Uruguay has formally taken over the Presidency of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Building on Strengths and International Partnerships

The OECD’s economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) brings together OECD member countries and regional partners working to design, coordinate, and implement effective public policies to address common development challenges and promote sustained, inclusive growth.

The presidency, which the Uruguayan government and the organization will hold in joint coordination until 2028, will be based on four pillars: productivity, social inclusion, institutions, governance, and environmental sustainability.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its involvement in this area of the OECD, will continue working to strengthen the program, so that its actions are in line with the real interests of the countries of the region and benefit their population,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valeria Csukasi.

An Opportunity to Lead the Region

The OECD economic development program for Latin America and the Caribbean is designed to support and stimulate public policy innovation and regional cooperation to tackle the challenges that countries in the region face. From strengthening social protection systems to promoting sustainable economic growth, the program plays a crucial role in helping countries build more inclusive and prosperous societies.

Uruguay’s new position will enable the country to strengthen and diversify South-South cooperation with countries in the region, advancing governance, transparency, competitiveness, and other essential aspects for the well-being of society.

Strengthening dialogue and collaboration among countries, international organizations, and civil society will be central to the new round of work under Uruguay’s coordination. In this sense, Deputy Minister Csukasi advanced that her visit to the OECD headquarters was an opportunity to meet with international partners in order to define work priorities and identify cooperation opportunities. “We have also had the opportunity to meet with the Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Mathias Cormann, and with Ms. Elsa Pilichowski, Director of Public Governance, among others,” said the deputy minister.

Dialogue and consensus-building among governments, civil society, and the private sector are key to achieving the goals of the economic development program. The program’s member countries and partner nations in the region agreed to structure their work around four strategic pillars of action. These include productivity, social inclusion, strengthening institutions and governance, and sustainability.

Promoting Productivity and Innovation

One of the program’s key pillars is productivity, which is essential to economic growth and competitiveness. The OECD and participating governments will work together to support policies that help Latin American and Caribbean countries increase productivity, including by integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into regional and global value chains.

Opening access to technology and improving training and financing for SMEs are priorities that will receive particular attention during the Uruguayan Presidency. The program also supports innovation and competitiveness through better policy design and implementation, helping businesses to grow and compete in regional and global markets.

Expanding Opportunities for All

Expanding social inclusion and access to labor markets is another strategic objective. The OECD will work with Latin American and Caribbean governments to promote more inclusive social protection systems, better vocational training, and access to education.

Attention will also be paid to the benefits of digital transformation, given that many people in the region do not yet have equal access to these technologies. The expansion of public transport and urban infrastructure is also a clear priority to make access to employment and services more inclusive.

Building Stronger Institutions and Governance

Strengthening institutions and governance is critical for creating more transparent, accountable, and effective public policies. The OECD program promotes best practices in public administration and supports a culture of integrity to build trust between governments and citizens.

Uruguay will support countries in the region to improve their institutional performance, strengthen the rule of law, and protect human rights. Policies that promote fiscal transparency, for example, can also help attract more investment and make public spending more efficient and transparent.

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

Latin America and the Caribbean face significant environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, and natural disasters. The OECD economic development program supports countries in the region to develop and implement environmentally sound policies, strengthen resilience to climate-related risks, and better manage natural resources.

The program also supports clean energy transitions and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Biodiversity protection is also high on the list of the governments’ and OECD’s environmental priorities.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Dialogue

During her official visit to the headquarters of the OECD, Deputy Minister Csukasi had the opportunity to meet with different international partners to exchange on issues of common interest. Among these, she held a meeting with the OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, with whom she discussed the strengthening of relations between Uruguay and the Organization in key areas such as the quality of institutions, good governance, and sustainable growth.

“We agreed on the need to continue working together in order to ensure that regional public policies are aligned with best practices in OECD countries, which will help increase transparency and competitiveness,” said the Deputy Minister after the meeting.

Subsequently, she met with Anabel Gonzalez, Vice President for Countries and Regional Integration of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with whom she identified opportunities to explore synergies between the IDB’s regional integration projects and the OECD’s capacity-building initiatives.

In turn, she had meetings with Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Director of the OECD Development Center, and Elsa Pilichowski, Director for Public Governance in the OECD, to discuss opportunities for advancing policy coherence in areas of common interest such as digital government, education, and transparency.

