Author Archive for John Otis
Colombia’s bitter harvest
Inefficiencies, low international prices, bad weather and an overvalued currency led to a slump in once buoyant exports. In the land of Juan Valdez, the average cup of coffee is now brewed with beans grown in neighboring Ecuador and Peru. That might seem like sacrilege, but a combination of heavy rains, diseased trees, low international [...]
EcoPetrol: King for a day as changes reap rewards
BOGOTA – Ecopetrol has long stood as Colombia’s largest company. But for just a moment this spring, the state controlled energy firm also emerged as Latin America’s biggest company – at least on paper. In mid-May the total market value of Ecopetrol’s shares jumped to $127 billion, pushing past Brazil’s Petrobras which had a market [...]
Latin America will have to Compete Through Innovation
Latin Trade: How will Latin America be affected by the economic turmoil in Europe and the continued slowdown in the United States? Bilbao: Latin America proved to be quite resilient during the 2008 crisis. But the deceleration of the global economy will probably affect Latin America’s economic growth because there will be less demand for [...]
Competitiveness: The gap to be reduced
As Latin America struggles to become more competitive, the tiny isthmus of Panama stands out for its great ambitions but also for its epic backwardness. Panama is spending billions to widen the Panama Canal to accommodate larger ships and double the waterway’s cargo capa-city. Yet even as this titanic project moves forward, Panama has yet [...]
Country Report: Colombian Star
Foreign investors are rushing to Colombia, lured by attractive regulations and a growing market.
BRAVO: Dynamic CEO of the Year-Luis Carlos Sarmiento, CEO of Grupo Aval
BOGOTA, Colombia — As an executive with Procter & Gamble Co. in the early 1990s, Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutiérrez felt at ease in the United States and with the American way of doing business.
Bogota
A practical guide for business travelers to the Colombia capital.
Outlook 2011: Colombia: Grappling With a Rush of Greenbacks
BOGOTA — A massive influx of American dollars has produced a super-sized Colombian peso. But some analysts liken the effect to fast food: instant gratification yet damaging to the country’s long-term economic health.
Ten Under Ten: Pumped for Growth
Safer roads drive sales for fuel distributor
