMATION Development agency for southern Colombia San Agustin, Huila. INVEST IN HUILA NEIVA, HUILA Agency WWW.INVESTINHUILA.COM
  • 78.
    78 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HUILA DEPARTMENT INVEST IN HUILA SERVICES • Fishing industry and related • Processing plants • Raw materials for cosmetics companies • Raw materials for extracts • Filleting plants • Qualified technical and professional human resources • Mining • High-quality laboratory • Grinding plant • Fertilizer plants • Raw materials, dolomite, marble, barite, phosphate, calcium carbonate, clay, sulfur • Qualified technical and professional human resources • Transportation companies • Heavy and specialized machinery • Tourism • Investment in hotels • Investment in travel agencies • Investment in water and extreme sports • Tourism industry training schools • Investment in tourism projects • Tourism infrastructure • Qualified technical and professional human resources • Agro-industry • Fruit dehydration plants • Pulping plants • Cocoa drying services • Chocolate plant • Confectionery plant • Raw materials, coffee and its related products, cocoa and its related products, passion fruit • Land for new agriculture • Services • BPO companies • Software companies • Investment in renewable energy • Health and environmental tourism • Qualified technical and professional human resources The agency assists with the investment process beginning with an initial analysis and market exploration to the consolidation of the business, providing assistance to the investor for the different phases of implementation of the investment: exploration, installation and operation. WWW.INVESTINHUILA.COM INVEST IN HUILA NEIVA, HUILA Agency
  • 79.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 79 INVEST PACIFIC CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA Agency Name: Maria Eugenia Lloreda Position: Executive Director E-mail: mlloreda@investpacific.org Telephone: +57 2 8937882 Web: www.investpacific.org CONTACT INFORMATION A. Who we are Invest Pacific, an Investment Promotion Agency in Valle del Cauca, is a non-profit organization created by the public and private sectors in the region (Valle del Cauca Department, the Mayor’s Office of Cali, Chambers of Commerce, Free Trade Zones and more than 80 private companies), for the purpose of promoting the department to attract national and foreign investment. As a regional promotion agency, we provide services with strict confidentiality and at no cost for investors who are interested in our region, facilitating the investment process by organizing schedules, providing information and networking with potential partners, associates or local suppliers, and supporting entities and the public sector in general. We also assist investors who are already established, providing support in resolving issues hindering investments and helping with reinvestment decisions. As part of our work with companies established in the Valle del Cauca, Invest Pacific coordinates the Foreign Investment Committee. This committee meets once a month and all of the presidents representing the 80+ multinational companies in the region are invited. The Committee addresses the obstacles these companies encounter in relation to their operations and supports processes for reinvesting profits, thereby, improving the business climate in the region. B. Sectors The promotion office’s objective is to promote the investment opportunities offered by regional clusters identified by public and private sectors. Thus, the agency primarily focuses on the following sectors: • Clinical excellence: This sector primarily refers to the market of medical services characterized by high standards of quality in specialized processes conducted at clinics and also includes the pharmaceutical and medical services sector, research and development, and distribution and marketing channels, among others. • Well-being and personal care: Includes the cosmetics products sector and the other parts of its value chain. These include chemical and natural ingredients, “wellness” products (including natural products and vitamin supplements), companies producing cosmetics and personal toiletries, companies manufacturing specialized packaging, accessories and also marketers and centers for treatment, beauty, gyms and spas. • Macrosnacks: Includes the following end-demand segments: confectionery, dairy products, dried fruit, beverages, fresh fruit, bakery products, chocolate and fried snacks. In turn, these industries are supported by activities including milling, production of sweeteners, flavoring and oil, and a transverse industry for packaging, graphics and marketing that provide related services. • White protein: Includes companies dedicated to the poultry industry (chicken and egg) and the pork industry, as well as the companies which provide services and support for the sector, such as feed concentrate, vaccinations, veterinary products, butchering, packaging and labeling, industrial refrigeration and specialized logistics services. WWW.INVESTPACIFIC.ORG
  • 80.
