Tag

The bank's second interest rate cut in three months, amid falling inflation, marks a major course change.

Some 60 speakers, including Juan Jose Echavarría of Colombia and José Olivares of Peru, will gather to discuss economic growth forecasts and upcoming infrastructure investments.

Echavarría takes the helm at time of change for the Banco de la República, which shifted its tact by lowering the nation's interest rate in December.

Dissenting central bank members "held that it would be prudent to keep the benchmark rates stable."

The decision was based on worries that Colombia's economic slowdown may now be a larger concern than inflation.

"The slowdown in output and lower external imbalance reflect the adjustment required in the Colombian economy," said the central bank.

If the story plays out as expected, Bancolombia believes that 2015 and 2016 will end up being bumps in the road in an ongoing growth trajectory.

This marks the second straight month with no intervention, putting a definitive end to the prior 11 months of rate hikes.

The secretary's mission is to consult with Colombian officials on their plans to maintain strength in public finances in a post-conflict Colombia.

The Banco de la República had pushed the interest rate up by 325 basis points over the previous 11 months to curb out-of-control inflation.