Colombia, a driving force of creativity in Latin America
Colombia, renowned for its cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, has emerged as a regional leader in the cultural and creative industries (CCI). This sector, encompassing fields such as audiovisual production, design, gaming, and visual arts, actively contributes to the country’s economic dynamism.
Two cities play a central role in this growth:
- Bogotá: The economic and cultural capital, Bogotá accounts for 92% of the country’s creative services. It hosts renowned companies like Netflix and Paramount and serves as a hub for both local and international creators (Invest in Bogotá).
- Medellín: Known for its capacity for innovation, Medellín has seen its CCI sector grow by 22.6% over five years, becoming a key hub for digital and technological industries (ACI Medellín).
By combining tradition and modernity, these cities showcase the potential of a market that attracts investors from around the globe.
Why Invest in Colombia’s CCIs?
Colombia continues to strengthen its appeal through a unique combination of creativity, innovation, and a business-friendly environment. Here’s why this market is so promising:
- 📈 A growing ecosystem: With over 87,000 CCI companies, Colombia is a key player in the creative economy in Latin America (Trade Commissioner Service).
- 🏛️ Government support: The Colombian government has implemented various incentives, such as tax exemptions and funding for innovation, to attract foreign investment in the creative sector (PwC Doing Business 2024).
- 🌎 Strategic geographic position: Located at the heart of Latin America, Colombia offers direct access to both North and South American markets, facilitating international trade.
For Quebec businesses, these advantages represent a unique opportunity for collaboration and growth in a thriving market.
The Synergy Between Quebec and Colombia
A natural partnership for innovation and creativity: Quebec and Colombia share a common passion for creativity and openness to international collaboration. This complementarity has resulted in several initiatives:
Shared values:
Quebec, renowned for its cultural and technological vibrancy, and Colombia, a rising CCI powerhouse, are an ideal match. Since 2014, 14 artistic residencies have fostered enriching collaborations between the two regions (Le Vivier).Bilateral opportunities:
Quebec and Colombia have strengthened their ties through cooperation project calls, targeting culture, innovation, and education for the 2024–2026 period (Québec-Colombia Project Call)).Trade relations:
In 2016, merchandise trade between Quebec and Colombia reached $262.4 million, reflecting the growing economic potential of this bilateral relationship (Institut de la statistique du Québec).
These complementarities create a favorable dynamic for joint projects in CCIs and other sectors, such as technological innovation and visual arts.
Explore growth opportunities
While creative industries are at the heart of Colombia’s economy, other sectors also contribute to its dynamism, including agri-food, clean technologies, and infrastructure.
Thanks to the free trade agreement between Canada and Colombia, Quebec businesses benefit from a favorable framework to explore this strategic market. Whether in audiovisual production, design, or digital technologies, Colombia could be the springboard for your international ambitions.
How to immerse yourself in this ecosystem?
If this market interests you, one of the best ways to discover it is by participating in on-site events or strategic missions.
The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal (CCMM), with support from the Quebec Office in Bogotá, is organizing a business mission from February 11 to 15, 2025, in Bogotá and Medellín. This mission will allow you to:
- Meet key players in CCIs through personalized B2B meetings.
- Explore unique cultural and creative sites.
- Build strategic relationships with local partners.
Register by January 20, 2025, to secure your place.
I reserve my place now!
Conclusion
Colombia is not just a culturally and scenically rich destination—it is a true engine of creativity and innovation in Latin America. For Quebec businesses, it offers unique opportunities in cultural and creative industries, along with privileged access to expanding markets.
Explore this dynamic ecosystem and be inspired by a country where tradition and modernity come together to create a promising future.