    80 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO WWW.INVESTPACIFIC.ORG • Bioenergy: Bioethanol production in Colombia and the Valle del Cauca is derived from sugarcane (top national producer) and therefore, energy cogeneration is based on its biomass. There is also an opportunity for energy development from renewable sources, including vegetable and animal biomass, forestry waste and garbage waste products. • Fresh fruit: The Valle del Cauca offers a rich diversity of soils, climate areas, agroecological conditions and water resources that are the determining factors for fresh fruit production. The region produces approx. 536,000 tons of fruit, making it the top producer of citrus fruit, bananas and papaya; the second top producer of pineapple in Colombia; and the most diverse fruit production region in the country. • ITO, BPO KPO: Cali is a strategic market for establishing outsourcing services operations due to the presence of over 100 multinational companies, a low market saturation, availability of highly qualified human resources and an excellent quality of life. Additionally, the top four IT companies in Colombia are located in Cali. • Logistics: The Valle del Cauca is Colombia’s primary export platform on the Pacific Ocean and is the most centrally-located region for simultaneously reaching the internal market. The region has a multimodal logistics platform that includes: Colombia’s primary port on the Pacific Ocean (Buenaventura), which handles close to 50% of the country’s Comex, 5 maritime terminals, 5 Free Trade Zones, over 40 industrial parks, a railway and 77 direct international flights each week. However, the agency continues to support new companies from multiple sectors who have seen that the Valle del Cauca offers an excellent platform for supplying the internal market and also exporting to countries along the Pacific American Basin. For this reason, in recent years, a significant number of manufacturing companies in the metallurgy, automotive and packaging sectors have arrived, among others. C. Why invest in the Valle del Cauca? Our region offers ideal strategic advantages for establishing service centers and/or production plants in order to meet the needs of the domestic market and nearby international markets: • Geostrategic location: An advantageous location provides access to the Colombian domestic market (close to 60% of the internal market) and all Latin American countries, primarily those countries in the Pacific Alliance, because it has the only commercial port on the Pacific in Colombia. • World-class business network: The Valle del Cauca hosts 66 of the 500 largest companies in the country. Furthermore, over 100 multinational companies produce and export in the region: Colgate Palmolive, Nestlé, APTAR, Transcom, Hero Motors, Baxter, Reckitt Benckiser, Johnson Johnson, Goodyear and Basf, among others. • Qualified human resources: Over 24,000 graduates each year and more than 40 higher education institutions, with nearly 700 graduate training programs from technical degrees to doctorate degrees. The capital, Cali, has 12 internationally-recognized universities and the region hosts 20 renowned research and development centers. • Competitive costs: The Valle del Cauca is the third-ranked region in South America with the best cost-benefit relationship according to the Financial Times, and also offers natural advantages in logistical costs; real estate prices are among the most competitive in Latin America. • Infrastructure and connectivity: The region offers a Pacific port, Buenaventura, which handles over 14 million tons annually and is the closest port to the Panama Canal on the South American Coast; a railway concession operated by the second largest commodities operator in the world; an international airport with the least number of closed hours in the country; the second largest intermunicipal transportation terminal in Colombia; the mass urban transportation system with the largest coverage; six permanent Free Trade Zones; an underwater data cable and world-class telecommunications services providers. • Quality of life: Cali, salsa capital of the world and sports capital of the Americas, is the second-ranked gastronomy destination in Colombia. It offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F), a mass transit system that covers 97% of the city, dozens of shopping areas, 2 of the top 45 clinics in Latin America, 10 museums, 6 country clubs and 4 golf courses, among others. D. Recent success stories Fogel (2007), LG (2008), Biosalc (2009), Biostevia (2009), Confiteca (Confitecol - 2009), DirecTV (Telecenter Panamericana - 2009), Sab Miller (2009), Telemark (2009), Unilever (2009), Atos (2010), Olmué (2010), Group TCB (TCBUEN - 2011), MACJohnson Controls (2011), Sweet Sole - World Confections (2011), Avanza (2012), Gerdau (2012), CitiExpress (2013pr), Garaventa Lift (2013), Marriott (2013pr), NS Consultants (2013), Ortobras (2013), Zonamerica (2013), Transcom (2013) Aptar (2014), Furukawa (2014), ICTSI (Aguadulce – 2014), Hero Motors (2014). INVEST PACIFIC CALI, VALLE DEL CAUCA Agency
  • 81.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 81 CAUCA FREE TRADE ZONE CAUCA DEPARTMENT Name: Eduard Hernan Mina Carabali Position: Director of Competitiveness Sustainability and Shared Value E-mail: director@zfcauca.com Telephone: +57 2 8259487 /+57 321 844 7434 Name: Alexander Quintero Escobar Position: Commercial Coordinator E-mail: comercial@zfcauca.com Telephone: +57 2 8259487 / +57 321 490 3885 CONTACT INFORMATION Characteristics and advantages of the Free Trade Zone: The Cauca Free Trade Zone was established in accordance with the highest international standards, which allows industries of low, medium and high environmental impact to operate under the best conditions in a high-potential sector, facilitating logistics and offering the best location. Cauca. Benefits of being located within the Cauca Free Trade Zone: • Reduced initial investment and operating costs. • Reasonable electricity costs with economy of scale for the entire park. • Reduced water, sewage and gas costs. • Reduced security costs. • Option for 24-hour operation without outages or interruptions. • Opportunities to compete on an international level. • Improved quality of life for your employees. WWW.ZFCAUCA.COM Creando valor para el desarrollo regional
  • 82.
