Colombia: Andean local leaders exchange experiences on local competitiveness

Under the principle that integration of countries in the same region is the key to achieving development and a correct coordination between the external agenda of globalization, and internal aspects such as reduction of poverty and social cohesion, the International Seminar on "The City-Region in the New International Economic System," brought together local leaders from the region in a fruitful meeting in Bogota on November 25 and 26.

As guest speaker, CAF Development Strategies Vice President Fidel Jaramillo emphasized, among other aspects, the importance of factors such as the joint participation of the public and private sectors in the strategic management of the urban-regional competitiveness of the Andean region. Jaramillo illustrated this premise with experiences such as the Business Networks of northern Peru, and the CAF Andean Competitiveness Program (PAC).

Representatives from 15 Andean cities participated in the Forum: La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba (Bolivia); Bogota, Cali, Medellín, Manizales and Pasto (Colombia); Quito and Cuenca (Ecuador); Lima, Arequipa and Chiclayo (Peru); Caracas and Maracaibo (Venezuela).

The event was organized by the Bogota City Government, the Andean Community General Secretariat, and the Andean Cities Network which since September 2003 has united the mayors of over 30 urban centers in the region. Among other achievements, this Network has created the Andean Consultative Council of Municipal Authorities.