Two Years Of Free Trade Between Canada And Colombia

Trade between the two nations has been growing at a rapid pace, with added value exports from Colombia gaining popularity and setting a new trade standard in the hemisphere

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Today marks an important milestone in trade relations between Canada and Colombia with the celebration of the second anniversary of free trade between the two nations. Exports from Colombia to Canada have grown by 19.5% during that period, with 285 Colombian companies offering their products in Canada for the first time, according to data released by Colombia's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

Colombia has reached the Canadian market with 124 new non-traditional products, with particular growth noted in leather, apparel and confectionary products. "Colombia has seen an overall increase in the number of non-mining exports to Canada following the enforcement of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and the diversification of our products in the market has been one of the biggest benefits," said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport Colombia.

Remarkably, Colombian companies are well known for their creativity and vision, introducing products with a very high quality to foreign markets. Colombia has a competitive offering in products that present added value for Canadian consumers, showing an export surge in apparel and textiles by 20.2%, agribusiness by 22.6% and 57.4% in the manufacturing sectors.

Amongst the most interesting Made in Colombia exports to Canada include specialized knitwear, sportswear and lingerie, showing a dedicated and highly qualified apparel and textiles scene; high quality leather footwear, softgel capsules and packaging display a very innovative manufacturing opportunity; exquisite avocado, fresh tamarillo and pitahaya exhibit Colombia's exotic flavours; and confectionary products, including grauffetes and waffles stand proudly produced in Colombia.

With a dedicated and growing industry, Colombia continues to set a higher trade standard, utilizing its creative expertise to position the country as a supplier of quality and added value. The country has a large workforce ruled by a favorable regulatory framework, protected by a cohesive system of social security and several other benefits that make of the national labor force, one that stands out as competitive and innovative.

The discovery of Colombia's potential by Canadian importers, retailers and wholesalers, following the implementation of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, has led to a rise in Colombian exports to Canada, reaching USD$944.5 million from August 2011 to May 2013.

To further showcase the business opportunities available for Canadian companies to add Made in Colombia to their portfolio, Proexport Colombia, the entity in charge of trade, investment and tourism promotion, will lead a Business Matchmaking Forum in Chicago, September 4 and 5, 2013.

The event will match over 300 Colombian exporters with Canadian and American buyers, where each attendee will have an opportunity to discover Colombia's wide array of products and services.

About Proexport Colombia:

Proexport Colombia is the governmental entity in charge of supporting non-traditional exports (non-mining/energy related) as well as the promotion of Colombia as an international investment and tourism destination. Proexport Colombia offers free support and consultancy for business enterprises through its regional, national and international offices, located in more than 30 countries worldwide.

For more information on the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement visit www.proexport.com.co

For more information on the Chicago Macrorueda visit: http://www.macrorruedasproexport.com/

CONTACT: Marissa Lyman, [email protected], 212-880-5352

SOURCE: Proexport Colombia

http://www.proexport.com.co