International ‘Business Matchmaking Forum’ Launches Here March 16 – 18

Foreign investment promotion agency ProColombia announced February 6 the upcoming launch of its annual “Business Matchmaking Forum” at Medellin’s Plaza Mayor convention center — expected to attract more than 3,000 entrepreneurs along with hundreds of international corporate buyers.

The event (see: https://www.macrorruedasprocolombia.co/macrorrueda80/), “is one of ProColombia’ s most relevant promotional activities,” said ProColombia President Flavia Santoro.

“International buyers from all over the world will have the opportunity to see a great sampling of Colombia’s export offerings in the agribusiness, technology, manufacture and apparel sectors. North American companies, which can take advantage of the free trade agreement with Colombia, will find a competitive offer of goods and services in our country,” Santoro added.

Five industrial/commercial sectors are represented.

For the ag sector, offerings include aquaculture and fisheries, beef and pork, fruits and vegetables, and flowers.

The apparel sector will feature leather goods, footwear, bathing suits, undergarments and other types of clothing.

For the “industry 4.0” (high-tech) sector, there will be digital and information tech services as well as software development services.

The chemical, industrial and consumer-goods sector will feature cosmetics, packaging and containers, pharmaceutical products and hospital equipment.

Finally, the manufacturing sector will include construction materials, auto parts, furniture, wood and more.

As for buyers, “among those expected to attend are large retail chains, supermarkets, department stores, state companies and distributors, as well as recognized international marketers who sell directly to the final consumer,” including e-commerce vendors, according to ProColombia.

Last year’s version of the Matchmaking Forum generated more than 10,000 business meetings, “which led to tangible business contacts worth US$400 million, 28% more than in 2018,” according to ProColombia

During the 2019 event, 937 buyers from 52 countries “had the opportunity to meet Colombian talent, represented by 2,097 entrepreneurs from 25 Colombian departments,” according to the agency.