Atlantico Governor’s Plans to Boost Exports, Tourism: Exclusive Interview

The governor of Atlantico department in Colombia participated in the 2024 Concordia Americas Summit, held April 22-23 in Miami, United States. Eduardo Verano outlined his administration’s strategies to attract investments and promote exports through Barranquilla, a key Caribbean port and capital of the Atlantico department.

Assuming office for his third term in January, the governor discussed concrete proposals with Colombia One, including the construction of a commuter train to facilitate the movement of materials and people between Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, connecting the entire Colombian Caribbean from La Guajira to Cordoba.

Governor Verano also mentioned his intention to request that the National Government reduce the bureaucracy exporters face, aiming to boost trade. Additionally, he announced his proposal to host a Junior Concordia Summit in Barranquilla, to showcase the region’s potential to U.S. investors.

“Atlantico for the world”

With the slogan “Atlantico for the world”, Governor Eduardo Verano presented his administration’s proposals to stimulate the regional economy. The government aims to “change the mentality of our businessmen (…) so that we do not remain locked in our own environment”. The objective is to establish “a solid relationship with several countries around the world”. Additionally, the governor noted that the market for Barranquilla and its surrounding region “is the world”, having surpassed the Colombian domestic market for many years.

Many of the products that Colombia sends worldwide enter and exit through the Free Zone of Barranquilla. “Our Free Trade Zone has an export culture,” the governor remarked, referring to the substantial volume of goods that flows through this critical commercial infrastructure in northern Colombia annually.

However, Eduardo Verano criticized the excessive bureaucratic processes facing exporters when they attempt to sell their products internationally. He stated that his administration would request the Colombian government, which holds the necessary authority, to reduce bureaucracy through modernization and digitalization, thereby simplifying procedures for businessmen.

Commuter train to link the Caribbean

Eduardo Verano explained the commuter train project connecting the three major cities on the Colombian Caribbean coast—Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta—which will facilitate the movement of people and boost tourism. “For some people it is not a priority, because there are many needs, but we need it,” said the governor.

This project aligns with President Petro’s government’s proposals in Colombia, aiming to restore the significance that railroads held in the past, a prominence lost over 30 years ago.

“Barranquilla is at the heart of the Caribbean axis, an hour from Santa Marta to the east and another from Cartagena to the west,” the governor noted. “Our capital has emerged as a significant gastronomic hub and a focal point for medical services”, he continued, adding that Barranquilla’s affordable medical care favors international medical tourism.

Disappointment at the fiasco of the Pan American Games

The governor chose not to discuss the fiasco of the Pan American Games, which were to be held in 2027 in Barranquilla. In January, Panam Sports canceled the event at the scheduled location, the capital of Atlantico department, citing the Colombian government’s failure to fulfill its financial commitments.

When questioned on the matter, Verano refrained from seeking culprits, while nevertheless noting his disappointment, especially since the cancellation occurred just three days after his administration began—a situation that was irreversible given Panam Sports’ definitive decision.

Regarding accountability for the incident, the governor explained, “When we began analyzing why the payment had not been made, we discovered a certain apprehension among some officials at the Ministry of Sports… and then there were all sorts of justifications that no longer mattered because the decision had already been finalized.”

“It still hurts us,” the governor admitted, asserting that Barranquilla lost a significant opportunity to enhance its image on the continent. He emphasized that his administration would pursue new events and initiatives to mitigate the impact of losing the Pan American Games, which will now take place in Lima, Peru, in three years.

Junior Concordia Summit in Barranquilla, Colombia

In a significant announcement, Governor Verano revealed that negotiations are underway to host a Junior Concordia Summit in Barranquilla. “Just as Concordia took place in Bogota in 2017, we are now working to host a Concordia event in Barranquilla,” the governor explained, emphasizing the objective to “attract international visitors to our region to help improve our economic situation.”

Although Governor Verano did not specify dates, he confirmed that efforts are being made to organize the event “as soon as possible.” Capitalizing on his participation in the 2024 Concordia Americas Summit held in Miami, he is now seeking to attract potential individuals and businesses interested in engaging in trade exchanges with Barranquilla. The regional government of Atlantico department aims to use this opportunity to raise the profile of the department and to enhance its development.