    82 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SECTORS • Metallurgical • Food and beverages • Toiletries and cosmetics • Construction • Manufacturing • Chemicals • Auto parts Declared area: 1,313,588.4 m². Available area: 263,467 m². Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 204,706 Lot rental 68,147 Warehouse construction 2,400 Warehouses for sale 10,700 Warehouse rental 10,700 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard rental 10,000 Offices for sale 0 Offices for rent 192 Others N/A REAL ESTATE OFFERED SERVICES • The Cauca Free Trade Zone offers the Piciz Web inventory program, which is able to route foreign trade operations and can be accessed anywhere in the world over the Internet. It also features developments in interfaces with company programs, which prevents double entry and improves processing times. Along with being a web-environment program, it processes operations with digital documents, working to create a cleaner and healthier environment (it does not use paper). • The Cauca Free Trade Zone has a National Directorate of Taxes and Customs office (DIAN) to facilitate customs processing operations and also operations that facilitate reaching foreign markets with flexible and simplified procedures. It also offers: • Continuous security with 24-hour perimeter monitoring. • Regional free trade police service. • Emergency care clinic with medical, dental and nursing care. • On-site paramedic service site. • In-house office for Comfacauca Compensation Fund. • Natural gas network. • Truck yard. • Cafeteria and restaurant. • Scale service. WWW.ZFCAUCA.COM CAUCA FREE TRADE ZONE CAUCA DEPARTMENT
  • 83.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 83 CELPA-PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE BUENAVENTURA, VALLE DEL CAUCA Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. Name: Julian A. Quiceno Carmona Position: General Manager E-mail: jquiceno@celpa.com.co Web: http://www.celpa.com.co Telephone: +57 3148888717 - +57 3113786000 CONTACT INFORMATION Centro Logistico del Pacífico–CELPA S.A. is a Permanent Free Trade Zone approved by Resolution No. 2634 of March 2, 2011, by the National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN); designed as a pre and post port for Colombian international trade services in Buenaventura, which is located very close to the Panama Canal and connects to over 81 ports worldwide. In Colombia, Buenaventura is part of the Valle del Cauca Department, which has one of the top road infrastructure systems in the country and its port is located closest to primary development areas, allowing Centro Logístico del Pacífico CELPA S.A. to be the logistics platform with the top strategic location in the country. The CELPA S.A. Permanent Free Trade Zone is located just 15 minutes from the Sociedad Portuaria de Buenaventura (Port Company of Buenaventura) and 10 minutes from the Buenaventura Container Terminal, which handles over 60% of Colombia’s foreign trade, and it is designed to be a platform supporting activities in industrial, commercial and service sectors. Centro Logístico del Pacífico CELPA S.A. contributes to the development of the region by generating employment, investing in infrastructure and protecting the Pacific’s natural resources. WWW.CELPA.COM.CO
  • 84.
    84 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SERVICES • Infrastructure and public services that facilitate business project development (water, electricity, telephone and internet). • A modern and flexible inventory control system that allows an FMM to be created very quickly, minimizing errors in diligence processes by users and in approval processes by the User Operator. • Services inherent to the actual operations of entry and exit of goods, including special schedules to meet the operational needs of our users at the times they need them and In- House service, among others. • A permanent DIAN official to respond to the day-to-day requirements of users’ operations. • Scale services for weighing operations if required by our users. • Training on the structure of the Free Trade Zone and the inventory control system. • Closed circuit television and security camera system for the protection of Free Trade Zone users and visitors. • 350 parking spaces for visitors. • Financial institutions and other supporting entities. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Warehouse rental From 1,645.9 m2 Lots for sale From 2,375 m2 REAL ESTATE OFFERED • Decorceramica • Blu Logistics • Best Luck • Codifer EXISTING COMPANIES • Logistics and storage • Construction • Manufacturing • Automotive • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Agro-industry • Apparel • Biotechnology • Commercial Declared area: 348,300 m2. Available area : 254,530 m2. SECTORS WWW.CELPA.COM.CO CELPA-PERMANENT FREE TRADE ZONE BUENAVENTURA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
  • 85.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 85 PACIFIC FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA WWW.ZONAFRANCADELPACIFICO.COM Name: Bertha Cecilia Rojas Position: General Manager E-mail: ggeneral@zonafrancadelpacifico.com Telephone: +57 2 2800222 Name: Nathalia Haddad Position: Commercial E-mail: comercial@zonafrancadelpacifico.com Telephone: +57 318 686 5185 CONTACT INFORMATION Palmira, Valle del Cauca. • Modern private international center with a high-quality industrial and logistical platform. • Strategically located in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, just 140 km from the Port of Buenaventura, 20 minutes from Cali, 5 minutes from Yumbo, and 5 minutes from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, in the midst of the best roadway network in the country. • Leading user operator in Colombia with over 19 years of experience. • Real estate solutions, custom-made for each client. • ISO 9001:2008 certification and the first Free Trade Zone in the world with ISO 28000:2007 certification. • World-class infrastructure. • Aqueduct, electricity and sewage services with very competitive rates. • Natural gas supply source. • Wastewater treatment plant, potable water treatment plant and rainwater retention lake. • The safest Free Trade Zone in Colombia, with 3.2 km of perimeter barriers, 6 m in height and 20 m wide, on average. • All telecommunications and data transmission service providers. • Fiber optics installed at the park. • Modern communications plant.
