During the 2019 Bicentennial Matchmaking Forum hosted by ProColombia, more than 10,000 meetings were held, leading to business contacts the investment promotion agency says was worth US $400 million, 28% more than in 2018. This value includes the $34.5 million US in business deals made over the two days of the event. 937 buyers from 52 countries had the opportunity to meet Colombian producers represented by 2,097 entrepreneurs from 25 Colombian departments.

• Companies may register for the matchmaking forum by clicking here.

“The Business Matchmaking Forum is one of ProColombia’ s most high-profile promotional activities. International buyers from all over the world will have the opportunity to see a cross section of Colombia’s export offering in the agribusiness, technology, manufacturing and apparel sectors. American companies, which can take advantage of the free trade agreement with Colombia, will find a competitive offering of goods and services in our country,” said Flavia Santoro, ProColombia’s President.

The agriculture sector will be represented by actors from a wide range of areas, including aquaculture and fisheries, beef and pork, fruit and vegetables, and flowers; the textiles and apparel sector will offer leather goods, footwear, bathing suits, and undergarments, among others; and there will be  digital and IT service providers, software developers, and staff augmentation firms. The chemical, industrial & consumer goods sectors will offer cosmetics, packaging and containers, pharmaceutical products, and hospital equipment; and the manufacturing sector will offer construction materials, auto parts, furniture, wood and more.

Buyers expected to attend include large retail chains, supermarkets, department stores, state companies, and distributors, as well as recognized international marketplaces—who sell directly to the final consumer or other companies through e-commerce platforms.