21st Meeting of the Executive Committee

Dya Cukasi also co-chaired, together with Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, the 21st meeting of the Executive Committee of the program’s participants, which served to assess progress made in recent years and to give shape to the next phase of work.

She also participated in a session with members from various countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and officials of the OECD. She also presented a speech in which she highlighted Uruguay’s strengths in matters such as digital government, green energy, and social protection, and expressed her government’s commitment to working in a pragmatic way to develop public policies that ensure the well-being of citizens and benefit from synergies with regional and multilateral work.

Uruguay’s Presidency

Member countries and partner nations recognized Uruguay’s pragmatic approach and record of successful governance and economic management, with its emphasis on social protection, green energy, and regional integration.

During the next stage of the work program, Uruguay will focus on building long-term and effective partnerships, translating policy recommendations into practical results, and leveraging its experience in innovation to support reforms in other countries in the region.

Punta Cana Free Trade Zone: A New Logistics and Technology Hub for the Caribbean

An innovative free trade zone joins the tourism industry with an investment exceeding US$200 million.

November 12, 2025 – The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ) was officially launched, a free zone investment of over US$200 million, which combines air and maritime logistics operations, an innovation and technology development center, and an aircraft maintenance and repair service. The event was attended by President Luis Abinader and leading representatives of the public and private sectors. This new initiative for the development of the Eastern Region is an innovative business project for Latin America and the Caribbean promoted by Grupo Punta Cana (GPC), the company that has driven the sustainable development and transformation of tourism in the region for decades.

Innovative Project with a Long-Term Vision: Tourism Meets Industry

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone is the result of a long-term investment and a project designed to coexist with the extraordinary tourism growth of the region through industrial, technological, and logistics operations. Punta Cana Hub has a total area of 742,616 square meters and will bring together air, sea, and land logistics operations, corporate areas, and an innovation center for entrepreneurship and fintech and technology companies development. The project’s purpose is to create a diversified investment economy, to attract different types of investments to the region and the country, and to lay the groundwork for the future development of industry and technology in the Dominican Republic.

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone project also includes the first aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) complex of the Dominican Republic, which will place the country on the map as a future regional hub for aviation services in the Caribbean. It will provide airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean with leading-edge aircraft servicing, engineering, and logistics services, creating a new high-value segment in the national economy.

Jobs and Training for Residents

This complex, in its phase of full operation, will generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, from air cargo and logistics specialists, software engineers, maintenance technicians, administrative staff, and more. It will also create important employment opportunities for people living in La Altagracia province and nearby regions by providing technical specialization and training to promote employment and workforce development in skilled jobs, beyond the capital area, where most of these opportunities have traditionally been limited in the country.

In addition, the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone strengthens the Dominican Republic’s role as an international logistics hub, a center for innovation, and an attractive option for foreign investment. With its state-of-the-art facilities and modern logistics solutions, the PCFTZ will be a key element in the country’s competitiveness strategy in the Caribbean and Latin American markets.

Hub of Air, Sea, and Land Logistics for the Caribbean

The 265,518 m² of land area and 75,000 m² of construction, the Air, Sea, and Land Logistics Center, is designed to manage imports, exports, transshipments and parcels. This operation is strategically located near Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and the ports of La Romana and Haina for multimodal connectivity, which will strengthen the Dominican Republic’s logistics infrastructure and contribute to reducing delivery times and costs of products entering and leaving the country.

The PCFTZ complex, which will be equipped with the latest generation of dual-view X-ray machines, container verification systems and automated inventory control systems, will provide maximum safety and efficiency. In its last stage, with a capacity of 430 tons of air cargo and five wide-body aircraft ramp positions, it will move up to 108 tons of cargo per aircraft depending on the configuration. This will offer international companies efficient access to markets in North America, Central America and South America.

Agreement with DP World

Grupo Punta Cana signed a collaboration agreement with DP World, a multinational specialized in logistics solutions and port operations, to work jointly on the construction of the Multimodal Logistics Center that will combine air, land, and sea freight services in a single integrated platform. The agreement with DP World will ensure the implementation of global standards in logistics management, customs efficiency and cargo security from the start of the project. This will place the Dominican Republic on the map as a reference point for global maritime trade and strengthen the role of the region as a gateway between the Americas and Europe.