  • 86.
    86 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Termovalle S.C.A.E.S.P. • PGI Colombia Ltda. • Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S. • Merquimia Internacional S.A.S. • Sweet Sol Sucursal Colombia • Triada Ema S.A. • Oil Chemical Ltda. • Aptar • Furukawa • Licores de America • Opercomex Ltda. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • Training and conference rooms for 200 people. • Banking services. • Restaurant. • Emergency personnel, ambulance and fire truck, 24 hours a day. • Permanent DIAN customs officials. • Dedicated, highly-qualified team with extensive experience in Free Trade Zone operations. • Comprehensive permanent security system with closed circuit television, electronic monitoring of entrances, double perimeter fence with movement sensors, motorized patrol on internal roads and permanent immediate-reaction security cable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • Extensive experience with the Free Trade Regime. • Assistance in developing your project. • User qualification. • User license for Pacífico Software. • Training for users. • Extended hours. • In-house, web-based inventory control software that can be accessed from anywhere in the world (Pacífico Software). • Integral natural gas network. SECTORS • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Agro-industry • Apparel • Logistics and storage • Manufacturing • Construction materials • Plastics • Food • Telecommunications • Textiles • Others Declared area: 556,000 m2. Available area: 89,500 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale 89,500 Lots for lease 89,500 Warehouse construction 67,000 Warehouses for sale 81,300 Warehouses for lease 81,300 Covered storage yard rental N/A Uncovered storage yard 89,500 Offices for sale 1,071 Offices for lease 1,071 WWW.ZONAFRANCADELPACIFICO.COM PACIFIC FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
  • 87.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 87 PALMASECA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA Name: Luz Elena Gonzalez P. Position: General Manager E-mail: legonzalez@zfpalmaseca.com Telephone: +57 2 6511120 Name: Juan Sebastian Zuñiga P. Position: Business Analyst E-mail: jszuniga@zfpalmaseca.com Telephone: +57 2 6511117 / +57 313 5908904 CONTACT INFORMATION The Industrial Park of the Palmaseca Free Trade Zone is located in the Valle del Cauca Department, one of the most prosperous regions in Colombia that provides 11% of the national GDP. Strategic location • Just 140 km from the Buenaventura Port, Colombia’s largest port and the port of access to the Pacific Basin, which represents 86% of the global GDP. • The only Free Trade Zone in the country that adjoins an international airport (Alfonso Bonilla Aragon). Third largest cargo and passenger airport in the country. • Just 20 minutes from Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, and from Yumbo, Colombia’s industrial capital. Leading user operator in the southwestern region • Providing services to over 60 companies in the industrial sector, which enjoy the significant tax and customs incentives offered by the Free Trade Zone regime. Some advantages that make it the best choice for your business project are: • Experience and track record: The first Free Trade Zone in the region and second in the country, with over 20 years of continuous operation. • Human resources: Specialists with vast experience in the sector. • A leader in the region, handling 63% of the total value of foreign trade operations and third nationally. • Integrated management system. • Security: Closed circuit television and 24/7 security system. • Permanent DIAN offices. • Developers of the industrial park infrastructure, which allows us to made adaptations according to client needs. • Technology: AMIGO, the first web-environment application developed in Colombia for Free Trade Zones and Datacenter for information security. Palmira, Valle del Cauca. WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALMASECA.COM WWW.PALMASECAFREEZONE.COM
  • 88.
