The summit will also showcase the measures taken to achieve a prompt economic recovery after the pandemic, and the role of foreign investment in propelling it. President Ivan Duque will be among the keynote speakers.

The hybrid event will showcase the country’s strategic advantages and opportunities for foreign companies looking to invest in Colombia.

“Since August 2018 and up to August of 2021, ProColombia has supported the arrival of 598 investment projects for US $25,4 billion, which have resulted in over 265,000 new jobs. This event is a great opportunity to continue positioning Colombia as the ideal investment destination in the region, increase these numbers and contribute to the recovery of our economy,” said Flavia Santoro (above), president of ProColombia.

Colombia currently has 17 free trade agreements with 65 countries including the United States, Canada, the European Union, with the potential to reach 1.5 billion consumers.

During this year’s summit, the country will present 140 investment projects with a combined value of $7.5 billion USD, across key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology as well as other opportunities in a sustainable ecosystem.

ProColombia claims that in previous editions, the CIS has impacted more than 400 investors and generated over 1,000 appointments. The platform has attracted participants such as former President Bill Clinton, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili and former President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno.

“I would like to congratulate Colombia for the development of this biosafety certification—the first in the region. I would also like to express the World Tourism Organization’s support for this important initiative that will provide confidence to travelers and consumers in the reactivation phase of tourism”, stated Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary General.

The biosafety certification (Check-in certificado, COVID-19 bioseguro) was created by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, with the support of ProColombia and ICONTEC, the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification. Its main objectives are to generate trust among travelers and consumers, minimize the risk of infection, and encourage the best development of tourism in Colombia.

“Obtaining this endorsement is voluntary and may be used by tourism related services providers, tourist areas, and tourist attractions in order to certify compliance with biosafety protocols once the sector is reactivated”, explained José Manuel Restrepo, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism.

Vice Minister of Tourism Julián Guerrero added that “with this certification entrepreneurs from the industry are invited to identify their business brands with the seal, as well, to follow all the biosafety measures. This with the ultimate aim of tourists being able to check-in with confidence in a hotel, restaurant, bar or any touristic place. The idea is to make them feel that they are entering a protected space”.

Colombia is also joining efforts with the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), in working towards a comprehensive implementation of the biosafety protocols in the tourism industry.

The certification will be valid for 2 years, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism will keep a registry of the tourism service providers, attractions, and destinations that are granted the seal.