In 2012, the first phase was inaugurated on sixty-four hectares, and three years later, an additional fifty-one hectares were added, consolidating an integrated urban development of 124 hectares.
Since then, efficiency has become the hallmark of the business model and the driving force behind its evolution.
A Business Community That Reflects Growth and Confidence
Today, 15 years later, what began as a dream of local entrepreneurs has evolved into a robust and diverse business ecosystem that drives opportunity and sustainable development.
Currently, more than 53 companies from the logistics, construction materials, metal-mechanical, agro-industrial, manufacturing, and specialized services sectors—aligned with the region’s clusters—operate within the Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia.
It is an international and diverse community composed of 24% foreign companies and 76% domestic ones, generating more than 2,400 direct jobs and positively impacting the region’s economic and social fabric.
Innovation That Transforms and Connects the World
Efficiency has been the hallmark of Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia since its inception. Thanks to its APPOLO technology platform, the park became Colombia’s first Automated Free Trade Zone, reducing cargo entry and exit times from 10 minutes to just 1, operating 24/7 with no additional costs, and generating an 86% savings in overtime for its users.
With a vision focused on total digitalization, APPOLO has integrated analytics, artificial intelligence, and real-time traceability tools, positioning itself as the most modern and secure software for free trade zone operations in the country.
In 2023, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia became the nation’s top exporting free trade zone, posting a 156% increase in exports—reaffirming its leadership in competitiveness and its role as a logistics and export hub for Colombia’s Caribbean region.
Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia has established itself as a next-generation Eco-Industrial Park, becoming the first Free Trade Zone in Colombia’s Caribbean region to be selected by UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) for its Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme.
This recognition reflects its commitment to a responsible production model based on sound environmental practices, energy efficiency, and business cooperation.
In partnership with ENEXA, it is developing Colombia’s largest floating solar plant and one of the largest in Latin America, generating 2.4 MVA of renewable energy, reaffirming its leadership in the country’s energy transition.
In addition, it holds BASC certifications for security, practices responsible water management, and runs circular economy programs and intercompany working groups that promote environmental and social co-responsibility.
National Leadership as an Operator of Colombia’s Free Trade Regime
In addition to its operations in Cartagena, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia also serves as a User Operator, extending its experience, efficiency, and management model to other projects across the country. It currently manages ten free trade zones, distributed as follows:
- 2 Permanent Free Trade Zones,
- 6 Special Free Trade Zones, and
- 2 Permanent Special Free Trade Zones.
These are located in various regions, representing a model of expansion, institutional trust, and operational excellence.
This operational leadership has positioned Parque Central as one of Colombia’s leading free trade regime operators, providing comprehensive support to domestic and foreign companies seeking to optimize processes, access free trade zone benefits, and strengthen their export strategies.
Well-Being and Commitment to the Community
Parque Central’s growth has gone hand in hand with the well-being of its people. Through its Happiness Plan, the company has achieved a 92% employee satisfaction rate, strengthening its organizational culture and sense of belonging among team members.
Socially, it promotes employability programs in partnership with SENA, Comfenalco, and the Municipality of Turbaco, organizing more than ten job fairs that have successfully connected residents to the region’s business network.
A New Identity: An Evolving DNA
To celebrate this anniversary, Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia unveiled its new brand identity—symbolizing evolution, modernity, and a shared purpose. The new logo represents a brand that is closer, more dynamic, and aligned with its defining trait: efficiency.
The essence of Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia is built on a corporate DNA grounded in innovation, customer orientation, workplace happiness, environmental sustainability, and social commitment.
Each color of the new brand represents the value of this DNA and a story of evolution that drives the organization toward the future.
This DNA is not just a statement—it’s a living culture:
- Innovation, which led us to become the first automated free trade zone in the country.
- Customer orientation, reflected in our constant support and 24/7 operations with no extra costs.
- Workplace happiness, inspiring a team with 92% internal satisfaction.
- Environmental sustainability, evident in pioneering projects like the first floating solar plant in a Colombian free trade zone.
- Social commitment, which connects us with the Turbaco community through employment, training, and local development.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Expansion, and Sustainability
With the 30-year extension granted in 2022, ZFPC is now authorized to operate until 2055, securing a solid foundation for continued growth.
In this new stage, its focus will be on full operational automation, real estate expansion of over 30,000 m², real-time analytics, AI applications for security and traceability, and the internationalization of the APPOLO software across other Latin American countries.
Words from General Manager Bernard Gilchrist
“Celebrating 15 years of history is also about recognizing those who made this journey possible. Thanks to our users, strategic partners, employees, and surrounding communities, we are today a modern, dependable, and constantly evolving Free Trade Zone. These 15 years have taught us that efficiency is not only measured in results but also in the positive impact we create for people, society, and the environment. The future challenges us to continue innovating, growing, and driving sustainable transformation. Our promise is clear: to evolve with you and inspire the future from Cartagena to the world.”
“The business community is the heart of our Free Trade Zone and the reason for our purpose.”
Zona Franca Parque Central by the Numbers
- 124 hectares developed
- Fifty-three companies established
- 2,400 direct jobs created
- 156% growth in exports (2023)
- Eighty-six percent reduction in operational overtime
- 30-year extension (authorized through 2055)
- Ten free trade zones operated nationwide
- 1st Caribbean Free Trade Zone recognized by UNIDO as an Eco-Industrial Park
- 2.4 MVA of clean energy generated by its floating solar plant
Conclusion
Zona Franca Parque Central in Colombia stands today as a benchmark of innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness within the country’s free trade regime. From its origins in 2010 to its current leadership as a national operator and top exporting free trade zone, its evolution reflects a continuous commitment to efficiency, technological advancement, and community well-being. The integration of cutting-edge digital solutions, such as the APPOLO platform, its recognition by UNIDO as an Eco-Industrial Park, and its investment in renewable energy demonstrate that Parque Central has successfully merged productivity with environmental responsibility.
As it looks toward the future with operations secured through 2055, Zona Franca Parque Central is poised to strengthen its position as a regional and international logistics hub. Its roadmap—anchored in automation, real estate growth, artificial intelligence, and social sustainability—will continue to drive economic transformation in Colombia’s Caribbean region. More than a free trade zone, it is a living ecosystem of innovation and collaboration that embodies the country’s potential to connect industries, people, and ideas from Cartagena to the world.