    88 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Acelflex S.A.S. • Almaviva Zona Franca S.A.S. • Amcor Holdings Australia PTY Ltda. • C.A.A. Zona Franca S.A.S. • Garaventa Lift Colombia S.A.S. • Metrokia S.A. • Ortobras Logistica Internacional S.A.S. • Plastic Films International S.A. • Sistemas Logisticos Industriales S.A.S. • Ssangyong Motor Colombia S.A. EXISTING COMPANIES SERVICES • Aqueduct and sewage. • Electricity (internal 5 MVA substation). • Telecommunications (voice and data). • Potable and wastewater treatment plant. • Scale service. • Bank. • Restaurant. • Fire station. • Free Trade Zone user operator. • End of temporary importation regimes. • Outsourcing Transitional Free Trade Zones. • Free Trade Zone regime training. SECTORS • Automotive • Manufacturing • Apparel • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals • Logistics and storage • Agro-industry • Others Declared area: 553,000 m2. Available area*: 250,000 m2. REAL ESTATE OFFERED Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for lease N/A Lots for sale 0 Warehouse construction 250,000* Warehouses for sale N/A Warehouses for lease 2,000 Covered storage yard rental 0 Uncovered storage yard rental 0 Offices for sale N/A Offices for lease 300 Other N/A *Total uncovered area leased, intended for future development. WWW.ZONAFRANCAPALMASECA.COM WWW.PALMASECAFREEZONE.COM PALMASECA FREE TRADE ZONE S.A. PALMIRA, VALLE DEL CAUCA
  • 89.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 89 WWW.ZFSURCOLOMBIANA.COM Name: Olga Lucia Monje Alvarez Position: General Manager E-mail: gerencia@zfsurcolombiana.com Telephone: +57 316 470 8625 Name: Leidy Lorena Trujillo Chavarro Position: Commercial E-mail: asistente@zfsurcolombiana.com Telephone: +57 3118302673 CONTACT INFORMATION CONNECTIVITY ROUTES WITH HUILA Two-lane Espinal - Pitalito. Transversal de la Macarena: Neiva, Colombia - La Uribe, San Juan de Arama, Meta (122 km). Communication with Meta and Venezuela. Paletara Corridor: San Jose de Isnos, Huila - Coconuco, Cauca (125 km). Communication with Popayan and Buenaventura. Transversal del Libertador: La Plata–Inza-Totoro-Popayan (110 km). Connectivity with the Pacific Ocean and Buenaventura Port. Southern Corridor: San Miguel–Santa Ana, Putumayo (180 km). Communication with Ecuador. AIRPORTS El Huila has a domestic airport located in Neiva, with 18 flights daily and an airport in Pitalito with two flights. El Huila is a region highly dedicated to the agro-industrial sector that generates significant volumes of coffee farming (top domestic product), orchards (largest producer of passion fruit), fisheries (top producer of tilapia), rice (agro-industry with top technological level) and cocoa (top quality), among others. It also has the largest deposits of phosphoric rock, marble and other minerals. Third largest oil producing region in Colombia. The region has an abundant and qualified workforce, with technicians and professionals in various knowledge sectors. Palermo, Huila. DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES The Surcolombiana Free Trade Zone is the top business center in southern Colombia. Strategically located just 4.5 kilometers from the city of Neiva, on the route to the municipality of Palermo, along the road of the future two-lane Espinal-Pitalito. Net developable area of 51.9 ha, with over 84,000 m2 of roads, 145,056 m2 of green areas, 22,194 m2 of shared areas and 8,115 of service zones. FREE TRADE ZONE SURCOLOMBIANA S.A.S. U.O. MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, NEIVA, HUILA
  • 90.
    90 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO SECTORS • Agro-industrial: Opportunities in processes of transformation and commercialization of special coffees, production of balanced animal feed, cocoa collectors and exporters, juice production, dehydrated fruit, fruit concentrates and products derived from fruit. • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: Cocoa-based pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry. • Construction materials. • Biotechnology. • Apparel. • Logistics and storage. • Manufacturing. • Fishing sector: Opportunities in tilapia production, transformation and commercialization processes. • Mining: Products derived from phosphate and marble mining. • Oil services: Companies providing services to hydrocarbon companies. • TIC-BPO: Back Office in Customer Care sectors. • ESO (Engineering Services Outsourcing), FAO (Finance and Accounting Outsourcing), HRO (Human Resource Outsourcing), software development. • Automotive. Declared area: 519,789.46 m2. Available area: 269,380.58 m2. SERVICES • Electricity substation. • Underground telecommunications network. • Potable water treatment plant, wastewater network. • Fire prevention network. • Natural gas network. • 24-hour comprehensive electronic security systems. • Scales. • Forklifts. • Parking areas. • Conference rooms. • Training room. • User operator services. • Administration of Free Trade Regime. • Administration, monitoring and control of foreign trade operations. • Guaranteed utilities. • Assistance in the process of installing, starting and operating your project. • Training on foreign trade and the Free Trade Regime. Type of Real Estate Available Area (m2) Lots for sale From 627 m2 Lot rental From 627 m2 Covered storage yard rental Storage yards from 627 m2 Uncovered storage yard rental Storage yards from 627 m2 Sites for sale From 37 m2 Warehouse construction As required Warehouses for sale As required Warehouse rental As required Offices for sale As required Offices for rent As required REAL ESTATE OFFERED WWW.ZFSURCOLOMBIANA.COM FREE TRADE ZONE SURCOLOMBIANA S.A.S. U.O. MUNICIPALITY OF PALERMO, NEIVA, HUILA
  • 91.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 91 SECTORS AGRIBUSINESS LOGISTICS AUTOMOTIVE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS METALWORKING BPO, SOFTWARE IT SERVICES COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES HOTEL AND TOURIST INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE HEALTH CARE
  • 92.
