The latest annual study by the National Planning Department (DNP in Spanish initials) finds that Medellin is the best-managed city among Colombia’s 1,102 municipalities.

The just-released 2015 edition of Colombia’s national private-sector competitiveness council (Consejo Privado de Competitividad, CPC) “competitiveness index” (CI) study shows that Antioquia’s CI continues to improve.

The just-concluded Feria Internacional del Sector Eléctrico (FISE) electric-power conference November 25-27 in Medellin surpassed expectations as more than 16,000 delegates attended a show that included 145 technical presentations, three expert panels featuring leading power-company executives, nearly 300 exhibitors and more than US$67 million in signed business deals.

Medellin-based chain retailer Grupo Exito announced November 12 that it will build Colombia’s biggest shopping mall – not in Bogota, but rather in the Medellin suburb of Envigado.

Foreigners exploring real-estate opportunities in metro Medellin can be overwhelmed by unfamiliarity with Colombian business customs, legal requirements, sales-price “reasonableness,” a still-maturing multiple-listing service (MLS) network and uncertainties about the reliability of contractors, agents and sellers.

Thanks to big investments recently in hospital/clinic infrastructure, high technology, multinational training, prestigious certifications and new international alliances, metro Medellin is broadening its reputation as a destination for “international medicine” -- as opposed to just “medical tourism,” the latter often perceived as relatively simple plastic surgery or dental work.

The just-released annual study conducted by Colombia-based Sapiens Research Group (SRG) finds that 75 schools in Antioquia -- 32 of which are in Medellin -- are among the best of the more than 13,000 schools examined in Colombia.

Big infrastructure projects now underway including the “Prosperity Highways,” the “Toyo” tunnel, the new “Port Antioquia,” the “Navelena” dredging project on the Magdalena River, and the giant “HidroItuango” hydroelectric project collectively will bring a huge economic and social boost to Antioquia and Medellin starting in the next five years -- and continuing long afterward.

Spain-based corporate-reputation analyst Merco found in a new survey and study that Medellin-based Grupo Bancolombia is now the highest-ranked company in Colombia -- and led by Colombia’s best corporate leader: Carlos Raúl Yepes (see photo, above).

The Ministry of Environment on October 29 unveiled a study showing that Medellin ranks best among all Colombian cities in environmental quality – but with only a “moderate” ranking.