AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Trade Links: JetBlue launched a daily nonstop route between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Barranquilla (BAQ), adding another bridge for Colombia–U.S. business and tourism; Medellín and Cartagena are already in JetBlue’s Colombian network, with Cali (CLO) slated for later in October. Air Connectivity: Colombia also confirmed a new nonstop Barranquilla–New York flight, expected to start between late 2026 and early 2027, aimed at cutting layovers for families, travelers, and trade flows. Security & Cross-Border Crime: Colombia and Ecuador consolidated a U.S.-backed security alliance after joint action led to the capture of relatives tied to Ecuador’s “Fito” drug network, underscoring the region’s push to hit transnational criminal finances. Fraud & Enforcement: A U.S. jury convicted a New Jersey woman and her Colombian partner in a $13m payroll fraud scheme abusing taxpayer-funded transport support for elderly, disabled, and homeless Americans. Business & Culture: Bogota recognized BTS as “Honorary Guests” ahead of their first Colombia performances, a boost for the city’s cultural economy and international visibility.

Colombia–Ecuador Security Push: Colombia and Ecuador are consolidating a US-backed alliance after a joint operation led to the capture of family members tied to Ecuador’s “Fito” drug network, underscoring a growing focus on cross-border organized crime finance. Air Connectivity: Colombia’s Caribbean gets a boost as officials confirm a new nonstop Barranquilla–New York flight, expected to start between late 2026 and early 2027, aiming to cut travel friction for tourism, business, and families. Bogotá Cultural Economy: Bogotá formally named K-pop group BTS “Honorary Guests” via a mayoral decree ahead of their first Colombia performances, with reported large local spending spillovers. Colombian Consumer Mobility: Colombia’s motorcycle market keeps surging, with 1.03 million units sold in Jan–Sep 2026 (+28% vs. last year), reflecting demand tied to transport needs. Mining & Environment Watch: Researchers briefed the Vatican on Amazon mercury pollution linked to gold mining, highlighting downstream risks for wildlife and Indigenous communities across the region. Regional Trade Signals: EU coffee imports hit €18.7bn in 2025, with Colombia supplying 162,900 tonnes—another reminder of Colombia’s role in global agri-exports.

Colombia Security & Travel: The U.S. Embassy warned Americans to avoid Colombia’s Norte de Santander (including within 5 miles of the Venezuela border) due to kidnapping risk and drone-linked attacks by armed groups, including the ELN. Aviation & Tourism: JetBlue launched a new daily nonstop Fort Lauderdale–Barranquilla route with introductory fares from $139, adding to its Colombia network (Medellín and Cartagena) and planning service to Cali later this month. Mining & Environment: UNODC and Colombia’s government reported mostly illegal alluvial gold production expanded 4.5% in 2025 to 118,410 hectares, with 61% of the increase on Afro-Colombian lands and activity detected in Indigenous reserves. Education & Economy: Colombia’s recess week starts Oct. 5–8 for 8.3 million students, with knock-on effects for tourism as travel demand rises. Business & Finance: The U.S. State Department is redirecting $52.1 million in Foreign Military Financing toward Colombia and other Western Hemisphere partners, drawing pushback from top Democrats who say the move violates congressional intent. Culture & Demand: BTS kicks off its Latin America tour in Bogotá at Estadio El Campín, with Colombia estimating major local economic impact from the shows.

Aviation & Connectivity: JetBlue launched daily nonstop FLL–Barranquilla service, adding a new Colombia Caribbean gateway for South Florida travelers. Trade & Exports: Colombia secured Philippines sanitary approval for beef and pork, clearing the way for import permits and a new Asia-Pacific destination for meat exporters. Agribusiness & Markets: The Colombia Avocado Board is promoting Colombian avocados at IFPA Global in October, aiming to deepen retailer partnerships in the U.S. Energy & Investment: GeoPark says it’s ready to join Ecopetrol and Drummond in pursuing Colombia’s first fracking well, targeting unconventional opportunities in the Middle Magdalena Valley and beyond. Finance & Currency: Banco de la República’s Leonardo Villar links the peso’s 2026 strength to Colombia-specific factors like deficit financing, improved risk perception, and domestic interest rates. Mining & Security: UNODC and the government report mostly illegal alluvial gold production expanded 4.5% in 2025, with most growth on Afro-Colombian lands. Infrastructure: FDN, J.P. Morgan and MUFG closed a $1.2 trillion COP loan to advance Bogotá’s Autopista Norte and Carrera Séptima via Accesos Norte Fase II. Labor & Business Climate: CUT leaders denounced alleged government interference, adding to tensions around Colombia’s top union and business groups.

