AGP Executive Report

FX Watch: Colombia’s TRM for the U.S. dollar is set to fall to 3,248.87 pesos after the holiday, the lowest level since 2020, as the peso strengthens amid global risk factors. Energy & Power Sector: Energy Solutions was named a National Sponsor of Venezuela Energy Week, signaling continued momentum toward power-sector reforms that open generation and grid work to more private participation. Transport Tech: Waze is rolling out AI upgrades in Colombia, including Motorcycle Mode plus more personalized routing and “less chatty” voice guidance. Education Spotlight: A Bogota public school, Colegio Las Margaritas IED, reached the World’s Best School Prizes 2026 finals after cutting serious coexistence incidents by 85% and keeping dropout below 1%. Mining & Markets: Outcrop Silver will present its Santa Ana silver project to investors on July 23, aiming to draw fresh capital attention to Colombia-focused exploration. Sports & Business: IWSR data points to tequila growth in emerging markets like Colombia, even as the U.S. category slows in a crowded trademark landscape. Public Safety Note: In the U.S., an ICE agent shot and killed a motorist in Maine; the case is being investigated by the FBI.

Orthocell Growth: The Colombia-linked biotech Orthocell posted record June-quarter revenue of A$3.8m and FY2026 revenue of A$13.2m, driven by accelerating sales of its Remplir nerve repair device in Australia and a US rollout that’s expanding hospital and surgeon adoption. Labor Reform: Colombia’s 42-hour workweek kicks in July 15 under Law 2101 of 2021, cutting the maximum ordinary work limit from 44 to 42 hours while keeping overtime rules for hours beyond the cap. Energy Policy: Colombia’s Ministries of Mines and Energy and Environment will introduce an anti-fracking bill on July 20, aiming to block hydraulic fracturing based on environmental, social, and public health risks. Housing Pressure: A World Economic Forum/Marsh report warns housing unaffordability will keep eroding wealth and health through 2040, with Colombia among the hardest-hit markets. Education Dropout: New data shows nearly half of Colombian teenagers never finish high school, with enrollment losses concentrated in the grades that lead to graduation. Regional Security: Colombia is set to join the US-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition as it expands security cooperation across the hemisphere. Air Connectivity: Frontier Airlines adds new Caribbean and Latin America routes, including San Juan–Punta Cana, boosting regional tourism links.

Colombia Politics: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended the government transition with Gustavo Petro, accusing the outgoing leader of plotting a coup to block his takeover, while Petro disputes the election outcome and alleges fraud—raising uncertainty for investors watching policy continuity. Housing & Finance: A World Economic Forum/Marsh report warns housing unaffordability will keep eroding wealth and harming health through 2040, with mortgage and rent burdens exceeding affordability thresholds in Colombia and other major economies, and says intergenerational housing models are key to stabilizing budgets. Energy Policy: Colombia’s Mines and Energy and Environment ministries will introduce an anti-fracking bill on July 20, citing environmental, social, and public-health risks and positioning it as part of the energy transition. Education: New research flags that Colombia’s school dropout problem is worsening before students reach final high-school years, with enrollment losses concentrated in grades tied to graduation and work pathways. Business/Travel: Frontier Airlines is adding routes in the Caribbean and Latin America, including a daily San Juan–Punta Cana link, as airlines reshape capacity after Spirit’s pullback. Regional Context: Venezuela condemned Espriella’s comments about taking charge of reconstruction after the earthquake, calling it a sovereignty breach.

World Cup Quarterfinal Shock: Defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in Kansas City, with Julián Álvarez scoring in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martínez adding an insurance goal in the 121st; Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off after a second yellow for simulation, setting up a semifinal vs England in Atlanta. England’s Breakthrough: Jude Bellingham powered England past Norway 2-1, ending Erling Haaland’s run and booking another semifinal showdown. Colombia in the Headlines: Colombia midfielder Jaminton Campaz reportedly stayed in the U.S. after the team’s exit due to safety fears from death threats. Local Business & Production: TIS Studios expanded its Bogotá production capacity with a new 18,300-square-foot soundstage (Stage 7), aiming to attract larger international film and TV projects. Colombia-Election Diplomacy: Costa Rica and other countries urged Colombia to ensure a peaceful, transparent transfer of power after election disputes. Energy/Climate Angle: Colombia’s incoming government is set to adjust energy policy, including changes tied to President-elect de la Espriella.