    92 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO • Install hydrothermal treatment plants to facilitate sanitary access to fruits like papaya, pitahaya, and mango, among others, as well as the construction of collection centers for Colombian fruit to be duly selected, prepared, and exported. The presence of Caribbean and Pacific ports offers easy access to international markets for taking advantage of 13 free trade treaties (Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, 2014). AGRIBUSINESS • More than half of the land that is productive ready for agricultural activity is located in just 7 tropical countries: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Congo, and Sudan. FAO, 2010. • Colombia is the second largest country in Latin America with the highest annual precipitation rates and ranked 18th in the world. FAO, 2010. • Generator 6,1% of the domestic GDP and 8% of the exports. DANE, 2013. OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA • Undertake strategic alliances with current biodiesel production plants, with sights set on improving the current yields of 386,953 liters a day (the highest in the country). (Federación Nacional de Biocombustibles de Colombia, [National Federation of Colombian Biofuels], 2013). • Support existing projects and any development required for a strategic partner for entering into the production stage. Additionally, there are new projects to be developed that need capital investments for the initiation of the production stage. • Develop research projects (Greenfield) for the development of second-generation biofuels from local partners with experience in the sector. This class of biofuels will be the future of the industry, thanks to the potential and benefits linked to its production and consumption. BIOFUELS FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTOR • Construct bio-refineries, biomass transformation plants, develop trans-esterification complexes that transform palm oil into biodiesel. Colombia is capable of covering an annual production of close to a million tons. Ministry of Agriculture. Atlantico Cordoba Antioquia Santander Risaralda Boyaca Tolima Cauca Meta Valle del Cauca Quindio Caldas Norte de Santander
  • 93.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 93 • Construction of factories for the initial transformation of cocoa into products such as cocoa butter and cocoa liquor. Colombia can cover an annual production close to 100,000 tons of cocoa. Ministry of Agriculture. • Make productive alliances for the reactivation of cultivation and infrastructure in disuse for shrimp farming in the coastal waters of the Caribbean and Pacific, which have previously been proven to be productive and profitable. • Establish strategic alliances with local fish farmers who need to increase production and make investments to improve yields from fish farming. • Install processing plants with the aim of covering domestic demand and generating surpluses destined for exportation, both as fresh and processed products. COCOA, CHOCOLATE MAKING, AND THE CONFECTIONERY INDUSTRY AQUACULTURE • Establish plants with Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) product lines, with the aim of accessing third party countries with whom there are trade agreements that can be taken advantage of for this kind of product. • Construct production plants for processed foods like pulp, marmalade, sauces, and other products derived from fruit and vegetables, with the aim of commercializing their production in the domestic market and exploring markets for exportation. • Develop strategic alliances with local owners and producers in the fruit and vegetable sector to take advantage of more than seven (7.0) million hectares in the country that are suitable for fruit and vegetable production. (Asociacion Hortifruticola de Colombia, [Vegetable and Fruit Growers’ Association of Colombia]). • Develop productive alliances with small cocoa producers to link them into the joint development of medium and long term projects where there is a commitment to supply the raw material.
  • 94.
    94 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO BPO, SOFTWARE IT SERVICES Antioquia Caldas Risaralda Valle del Cauca Cundinamarca Santander Atlantico • The Industry grew 18% between 2012 and 2013. Colombian Association of Contact Centers, 2014. • More than 246,000 jobs generated by the industry. Portfolio Economic Journal, 2014. • The country has the second fastest growing labor force in the region. IMD, 2014. • Major companies and multinationals such as Convergys, Genpact, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Teleperformance established Shared Service Centers and Data Centers in the country. OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA • Install specialized BPO voice centers for Telemarketing, Collections, Sales, and Customer Service that allow for greater opportunities for entering formal work, especially with a large technical and technological workforce composed of more than 495,000 graduates (Ministry of Education, 2014). • Install Outsourcing centers for Engineering Services, Telemedicine, Research and Development, Graphic Design, and Business Analytics, since they are the highest value-added services demanded by different verticals in Colombia and for which there is a workforce of more than 650,000 professionals in the areas of Management, Engineering, Design, and Medicine (Ministry of Education, 2014). • Install and operate BPO/Back office centers for sectors such as health care, retail, finance and insurance, telecommunications, oil and gas, infrastructure, and transportation, among others.