The announcement of a US$70 million investment in the project was also made by FL Technics, a European aviation services company, to build the first independent MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) complex in the Dominican Republic in 2025. The ultra-modern maintenance facility will be equipped with the latest maintenance equipment and operated by local staff who will be trained by international experts, certified in accordance with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international aviation organizations. In addition to providing MRO, the facility will also offer training programs to develop qualified Dominican professionals for highly technical and specialized careers in the aviation sector.

Environmentally Responsible Innovation Center

Grupo Punta Cana has a long-standing history of innovation and a focus on developing environmentally responsible initiatives in tourism and infrastructure. Punta Cana Free Trade Zone will be no exception. Renewable energy systems, waste management solutions and eco-friendly building practices will all be used throughout the project. The free zone’s innovation center, meanwhile, will help incubate and support startups and established businesses that are working in the fields of clean technologies, software, and digital transformation.

The Punta Cana Free Trade Zone represents a new model for the Dominican Republic, evolving into a diversified and knowledge-based economy. Logistics, aviation and other services, which have not traditionally been strong in the Dominican Republic, are beginning to play an important role in the country’s business landscape. Once the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone is in operation, it will not only serve existing export-oriented industries but also attract new businesses to expand their operations in the Caribbean region.

Its strategic location, high-quality infrastructure and a regulatory and institutional framework that is favorable to investment make the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone a pioneer project and an example to be emulated for the international competitiveness of the Dominican Republic.

So far under the administration of La Libertad Avanza, total inflows have exceeded USD 15 billion, but economists warn that this is not enough to sustain the current exchange rate regime. Here’s how it compares with Massa’s term and the figures from the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).

Economic Team Seeks to Boost Argentina Foreign Investment

Following the legislative elections—won by the government—and under the assumption that the exchange rate regime faces no problems, the economic team led by Luis Caputo now wants to focus on attracting Argentina foreign investment to boost economic activity. According to the latest (BCRA), in the second quarter of 2025, total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached USD 2.866 billion. This represented an increase compared with the first three months of the year, when inflows totaled USD 1.015 billion, and especially with the last quarter of 2024, when they barely reached USD 90 million. The rise was largely explained by reinvested earnings, which accounted for USD 1.684 billion of the total—the second-highest level in the year and a half of La Libertad Avanza’s administration, only surpassed by the first quarter of 2024, when reinvestments reached USD 2.347 billion. Below reinvested earnings were debt transactions (USD 1.457 billion), capital contributions (USD 977 million), and mergers and acquisitions, which subtracted USD 1.252 billion.

Economists Warn Current Inflows Are Insufficient

“Current levels of foreign direct investment are low relative to what this economy needs,” said Lucio Garay Méndez, an economist at Eco Go, noting that a low real exchange rate is turning the current account negative. Given the foreign-currency debt maturity profile and the level of the Central Bank’s net reserves, he emphasized that higher levels of Argentina foreign investment are needed to strengthen the capital account — if the government intends to maintain the current exchange rate framework. “From a monetary program perspective, if the aim is to remonetize the economy through peso issuance resulting from foreign currency purchases, it’s unlikely that the current account will supply those inflows until April. In the meantime, higher foreign direct investment is necessary,” he added.

Comparing FDI Flows Between 2023 and 2025

Between January 2024 and June 30, 2025, foreign capital inflows totaled USD 15.528 billion (USD 11.647 billion in 2024 and USD 3.881 billion between January and June 2025). In comparison, 2023 saw inflows of over USD 24 billion. However, according to Garay Méndez, these represent two very different types of FDI. In 2023, investment was inflated by capital controls and increased commercial debt. “Since companies couldn’t take money out, many engaged in carry trades or took on debt because they couldn’t access the foreign currency they needed to exit. In 2024, with the introduction of the Bonds for the Reconstruction of a Free Argentina (Bopreal) and other smaller measures, this situation normalized, and what we’re seeing now is much more genuine,” he explained.