Election Integrity & Diplomacy: The U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” says it’s “deeply concerned” by President Gustavo Petro’s claims that Colombia’s June 21 election was undermined, warning the remarks could disrupt the transition; Petro alleges Israeli cyberfirm BlackCore used hundreds of thousands of bots to distort the vote. Aviation & Trade Links: JetBlue has taken over Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s growth story, launching 14 new nonstop routes and signaling future Colombia service to Barranquilla and Cali. World Cup Meets Business: Argentina’s quarterfinal vs Switzerland in Kansas City is driving betting and media attention, with Messi’s Golden Boot race and Switzerland’s penalty-shootout run shaping market sentiment. Health & Innovation: Colombian researchers are testing coffee mucilage—an industrial byproduct—for potential colorectal cancer prevention using 3D cell models. Regional Risk: Venezuela reiterates it will lead earthquake reconstruction alone and says it isn’t coordinating with Colombia, as the quakes deepen the country’s economic crisis.

Colombia Election Integrity: The US and a “Shield of the Americas” group of Latin allies said they have “deep concern” over statements casting doubt on Colombia’s electoral process after Abelardo de la Espriella’s tight presidential win, while Colombia’s outgoing government has alleged manipulation and server tampering. Foreign Policy Reset: Incoming foreign minister-designate Omar Bula Escobar says Colombia will close embassies in Cuba and Nicaragua, restore ties with the US and Israel, and review participation in international bodies. Climate & Energy Risk: Outgoing environment minister Irene Vélez warned the next administration could roll back climate and conservation gains, citing fracking plans and climate skepticism ahead of El Niño impacts. Aviation & Tourism Links: JetBlue will launch new daily nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Barranquilla from Oct. 1, boosting Caribbean connectivity and competition on the route. Sports Betting Health: Colombia’s health and gaming agencies estimate 2.5% of the population has gambling addiction, as World Cup betting volumes surge. Business & Energy Update: LNG Energy Group reported lower natural gas and condensate output in Colombia in 1H 2026, alongside realized price figures.

Labor Policy: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella’s team is preparing an executive-order framework to regulate hourly work in Colombia, aiming to pull informal workers into formal social security—though unions warn it could dilute job quality. Banking & Finance: Colombia’s banks rebounded strongly in 2025, with operating revenues up to 426.4 trillion pesos and profits rising 71%, as credit demand gradually recovered. Foreign Policy: The incoming government signals a shift in diplomacy, including closing embassies in Cuba and Nicaragua, while the transition remains politically tense after accusations of election interference. Elections & Security Claims: President Gustavo Petro renewed allegations that an Israeli private intelligence firm (Black Cube) interfered in Colombia’s election—raising polarization as the handover proceeds. Environment & Wildlife: Colombia’s new administration will not euthanize Pablo Escobar’s hippos, instead moving toward confinement and controlled population management. Trade & Commodities: Colombian cocoa exports to the U.S. have tripled in two years, while global coffee and cocoa price trends could ease pressure on consumer prices later. Humanitarian Logistics: Amazon is supporting a humanitarian air bridge to earthquake-hit Venezuela with weekly flights from Miami to Caracas.

Foreign Policy Reset: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella is reshaping diplomacy with Omar Bula Escobar, signaling closer ties with the US, Canada, the UK and Israel and a break from Petro-era embassies in Cuba and Nicaragua. Energy & Infrastructure: Cundinamarca’s Puerta de Oro Solar Park (360 MWp) has entered commercial operation, feeding Colombia’s national grid and boosting renewable capacity. Trade & Agribusiness: Colombian cocoa exports to the US hit a record US$413.1M in 2025, with processed products driving growth and the US taking a 37.1% share. Finance & Startups: Medellín health-tech Telepatía AI raised US$33M in a Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz to cut doctors’ administrative workload. Aviation Demand: IATA data shows Colombia’s airlines carried 14.8M passengers in Q1 2026—53% above 2019—outpacing pre-pandemic levels. Humanitarian Logistics: Colombia’s DIAN enabled a fast-track “export by express delivery” protocol to speed donations for Venezuela earthquake relief. Security Outlook: De la Espriella has already set early military objectives for FARC dissidents and the ELN as he prepares to take office.