  • 95.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 95 • International freight market up to 165 million tons (seaports only). • Local air freight market of more than 900 thousands tons • 75% of the largest distribution companies in the world have access to Colombian service ports either for imports and/or exports. • 5 cities and their surrounding areas account for over 80% of foreign trade in terms of volume and value, but have one of the greatest LOGISTICS distances between manufacturing locations and consumption centers. • Coal and fuels account for 75% of foreign trade volume. Excluding them, 81% of the trade value is mobilized in containers, the rest is done through dry bulk freight. • In 2013, the freight exports grew 2.1% (total exported in 2013: 132 million tons of freight), while imports have grown 5% ((total imported in 2013: 30 million tons of freight). • Low freight costs to transport merchandise to North America, South America, and Central America compared to others found in the region. • Approximately 1,000 airfreight frequencies. • Between 40% and 50% increase is expected in freight activity as a result of the recently signed Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Colombia. • Thanks to its trade agreements, Colombia has preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers. • With Colombia’s privileged position facing the Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean and serving as the gateway to South America, your company will be able to have a direct link to the major ports, production and distribution hubs in the world. • Creation of logistics platforms (transfer platforms). • Creation of dry ports. • Creating an infrastructure that includes numerous ways of transport. • Improved frozen food chain (frozen food division, dry and frozen, increased capacity of containers). • Implementation of information systems that allows you to monitor stock load and unload in real time (in selected ports). • Thanks to its trade agreements, Colombia has preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers. ADVANTAGES OPPORTUNITIES
  • 96.
    96 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO AUTOMOTIVE Risaralda Cundinamarca Valle del Cauca Atlantico Antioquia • Colombia is the fourth largest vehicle-assembly nation in Latin America employing 2.6% of the total professionals working in the manufacturing industry. ANDI, 2012. • The country has a fleet of about 3,5 million vehicle units, of which around 57% are imported. • In 2013, vehicle sales in Colombia recorded record figures surpassing 324,000 units sold. • Colombia hosts world-class assembly factories such as: Renault, General Motors, Mazda, Toyota-Hino, and Buscarr. • Manufacturing or assembling passenger vehicles, given the motorization index in Colombia, which is below average for medium to low income countries like Colombia. The motorization index is 52 people per vehicle, far below the Latin American average of 96. Reductions in interest rates, growth in disposable income, and the availability of lines of credit via the financial system in the country are contributing to growth in domestic vehicle sales. The apparent consumption of vehicles in the country has been maintained above 300,000 units annually. It is expected that by 2020 the number of vehicles in Colombia will double, achieving sales of 380,000 units per year on average. (BBVA Research, 2013). OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA • Manufacture auto parts for the domestic market, as well as electrical components, and other engine parts. Purchases of domestic parts by car manufacturers has grown continuously since 2009. Sales are around US $600 million per year. ASSEMBLY AUTO PARTS
  • 97.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 97 • Fastest growing sector during 2013, with an increase of 9.8%. • In 2013, the GDP in civil projects increased by 12.7% and 11.4% in builings. DANE 2013. • In 2013, home sales increased 11.7%. Camacol, 2014. OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS • Create cement, lime, or plaster products, the demand for which has grown in Colombia due to growth in the construction of civil works and buildings. Imports of these kinds of products are around US $200 million per year. • Manufacture clay and non-refractory ceramic products for structural use. In Colombia, there is a deficit in the domestic production of these kinds of products of more than US $80 million, which is reflected by a considerable amount of imports (approximately US $180 million a year). • Deepening the process of urbanization where the number of homes showed a sustained growth in addition to an increased income per capita demonstrating a gap between home construction and household growth. • Major multinational companies have established operations in the country such as Prebuild, Lafarge, Holcim and Saint Gobain.
  • 98.
