WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Businesses of Colombia (ANDI) today signed a memorandum of understanding that will serve as a foundation for coordination between the U.S. and Colombian private sectors in order to enhance business cooperation in both countries and invigorate engagement in the global economy.
The memorandum of understanding was signed during the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Colombia Advisory Council in Cartagena, where U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, leaders from the U.S. Chamber and ANDI, and over a dozen CEOs from each country gathered to discuss the future of the bilateral economic relationship.
“We are honored to host the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Colombia Advisory Council here in Cartagena. The partnership between our two countries has advanced and transformed the economic and social development of Colombia. We can achieve even more together, and we are excited for the positive gains this effort will deliver,” said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.
The agreement outlines the organizations’ intent to work together on policy, advocacy, and business promotion efforts. By collaborating more closely, the two organizations hope to strengthen the growing trade and investment relationship between the countries with an eye toward the future establishment of a U.S.-Colombia Business Council.
“On behalf of a U.S. business community eager to pursue meaningful and increasingly robust trade and investment connections with Colombia, we are pleased to take this step forward alongside leaders we regard as partners and friends,” said Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of International Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Amid a momentous turnaround, Colombia has emerged as a leader in regional economic development and boasts one of the fastest growth rates in our hemisphere. We look forward to the opportunity to build upon the successes of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement as we recommit to the work of promoting innovation and fostering economic competitiveness.”
The signing of the agreement signifies a mutual interest in creating a permanent dialogue among U.S. and Colombian business leaders that provides insight to both governments about what it takes to grow and compete in the global economy.
“It is a distinct honor to be part of the establishment of the U.S.-Colombia Advisory Council,” said Bruce Mac Master, president of the National Association of Businesses of Colombia. “I celebrate the presence and commitment of the CEOs from Colombia and the U.S. to participate in this initiative that will enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen our partnership for common growth.”
The National Association of Businesses of Colombia (ANDI) is the leading Colombian private-sector business council and interlocutor with government and civil society promoting the political, economic, and social policies of a healthy free enterprise system.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Its International Affairs division includes more than 70 regional and policy experts and 25 country- and region-specific business councils and initiatives. The U.S. Chamber also works closely with 117 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