The RIGI Framework and Key Investment Projects

To encourage capital inflows from the start of its term — and avoid repeating what happened under Mauricio Macri — the government enacted the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). According to official data from the Ministry of Economy, there are currently 23 projects totaling USD 50.589 billion. The RIGI committee has already approved several worth USD 24.814 billion, while another USD 25.775 billion is under review. Among the most significant approved projects is that of Southern Energy (owned by Pan American Energy (PAE) and Golar LNG), which plans to install a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production vessel in the Gulf of San Matías, Río Negro. The project involves a USD 15.156 billion investment over its expected 20-year lifespan.

U.S. and Global Capital Lead Argentina’s Foreign Investment

With financial assistance from the United States to the consulting firm Analytica,  President Donald Trump seeks to expand U.S. companies’ participation in Argentina’s economy and curb potential Chinese investment. “The presence of U.S. capital is nothing new. In recent years—up to the first quarter of 2025—U.S. investors accounted for the largest share of Argentina foreign investment, totaling USD 9.999 billion between 2021 and the first quarter of this year,” the report noted. This positioned the U.S. ahead of Spain (USD 9.043 billion) and well above Brazil (USD 6.970 billion).

Investor Confidence and Exchange Rate Outlook

Over the weekend, reports surfaced suggesting that Caputo had told a group of investors in the United States that he was considering changes to the exchange-rate band system within the next 30 days — a claim later denied by official sources at the Ministry of Economy. On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, met with a group of investors on the fifth floor of the Ministry of Economy building in an event organized by Morgan Stanley. “There will be growth, the fiscal surplus remains intact, investments are coming, and money will flow in,” said one of the attendees. Others, however, were more cautious about the economic program. They came to assess how things were progressing, acknowledging that although they view the program as sound and believe capable officials are in charge, uncertainty persists. Several also expressed doubts about whether the economic team will be able to access international markets before the end of the year.

The Road Ahead for Argentina’s Foreign Investment

While inflows have shown an encouraging upward trend, economists agree that Argentina foreign investment must accelerate substantially to stabilize the peso, strengthen reserves, and sustain growth. For now, confidence in Caputo’s fiscal discipline and the success of the RIGI program will determine whether Argentina can attract the scale of foreign capital it needs to power a lasting recovery.

The growing demand for applications, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI) has driven an inflow of USD 183.8 million into Mexico as of September this year. Foreign investment attracted by Mexico for the construction of data centers surged this year, reaching record levels in the second quarter, according to data from the Ministry of Economy (SE). Between April and June, the country received USD 183.8 million from foreign companies for the provision of infrastructure related to computing services, data processing, website hosting, and other associated activities.

Before this period, the highest level of investment in this type of infrastructure occurred in the first quarter of 2023, with USD 9.6 million, according to figures from the federal government’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) portal.

Growing Demand for Digital Infrastructure

Efrén Páez, senior analyst at DPL Group, explained that corporate demand for applications, data storage, and artificial intelligence (AI) has driven investments in Mexico for the construction of new data centers. He highlighted that another factor attracting investment in this sector is national legislation requiring that financial and health data be stored within the country.

“For the past two or three years, we’ve been discussing investment in data centers—especially since the issue of data sovereignty began to gain attention. At the same time, there has been a rising demand from the private sector for apps, which coincides with the growing use of AI,” the specialist noted.

Páez emphasized that such investments take time to be fully executed and that they involve not only capital spending on infrastructure but also operational expenditures, including personnel. In this regard, he estimated that foreign direct investment in data centers will continue to grow in the coming quarters.

“The expectation within the sector is for further increases in this type of infrastructure investment, particularly to serve industries that are demanding greater data storage capacity, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.”

Strategic Hubs Driving Growth

According to the global consulting firm Turner & Townsend, Mexico is rapidly positioning itself as a strategic destination for data center investment in Latin America, driven by its strong connectivity, proximity to North American markets, and government programs for digital infrastructure. This momentum underscores how investment in data centers in Mexico is now a core part of the country’s digital transformation and economic modernization strategy.

In its Data Centre Construction Cost Index 2025–2026 report, the firm asserts that Querétaro is emerging as the country’s main development hub, offering a unique combination of competitive costs and government support.

“The region is attracting hyperscale operators and service providers, but it must now meet the technical and logistical demands of AI infrastructure,” the report highlighted.

The study also notes that 83 percent of experts believe local supply chains are still not ready to sustain the growing technological demand brought by AI, which means demand for this type of infrastructure will continue to rise.

