The Central Bank of Colombia is the authority on matters of monetary policy and currency exchange. Under the constitution and foreign investment regulations, foreign investment in Colombia shall receive the same treatment as an investment made by Colombian nationals. The conditions for repatriation of foreign investment and remittance of profits in effect at the time the investment is registered…
Growth of the economy has translated into an expansion of disposable income for some segments of the Colombian population. Consequently, the retail sector has been developing at an unprecedented speed. This has led to an expansion of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) segment and a vast increase in modern retail space across the country. Not only has the retail sector been buoyed by new…
Industry is set to remain an important part of Colombia’s economy, not only for its capacity to create employment, but also for its significant impact on regional development. However, manufacturers face a challenging domestic environment due to fiscal reforms, which are likely to reduce consumer expenditure in 2017. Still, the devaluation of the peso has made the country’s exports more attractive…
With plans set to modernise transport networks and government-led housing programmes expanding the availability of homes, Colombia’s construction sector remains an essential part of the economy. The government estimated that the construction sector will grow by 3.9% in 2017, largely driven by the execution of large-scale projects, which is set to accelerate growth of the infrastructure segment from…
Developments in Colombia’s capital markets in recent years reflect those in the wider economy. The well-established sovereign fixed-income market has seen increased issuance as the government seeks to finance its widening budget deficit while rolling over its existing stock of debt. Increased global economic uncertainty, with bouts of extreme market volatility that particularly impact emerging markets,…
This chapter contains information on hotels, government agencies and other listings, as well as useful tips for visitors on a range of topics such as visa requirements, currency and transportation throughout Colombia.…
This chapter provides an overview of Colombia’s legal framework, covering a range of topics from the employment regime and traditional corporations to merger regulation and arbitration. In addition, it features a viewpoint by Jaime E Trujillo Caicedo, Partner and Chair of Latin America Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group, Baker McKenzie Colombia.…
This chapter provides an overview of Colombia’s tax regime, covering areas of particular interest to investors such as individual and corporate income tax, income tax exemptions, VAT and rates, investment incentives, and other investor considerations. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Jaime Vargas, Tax Managing Partner and International Tax Services Leader, EY Colombia.…
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection is responsible for overseeing the Colombian health care system, dictating policy and promoting health care in the country. MinSalud has become one of the most progressive ministries in the government, and its policies on topics such as price control and biosimilars are pioneering for the region. The Statutory Health Law promises an expansion of services…
