All Interviews & Viewpoints

How will lower oil prices affect drilling activity?

How can the stock exchange bring stability to the Colombian financial markets? CÓRDOBA: The primary lesson of the global financial crisis is that excess risk concentration in the banking sector can lead to systemic events. This must not be repeated and all regulatory efforts are focused on avoiding this risk concentration among...

How will the new tax reform and the financial transactions tax affect the banking sector? SARMIENTO: The tax reform, passed in December 2014, encompassed a tax on financial transactions, an equity tax and an increase in income tax. The first two were just extensions of existing taxes that were supposed to cease starting in 2015....

What progress has been made in the promotion of entrepreneurship and businesses in Colombia? CASTRO: One of the government’s most important achievements was the creation three years ago of iNNpulsa Colombia, a programme designed to promote business growth driven by innovation. This programme consists of three main goals: to foster...

What strategies will the governent use to cope with informality in the economy and tax evasion?

What benefits can be expected from Colombia’s accession to the OECD? ÁLVAREZ-CORREA: Macroeconomic stability, predictability and good governance are fundamental components for accession to the OECD. By belonging to the OECD, Colombia will show it has met key criteria and this will increase third-party trust levels in its...