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Expansion

The consultancy identifies 2025 as a key year for the announcement and development of data centers, as developers transition from traditional air-cooled facilities to high-density liquid-cooled data centers designed for AI workloads. Analysts agree that investment in data centers in Mexico is entering a critical phase that will determine the country’s ability to sustain large-scale digital operations.

“Mexico is in a unique position to become a leader in AI-driven data center development. Querétaro’s growth is a clear signal of investor confidence, but success will depend on strengthening supply chains and ensuring reliable access to energy,” the report added.

“The biggest challenge for the growth of data centers in Mexico is ensuring the availability of energy and water,” both the DPL Group analyst and the consulting firm agreed.

Páez added that human capital will also be crucial for driving new projects, noting with optimism that more Mexican universities are introducing engineering programs focused on this sector. Data from the Ministry of Economy show that in previous years, investment in data centers was practically nonexistent. However, in the last two quarters, the trend has shifted dramatically, with capital inflows exceeding USD 183 million.

Global Tech Giants Lead Investment Momentum

Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and CloudHQ have all announced significant investments in data centers in Mexico. In February of last year, the company founded by Jeff Bezos announced a USD 5 billion investment to create its Cloud Region. Seven months later, in September, Microsoft revealed plans to inject USD 1.3 billion into Mexico in 2025 as part of its cloud and AI service expansion projects.

In September of this year, CloudHQ—one of the world’s leading data center developers—announced a USD 4.8 billion investment for the construction of a data center complex consisting of six separate facilities in Querétaro.

These projects illustrate how investment in data centers in Mexico has evolved from a niche area into a national priority, transforming the country into a key regional player in digital infrastructure. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, this trend is expected to continue reshaping Mexico’s technological landscape and attracting even greater levels of foreign capital.

Colombia Records Over 20 Million International Tourists and USD 14.712 Billion in Foreign Investment in Three Years

Promoting Colombia abroad, diversifying exports, and expanding air connectivity helped consolidate it as one of the countries in Latin America with the highest growth in investment and tourism, as confirmed in recent figures that show record foreign investment in Colombia and the arrival of more than 20 million tourists in the last three years.

Record Foreign Investment in Colombia

A coordinated effort led by ProColombia, the government agency that works to promote exports, foreign investment, and tourism, has helped Colombia expand its global presence. This alignment, understood by more regions as a genuine alternative for business, is making Colombia a best practice example in how synergistic public policy can generate sustainable and inclusive growth.

“The results achieved are thanks to the efforts of the public and private sectors and the strengthening of the ecosystem in our regions,” said ProColombia’s president, Carmen Caballero. “We are connecting Colombia with the world through a strategy that has as its central axis the promotion of our people, our territories, and the sustainability of our projects,” she added.

With this strategy, the Colombian government is positioning the country as not only a leisure and business tourism destination, but also as a solid business platform for investors and exporters seeking to reach international markets. A proposal that has been key in materializing record foreign investment in Colombia, and which also seeks to support the development of these two economic activities in a balanced way throughout the different industries.

Record Foreign Investment in Colombia: Tourism Continues to Grow and Regionalize

Tourism continues to be a key activity to increase Colombia’s visibility abroad and bring dynamism to the national economy. In the last three years, more than 20 million international visitors have been received and 68 new air routes have been launched, generating more opportunities for internal and external connectivity.

Destinations such as Cabo de la Vela, the Magdalena River, or the Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero) are some of the regions that have benefited the most directly from this boom, since they were disconnected from the main corridors and now have greater dynamism in the development of small businesses, the construction of hotels, and the creation of eco-friendly tourism and adventure projects. The sector is also a generator of jobs and opportunities for sustainable development, since there are already thousands of families who live off tourism.

The Colombian tourism model is also one that is increasingly focused on sustainability. Through the promotion of responsible tourism practices, the preservation of natural resources, and the active participation of local communities in tourism projects, Colombia is consolidating itself as a green destination.

The main international markets for investment and exports

The United States, Canada, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico are the main international markets for investment in Colombia. However, there has also been significant growth in investment flows from China, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Korea, and Japan.

In terms of exports, the United States, Venezuela, Peru, the Netherlands, and Brazil are the top destinations. E-commerce has also become an increasingly important channel for exports, with sales growing by more than 25% in the last year. There has also been growth in non-traditional exports such as technology services, design, and audiovisual content, with Colombia’s Orange Economy also making an important contribution to export growth.

