Baranquilla
More than 100 years ago, Barranquilla was named Colombia’s Golden Door. Founded on fertile lands where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Ocean, it has long been a city known for its cultural diversity, the richness of their products, and their place as a trading hub. In the last decade, Barranquilla has been a driving force in the economic recovery of Colombia, and it has become one of the most sought after destinations for investors and businesses from all over the world. Many have attributed Barranquilla’s rise partly to the political stability the city has seen in recent years. New administrations have found success in promoting private-public partnerships, with significant investments on infrastructure and better incentives for foreign investors. “Barranquilla is the city with the most projection in all of Colombia”, says current Mayor Alejandro Char, “ Our progress is a testament to the willpower and vision of a population made stronger by their diversity, people that came from all over the world to settle here”. Though agriculture and trade have long been at the heart of the city’s economy, today many other sectors have grown exponentially, contributing to a positive economic environment. The boom in construction led to the rise of top quality services and transport companies, which have in turn sparked various innovative start-ups that have already made a name for themselves, often operating at a global stage. Tourism is at an all-time high, supported by the arrival of great international companies and public investments that have made Barranquilla a friendlier place.
In fact, the Magdalena River Malecón, a soon to be inaugurated boardwalk, represented a USD 300 Million investment. With growth rates consistently over the national average, and rising interest from foreign investors, 2019 looks to be another good year for the city. Not only does Barranquilla already have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, but their continued public investment has also improved education and health access for the general population, resulting in a highly qualified workforce that is now able to tend to more specialized jobs. Furthermore, Barranquilla has been able to dramatically reduce the poverty rates in the city, with more than 20% of the population having surpassed the poverty line. With a buzzing economy, a rich social climate, and a location that has proved to be second-to-none, Barranquilla is poised to continue growing, reaching more and more countries with their excellent products and becoming a true center for innovation. Already known for their liveliness and their music, Barranquilla will soon be known as the great economic hub of the Caribbean.
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