Renewables Push: Colombia brought the 360 MWp Puerta de Oro Solar Park in Cundinamarca into commercial operation, feeding the National Interconnected System and targeting power for about 450,000 households, with local tax and jobs benefits. Humanitarian Logistics: Colombia’s DIAN activated a fast-track “export by express delivery” protocol to speed private and public aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela, cutting paperwork and border delays. Energy Policy: The government granted Colombia’s first geothermal exploration permit (El Barranquero) for a five-year study near Caldas–Antioquia to assess potential baseload electricity generation. Tax & Fiscal Watch: Finance minister-elect Miguel Gomez warned of a far-reaching, decade-long tax overhaul aimed at structurally reducing spending and restoring state balance amid a looming fiscal deficit. Industrial Pressure: Colombian manufacturers say Chinese factory expansion could reshape local jobs and environmental oversight via dumping, subsidies, and unfair imports. Business & Markets: PepsiCo reported strong Q2 international organic growth, with Colombia among markets performing well; Playtech raised FY2026 guidance on strong Americas momentum including Mexico and Colombia. Sports With Local Angle: World Cup quarterfinals kick off with France–Morocco, while Colombia’s tournament run ended earlier after Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties.

Colombia’s Political Transition: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella named Omar Bula Escobar as the next foreign minister, signaling a foreign-policy reset as the incoming administration prepares to take office amid ongoing disputes with the Petro government. Trade & Industry: India imposed a tariff on Colombian metallurgical coke for five years, and Colombia’s coal industry group Fenalcarbon blamed Petro-era inaction for failing to mount a technical defense during the antidumping process. Aviation & Connectivity: JetBlue is expanding Fort Lauderdale operations after Spirit’s shutdown, adding new routes including two destinations in Colombia and positioning FLL as a major Latin America gateway. Security & Courts: Four Colombian nationals in the U.S. were sentenced to federal prison for a multi-state burglary ring targeting Asian American businesses, using surveillance and jamming tactics. Weather Risk: A very strong El Niño is expected to raise the odds of extreme conditions across South America, with Colombia facing heightened drought and rainfall swings. Tech & Media: Google Photos rolled out “Video Remix,” an AI tool that can transform clips into new styles and settings in seconds. World Cup Fallout: Colombia’s exit to Switzerland on penalties sets up a quarterfinal clash for Switzerland and keeps the tournament’s business buzz (tickets, search spikes, fan activity) rolling.

Foreign Policy Shake-Up: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella named Omar Bula Escobar as the next foreign minister, signaling a push to strengthen ties with the U.S., Israel and other Western allies while reviewing parts of the regional agenda. Political Power Fight: The appointment of Nicolas Gomez as chief of staff is drawing backlash over alleged family influence and potential nepotism links across the incoming government. Water Security: Bogotá launched a water-saving public awareness campaign as El Niño raises the risk of prolonged drought and renewed supply stress. Anti-Drug Policy Watch: UN data shows coca cultivation rose to 261,000 hectares in 2024 (+3.5% vs. 2023), with growth concentrated in “enclave” areas—setting up pressure for a more aggressive restart of eradication. Energy Transition & Mining: A new regional analysis points to a looming copper shortfall by 2035 and highlights Colombia and Argentina as key jurisdictions for new projects tied to the energy transition. Markets: Latin American assets slid after Trump said the Iran deal is “over,” lifting oil prices and worsening risk sentiment. Business & Finance: Colombia’s peso posted a major June gain, up 7.4% against the dollar, as election results helped offset a tough global backdrop.

Colombia Politics: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended the “empalme” power-transition talks with Gustavo Petro, accusing the outgoing leftist government of a “coup” plan and corruption, while Petro warned of threats and urged peaceful civil resistance. World Cup Business: Colombia’s World Cup run ended in Vancouver as Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw, setting up a quarterfinal vs Argentina; the match also kept Colombia’s spotlight on sports-linked spending and fan travel. Food & Ag Trade: Soybean prices firmed on heat concerns and renewed China demand, while the USDA reported a private export sale of soybean meal to Colombia—another signal for Colombia’s import-driven feed costs. Climate & Energy Risk: Colombia’s El Niño worries are reviving debate over moving the clocks forward to cut peak electricity demand, echoing the 1992 energy crisis response. Regional Security: The U.S. launched new strikes on Iran after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, raising oil-shipping and broader risk premiums that can spill into regional inflation.

