Expogestión Caribe: an event to promote local competitiveness

(Bogotá, April 27, 2011).- The first Expogestión Caribe will be held in Barranquilla on April 28 and 29. The event with CAF support will contribute to the competitiveness of public-private sectors. The Latin American development bank is promoting the meeting through the Center for Training and Studies in Leadership and Management which will organize this first meeting jointly with the city’s Chamber of Commerce.

"The Caribbean region is one of the most promising in the Colombian economy, and we have to generate scenarios and efficient mechanisms to stimulate continuous improvements in the competitiveness of public and private sectors," CAF director representative in Colombia Victor Traverso said.

The conference, which will be attended by important international authorities including former British prime minister Tony Blair, is designed so that public and private leaders can share their knowledge in areas of interest for local management, while opening areas for cooperation and identification of public-private partnerships as a contribution to the competitiveness and productivity of large, medium and small enterprises.

During the event, CAF will host a luncheon for 50 business leaders from the region with the participation of Barranquilla Mayor Alejandro Char; Atlantico department Governor Eduardo Verano De La Rosa; the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Luis Fernando Castro; various candidates in the regional elections and prominent personalities. The guests will hear a presentation on the development support strategy of the Latin American financial institution, with the aim of identifying and stimulating initiatives to promote the growth of the city.

As part of its 2011 country strategy, CAF has defined the Colombian Caribbean region, particularly the city of Barranquilla, as priority for offering integrated support to the initiatives being taken under the development plans, thanks to the important economic potential offered by this region based on its location, the leadership of its local governors and the outstanding role of the private sector.