WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber's U.S.-Colombia Business Council (USCBC) announced today the election of Mauricio Ramos, CEO of Millicom, as the Council’s Chair. He is joined by Richard Mullen, CEO of Drummond Company, who was elected Vice Chair.
The nearly four-year-old USCBC is the premier business organization dedicated to strengthening the economic and commercial relationship between the United States and Colombia. It was launched following a December 2016 forum in Cartagena, Colombia, where the business community – led by the U.S. Chamber and the National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI) – pledged to increased cooperation in a memorandum of understanding witnessed by then-President Juan Manuel Santos and then-Vice President Joseph Biden.
“As Colombia and the United States seek to boost economic recovery, a strong trade and investment relationship can boost the commercial activity necessary for sustainable and inclusive growth. The Board’s choice of Mauricio Ramos as chairman recognizes the growing importance of the digital economy in the trade partnership and role the U.S. business community can play to support Colombia’s digital transformation priorities,” said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant.
As Chair, Ramos, a dual Colombian and U.S. citizen, will lead the Council in its work to encourage stronger commercial ties between Colombia and the United States, two countries that already enjoy a vibrant strategic partnership. Throughout 2021, the Council will prioritize opportunities to accelerate economic recovery through a focus on enhancing the investment climate and encouraging both governments to reduce the regulatory burdens to trade and investment.
“It’s an honor to lead the work of the U.S.-Colombia Business Council at this pivotal time when the power of digital technology and innovation has the ability to expand opportunity for the citizens of Colombia and the United States. I’m pleased to contribute my expertise and affinity for both countries to support stronger business ties,” said Ramos.
Ramos is currently the CEO of Millicom, a leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services dedicated to emerging markets in Latin America and Africa, that operates in Colombia through its principal brand, TIGO.
The U.S.-Colombia Business Council works with respective public and private sectors, partners and other key stakeholders to foster a robust economic relationship between the U.S. and Colombia to remove barriers to trade and create jobs, growth and prosperity in both countries.