Tourism continues to be a major driver of Colombia’s international recognition and dynamism. In the last three years, more than 20 million international visitors have been received in the country, and 68 new air routes have been opened, generating greater connectivity both internally and with the rest of the world.

Colombia participated in Expo Osaka 2025

Colombia’s Pavilion received 1.3 million visitors in three months, with a commercial projection of USD 34.6 million and 31 new investment opportunities at Expo Osaka 2025

Colombia’s participation in the Osaka Expo 2025 exhibition is another milestone that reflects international interest in the South American country. The Colombian Pavilion received 1.3 million visitors over three months and obtained commercial projections of USD 34.6 million and 31 new investment opportunities.

The team led by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism and ProColombia under the banner “Colombia, the Country of Beauty” brought together Colombians from all over the country and from different walks of life to show in Osaka what makes Colombia unique and worthy of being an ideal place to live and do business.

The pavilion stood out for the design that captured Colombia’s biodiversity and cultural diversity, and the technological advances being made in fields such as health, education, and the creative industries. The campaign won more than 25 international awards for its creative effectiveness, including a 2025 Cannes Lions award.

ProColombia’s Targets for 2025

ProColombia will aim to attract more than 7 million non-resident visitors and 150 new foreign investment projects by the end of 2025, in line with the vision to strengthen the country’s presence in international markets.

“The achievements we materialize as record foreign investment in Colombia should not be the simple result of statistics. Our greatest mission is that every one of these triumphs has its origin in and generates well-being for our regions and real opportunities for small businesses,” Caballero added.

Carmen Caballero also pointed out that Colombia’s inclusion in more and more routes by international airlines has allowed the national territory to “find connectivity, be it for business travel, in the case of investment, or leisure travel in the case of tourism, and both in domestic markets in terms of regional economic growth”.

Targeted Promotion Helps Colombia Gain Recognition

ProColombia has used both traditional and digital channels to market the country to the world, with great success and impact. Targeted campaigns in different markets have shown the best results and have placed Colombia as one of the reference countries in internationalization.

Two new routes that Colombia has been taking in recent years have to do with the direct export promotion of Colombian products and services in the territories of other countries and participation in key fairs and events that position the country as a leader in different sectors.

The opening of the Chinese market to Colombian beef and Colombian poultry in Japan in 2024 was a key moment in the growth of exports in recent years, since they are countries have more stringent requirements for food safety and quality. In other words, they were milestone projects to enter two new continents for Colombian agricultural exports, which are already consolidating the country’s reputation as a supplier of top-quality products. In other words, they were two significant milestones to be able to enter two new continents for Colombian agricultural exports, which are already consolidating Colombia’s reputation as a supplier of top-quality products.

Beyond traditional agriculture, other non-traditional Colombian exports such as processed food products, technology services, and creative content have been growing and are making a positive impact. In fact, the creative economy or Orange Economy has started to show encouraging results in sectors such as audiovisual production, music, design, and others that are also now part of the government’s promotion strategy.

Colombia is consolidating its progress in sustainable growth at the global level and is increasingly involved in markets and regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America. Record foreign investment in Colombia is growing, and the nation is making itself known as a global leader in tourism and as an important location for business.

The Ecuadorian government has reduced country risk by almost 1,300 points since 2023; Noboa points out that this is the result of his economic policy.

The country risk of Ecuador decreased to 688 points, based on the latest data released by the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE). This indicator measures the perception of investors about a country’s ability to pay and meet its financial commitments, and has marked a new milestone in the history of Ecuador. The current value has been registered as a noticeable decrease from 693 points the previous day, on Thursday, November 6, and an even more significant drop when compared to the values that were still above 2,000 points a year ago.

President Daniel Noboa described the event as a reflection of regained confidence in the South American nation. In a statement broadcast on national television and shared on social media, Noboa said that the drop in country risk is a direct result of his government’s economic and fiscal reforms, which seek to restore stability, rebuild credibility with international creditors, and generate conditions for long-term investments to arrive in the country.

