Bogotá Launches a New Version Of Its Specialized App For Foreign Investors, Entrepreneurs

The city of Bogota has launched a new version of its specialized application for foreign investors seeking business opportunities in the city’s priority sectors: services sector (IT services, BPO and shared services, creative industries, business services and consulting, services for the petroleum and gas industry and clean technologies); manufacturing (automotive and transport, cosmetics, chemicals and processed foods); biotechnology and life sciences (biotechnology, pharmaceutical supplies, equipment and medical supplies); and infrastructure and city projects (transport infrastructure and logistics, city projects and hotel management and tourism). The app has been developed with the support of the Bogota Mayor’s Office.

Bogota’s next-generation app (iOS version)

“The first version of the Invest in Bogota application, which was available in Spanish and English for iOS and Android operating systems, exceeded our expectations in terms of downloads, “said Invest in Bogotá executive director Juan Gabriel Pérez.  “Application users can find the latest information regarding sectors offering investment opportunities, city updates, the advantages of investing in Bogota, comparative figures with respect to other Latin American cities, an events schedule, and points of interest for investors. Users can also request tailor-made information, contact a specialist investment officer, and download information sheets.”

Invest in Bogota has been leading Bogota’s investment promotion strategy for eight years, employing a public–private partnership business model to attract and support investors. At the time of its establishment in 2006, 679 companies in Bogota had foreign direct investment. By last year, the number had increased to 1,519.

“The Colombian capital is now an attractive place for foreign investment since it boasts one of the most dynamic markets in the region and the greatest growth potential in the continent. It offers competitive advantages for business, exceeding those of its Latin American peers due to its economic strength, highly qualified human talent, favorable business environment, privileged geographical location, access to markets, and quality of life,” said Pérez.

The latest version of the Invest in Bogota application for Android and iOS may be downloaded via the following links:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kubo.invest
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/co/app/invest-in-bogota/id604194281?mt=8

Mr. Pérez concludes, “Since 2007, the agency has supported 185 foreign companies in new projects, which have involved an estimated total investment of USD 1.3 million and the generation of approximately 18,620 jobs”

In 2014, Invest in Bogota facilitated the arrival of 38 projects, distributed among sectors as follows:

• Services for the petroleum and gas industry (24%)
• IT & shared services (21%)
• Business services and consulting (13%)
• Biotechnology and medical equipment (10%)
• Tourism and infrastructure (11%)
• Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics (8%)
• Other manufacturing industries (5%)
• Other (8%)

These projects originated in a range of countries:

• United States(21%)
• Spain(13%)
• Brazil(8%)
• France(8%)
• Chile(5%)
• England(5%)

Other (40%)