Colombia Politics: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella suspended Colombia’s government transition with Gustavo Petro after Petro renewed fraud allegations over the June election; De la Espriella ordered the handover halted “with immediate effect,” while Petro said he will seek a court order to annul the election, escalating a standoff over legitimacy and constitutional order. World Cup Business & Culture: Colombia fans turned Vancouver into a sea of yellow ahead of the Round of 16 vs Switzerland at BC Place, with organized marches and flag displays building momentum for the match that decides a quarterfinal spot. World Cup Matchday: Switzerland vs Colombia headlines Tuesday’s knockout slate, with both sides aiming to reach their best-ever World Cup run; Colombia’s veteran core and Switzerland’s attacking threats set up a high-stakes clash in Vancouver. International Sports Integrity: Texas launched a StubHub investigation after reports of “ghost ticketing,” where tickets are allegedly sold without being held, then cancelled close to kickoff—an issue that could hit fan spending and trust in resale markets. Colombiamoda 2026: Medellín will host Colombiamoda 2026 (July 25-31), expecting 70,000 visitors and 17,000 specialized buyers, positioning the event as a major business engine for Colombian fashion.

Colombia Politics: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro again claims “electoral fraud” in Colombia’s June 21 runoff, saying Abelardo de la Espriella’s win was driven by “algorithmic” and foreign financing, and he insists Iván Cepeda was the true popular-vote winner—raising uncertainty over the Aug. 7 transition. Urban Security: Petro rejects De la Espriella’s proposed “Urban Security Defense Blocks,” calling them an “anachronism” and arguing crime control should rely on police intelligence targeting gang leadership. World Cup Business & Markets: Colombia’s Round of 16 match vs Switzerland is set for Tuesday at BC Place, with Colombia slightly favored despite injuries—Jhon Córdoba ruled out for the tournament—while prediction markets and betting promos keep attention on the Colombia-Switzerland matchup. Fintech/Investment: Nubank founder David Vélez met Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, with Nubank signaling $4.2B in investment plans for 2026–2030, underscoring the region’s digital-banking pull. Aid Tech: UNDP is expanding Stellar blockchain payments beyond pilots, including prototypes built for Colombia, aiming to cut distribution costs and improve payment transparency. Energy/Trade: Grenergy launched a reverse energy auction in Chile for 1.5 TWh/year from solar and battery storage, reflecting continued investment momentum in renewables across the region.

Public Finance: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella will send a delegation to the U.S. this week to refinance public debt and line up cheaper financing with international banks and multilateral lenders, aiming to improve debt terms and ease fiscal pressure ahead of the Aug. 7 start. Security Policy: De la Espriella also announced an Urban Security Defense Block for major cities, plus the appointment of retired Gen. Jorge Eduardo Mora as defense minister, signaling a shift away from Petro’s Total Peace toward stronger state operational capacity against armed groups and gangs. Telecom Resilience: Colombia’s regulator CONATEL sped up procedures for internet providers to interconnect with Colombia after a submarine cable cut following the June 24 earthquakes disrupted service, focusing on restoring capacity in vulnerable areas. World Cup & Sports Economy: Colombia’s World Cup run continues with a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland in Vancouver, while the U.S. vs Belgium tie has swung after FIFA reversed Folarin Balogun’s suspension, moving betting markets toward the Americans. Culture & Media: Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM) expands with Netflix support, bringing more regional participants and a new France-Latin America distribution push with Unifrance and the French Embassy. Sports Transfers: Toronto FC acquired Colombian midfielder Nelson Palacio from Real Salt Lake in a cash-for-player deal, adding depth to its midfield.

Colombia Legal & Politics: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro says he will file lawsuits for slander and libel and denounce harassment against his family, blaming supporters of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. IP & Innovation: The EPO and China’s CNIPA will launch an Aug. 1, 2026 Patent Prosecution Highway pilot, letting applicants use results from one office to speed processing at the other; Colombia is listed among participating offices. Sports & Talent: In Cali, Hidilyn Diaz’s niece Alexandra Diaz dominated World Youth Weightlifting, sweeping three golds and setting records in the women’s 48kg class. World Cup Business Spotlight: Colombia’s World Cup run continues into the Round of 16 after a 1-0 win over Ghana, while Mexico-England at the Azteca delivered a fast Bellingham brace and a late Quinones reply. Tourism Watch: The Dominican Republic reported 6.62M visitors in the first half of 2026, up 7.7% year-on-year—another signal of strong regional travel demand.