    98 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES • Colombia is the fifth largest market for cosmetics and toiletries in Latin America. Euromonitor International, 2014. • Since 2000 the productive activity in the sector has had an average annual growth rate of 9.9%. Chamber of Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry. • Industry sales are expected to have an annual compounded growth of 7,4% between the 2013-2018 periods. Euromonitor International, 2014. • Major multinational companies have established operations in the country such as Kimberly-Clark, Belcorp, Yanbal, Henkel, Procter Gamble, Avon and Unilever. • Establish logistics centers for supplying the growing Latin American market, which by 2015 is estimated to represent 17.5% of the global market for cosmetics and toiletries, and which should grow at an average annual rate of 6.2%, overtaking the estimated growth of this sector worldwide (5.2%). • Establish research centers for the development of natural ingredients, taking advantage of tax incentives established by the National Government for innovative research and development projects and Colombia’s biological diversity and extensive range of flora. • Construct production centers for supplying the growing domestic market. It is estimated that by 2018 Colombia will establish itself within the 5 countries with the most significant regional market share, overtaking countries like Chile and Peru, and with a market that will grow at an average annual rate of 7.4%. LOGISTIC HUBS OUTPUT I + D + I OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA Antioquia Magdalena Valle del Cauca Cundinamarca and Bogota
  • 99.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 99 • In 2013 steel production reached 1.3 million tons. ANDI, 2103. • In 2014, the estimated consumption in Colombia was 3.4 million tons, representing an opportunity for the sector. In 2011, steel production reached 1.78 million tons. ANDI, 2013. • Major multinational companies have established operations in the country such as Gerdau and Techint. • Production of Industrial Machinery. In particular, machinery for agriculture, mining, and construction, and machinery for transmitting electricity. The production of special use machinery in Colombia is insufficient given the needs of the Colombian market. Domestic production has the capacity to satisfy only 17.7% of domestic consumption, and therefore imports account for 87% of domestic demand. METALWORKING OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA • The manufacturing of electronic components such as electrical equipment and communication and electricity cables. The demand for electrical components in Colombia is growing by an average rate of 10.7% annually, widening the gap with respect to domestic production, which would only be able to satisfy 59% of the demand. Bolívar Caldas Risaralda Tolima Boyaca Magdalena Atlantico
  • 100.
    100 FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO HOTEL AND TOURIST INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE San Andres Bolivar Antioquia Choco Cordoba Santander Boyaca Guajira Magdalena Vichada Valle del Cauca Bogota Amazonas Atlantico Coffee Cultural Landscape Altillanura • Develop limited and full service hotel projects that would be benefited by companies located in unclaimed territory, thus benefiting from the potential market and from the tax and customs benefits of the tax regime. OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
  • 101.
    WWW.PROEXPORT.COM.CO FREE TRADEZONES DIRECTORY 101 HEALTH CARE • Implement hospital projects for providing medical services via the use of technology aimed at strengthening the offering of medical procedures abroad, whose flow of international tourists is growing, given that Colombia has highly competitive costs of operation (in Colombia medical procedures cost between 10% and 35% of the prices found in developed countries). The Colombian health care system is ranked as the best in Latin America and 22nd in the world. Additionally, 6.6% of its GDP is dedicated to health care. • Three investment niches have been identified: Clinics and General Hospitals, Specialized Clinics, and Clinical Laboratories, based upon the fact that Colombia has a history of innovation and achievements that give the country and its doctors the international recognition they currently have (quality and availability of human resources ready and available for the sector). OPPORTUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
  • 102.
    Canada Toronto Montreal Vancouver United States Miami Washington D.C. Nueva York Atlanta Texas Los Angeles Chicago Mexico Ciudad de Mexico Guatemala Costa Rica Ecuador Peru Chile Argentina Brazil Venezuela toronto@proexport.com.co montreal@proexport.com.co vancouver@proexport.com.co miami@proexport.com.co washington@proexport.com.co newyork@proexport.com.co atlanta@proexport.com.co texas@proexport.com.co losangeles@proexport.com.co chicago@proexport.com.co mexico@proexport.com.co guatemala@proexport.com.co sanjosecr@proexport.com.co quito@proexport.com.co lima@proexport.com.co santiago@proexport.com.co buenosaires@proexport.com.co saopaulo@proexport.com.co caracas@proexport.com.co Panama Caribbean Puerto Rico Trinidad and Tobago Dominican Republic Germany United Kingdom France Portugal Spain Turkey Russia United Arab Emirates India China Beijing Shanghai South Korea Japan Indonesia Colombia panama@proexport.com.co caribbean@proexport.com.co puertorico@proexport.com.co trinidadtobago@proexport.com.co repdominicana@proexport.com.co frankfurt@proexport.com.co london@proexport.com.co paris@proexport.com.co lisboa@proexport.com.co madrid@proexport.com.co istanbul@proexport.com.co moscow@proexport.com.co abudhabi@proexport.com.co newdelhi@proexport.com.co beijing@proexport.com.co shanghai@proexport.com.co seoul@proexport.com.co tokyo@proexport.com.co jakarta@proexport.com.co info@proexport.com.co Libert y Orden
  • 104.
    FREE TRADE ZONES DIRECTORY Libert yOrden