Economy

Colombia is poised for expansion in 2019 and 2020, despite some internal and external challenges that have not abated since 2018. Growth of the Colombian economy will be determined by which side of the scale advances further in the short term: strong consumer spending and increased investment in the construction sector due to the ongoing Fourth Generation road programme, or a deepening current account deficit and strained labour market due to the influx of Venezuelan refugees. As the country tries to advance its international competitiveness to secure greater investment and job growth, the government must battle inflation, unemployment and a fluctuating peso. Still, if the current National Development Plan is implemented successfully, the Duque administration is likely to leave behind a stronger Colombia with increased opportunities for all. This chapter contains interviews with Alberto Carrasquilla, Minister of Finance and Public Credit; Flavia Santoro Trujillo, President, ProColombia; and Juan José Echavarría Soto, General Manager, Banco de la República.