The Ecuadorian president also commented on the low inflation rate of 1.24% in October, the lowest for that month since 2021, as a strong indicator of a more stable and controlled macroeconomic environment. Noboa has also explained that the low inflation is a safeguard for the purchasing power of households, a factor that reduces uncertainty for businesses and investors, and also allows for a more predictable environment for investment.

Daniel Noboa shares achievements about Ecuador country risk

In his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the President published a post sharing information about Ecuador country risk, and he details that this shows real and positive economic results.

“The lies fall by themselves when there are results. Our country risk has fallen to 688 points, down nearly 1,300 points since we took office, and inflation in October 2025 was 1.24%, the lowest for that month since 2021,” he said.

The country risk index is an indicator that measures the sentiment of investors and international markets regarding the creditworthiness of a particular nation. A high indicator value means that the international market considers the country to be a high-risk destination for investment, which results in higher interest rates for loans. A lower country risk value, on the other hand, is a sign of greater confidence, allowing access to international financing at lower rates, and it also enables the government to carry out funding for development projects with greater ease.

Economists in the country and abroad have considered this reduction in country risk to be one of the largest that has occurred in the Latin American region in the last year. This measure reflects, on the one hand, the positive reception that the market has given to fiscal discipline and, on the other hand, that it anticipates that the government will continue on a steady path of responsible management of the country’s economy.

Ecuador’s International Reputation Improves

The fall of Ecuador country risk by more than 1,300 points since President Daniel Noboa took office in November 2023 has led to an improvement in the country’s image in international markets. The dramatic drop in risk from 2,016 points to 688 is seen as an endorsement of the administration’s pragmatic and market-friendly approach to economic recovery.

The financial community believes that the decrease in country risk will allow Ecuador not only to obtain better conditions when requesting loans on the international stage, but also to improve the outlook of the private sector. As credit costs decrease, both public and private companies will have easier access to financing for projects in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and technology. All these achievements will also open the doors for job creation and will contribute to the diversification of the economy in areas such as agriculture, mining, renewable energies, and logistics.

The Central Bank of Ecuador and several financial analysts have agreed that this steady decline in country risk opens the way to obtaining new lines of credit from multilateral organizations and foreign investors. In addition, this improvement boosts Ecuador’s reputation as a reliable investment destination, especially at a time when international markets are looking for stable and transparent economies in Latin America.

Analysts have also pointed out that government efforts to modernize the public sector, rationalize spending, and promote greater private participation in key sectors have helped to create a more predictable business environment. Dialogue with business associations and a commitment to transparency are also being recognized as key factors behind the positive reaction of the markets.

IMF publishes criticism of Rafael Correa’s “Correísmo” model

The announcement by President Noboa comes at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also published a report on the economic model of “Correísmo”, a term used to refer to the policies followed by former President Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2017.

The IMF report points out that this model left behind an economy with fiscal fragility, high spending, and debt accumulation.

According to the IMF, public spending reached historic levels under the Correa administration, with financing coming mainly from oil revenues and external loans, without the corresponding increase in productivity or reserves to protect the country’s medium and long-term stability.

“The country financed current expenses and extensive subsidies with extraordinary oil revenues, with credit and with savings funds,” the report said.

The report criticizes that this model created a dependence on a variable factor, such as the price of oil, and limited fiscal space to adjust in case of adversity. In addition, it defined Correa’s policies as procyclical, that is, instead of saving or reducing debt in times of boom, the state increased its spending and subsidies.

In 2012-2014, the non-financial public sector deficit went from almost zero to 3.5% of GDP, reflecting a deterioration of fiscal discipline. In subsequent years, when the price of oil plummeted, Ecuador found itself with less liquidity and fewer resources to cope with external shocks.

The IMF report also notes that the model of “Correísmo” weakened Ecuador’s capacity to create buffers for times of crisis, favoring short-term spending over structural reforms. As a result, the country emerged less able to face volatility in international markets and with a weaker and less competitive state, burdened with debt and without fiscal space to implement countercyclical policies.

“The legacy of that model is a more vulnerable, less competitive state with no fiscal space to respond to external shocks,” concluded the IMF.

Toward a new economic stage

The administration of Daniel Noboa, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a promoter of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and modernization. The implementation of measures such as the promotion of responsible debt management, the encouragement of private-sector investment, and the strengthening of relations with multilateral organizations has been crucial for rebuilding Ecuador’s credibility.