Harry van Schaick: ALL BLOG POSTS
The mining sector is emerging from what has been arguably its most challenging period in the 21st century. The commodity supercycle boom at the start of the century generated high expectations for the mining sector as emerging markets grew rapidly, led by the BRICs. With the price of most base metals peaking in 2012, the subsequent downturn cast shadows over the sector worldwide and disproportionally affected commodity-producing countries, many of them in South America.
Defined by the UN as “the interface between economy, culture, technology and social aspects”, the term “creative economy” can seem rather abstract at first appearance. However, it is globally one of the most dynamic industries, more than doubling its value between 2002 and 2015 to reach $509bn, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development. For a country bidding to diversify, ease dependency on commodities, innovate and add value to its economy, it seemed like a natural niche for Colombia.
CEOs in Colombia remain largely positive about the economy, in part given the country’s rising prominence in global political affairs amid the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. However, they are also in broad agreement regarding the numerous structural challenges the country faces in the short to medium term.