Brazil Election Watch: Reuters flags a tight Brazil presidential race between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro, with investors focused on fiscal risk and market impact ahead of a likely Oct. 25 runoff. U.S.-Colombia Trade & Labor Rules: Colombia issued a forced-labor import ban decree that could feed into upcoming Colombia–U.S. trade talks, even as a 12.5% tariff review remains on the table. Colombia Prison Expansion: Colombia’s Renacer megaprison in Magdalena (nearly 2,000 inmates) is set to start operating progressively in December, with strong limits on outside contact. Digital Payments in LatAm: Exodus Checkout lets merchants accept dollar stablecoins via DIRECTV’s DGO, with expansion plans that include Colombia. Security & Ports Tension: Ghana’s parliamentary minority is demanding a suspension and security review of Ghana–Colombia visa and maritime deals after major cocaine seizures. Colombia Business & Jobs: Colombia’s unemployment rate hit 9.4%, the highest in nearly two years, adding pressure to the economy. Bogotá Tourism Boost: BTS was named honorary guests by Bogotá ahead of its shows at El Campin, with city estimates pointing to a sizable local spending lift. Climate Risk: A study warns Super Niño heat could drive about 451,000 extra deaths across 2026–27, underscoring health and infrastructure stress.

Prison Expansion: Colombia plans to start operating its Renacer megaprison in December, with progressive moves into a facility now over 80% complete in Magdalena. The 1,974-inmate complex is designed to sharply limit outside contact, including reinforced infrastructure to block cellphone and internet signals. Fuel Policy: President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy to reverse an October gasoline price increase after it was announced, seeking alternatives to cushion international oil-price pressure. Mining & Licensing: Aris Mining says it has completed the ESIA for the Soto Norte gold-copper project in Santander and will begin community engagement in October before submitting for environmental licensing. Business & Aviation: JetBlue launched daily nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Barranquilla, adding another direct option to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Security Debate in Bogotá: A proposal to deploy armed forces in Ciudad Bolívar, Kennedy and Bosa is reigniting debate over the military’s role in urban security. Coffee Finance: Devoción launched an Impact Fund directing 1% of retail coffee bag sales to origin coffee producers, youth programs in New York City, and ecological restoration in Colombia.

Monetization & Credit Access: inDrive.Money says driver loans jumped 118% year-on-year in Latin America in H1 2026, with demand rising fastest in Peru (+128%), Colombia (+88%) and Mexico (+71%), as the platform uses alternative data to help lenders score gig workers. Central Banking: Colombia’s central bank lifted its benchmark rate 0.25 points to 12.25% to cool food-price pressure tied to El Niño, despite expectations of a hold. Agro-Exports Under Pressure: Colombia’s exporters are warning of a “perfect storm” of El Niño impacts, a stronger peso, higher costs and foreign-market barriers, pushing Analdex to ask for emergency support for rural jobs and contracts. Mining Licensing: Aris Mining advanced Colombia’s Soto Norte gold-copper project after completing an ESIA for community engagement in October, aiming for environmental licensing and a construction decision. Coffee Trade & Branding: On International Coffee Day, coverage highlights the U.S. as the world’s top coffee consumer and Colombia’s outsized role in supplying and being associated with coffee in the U.S. Legal & Assets: Colombia’s court ordered forfeiture of six properties linked to singer Charlie Zaa after finding ties to AUC Tolima Bloc resources. Security & Diplomacy: Colombia detained a Russian accused of espionage and links to the ELN, then moved to expedite his expulsion. Tech & Finance: Nubank denied active takeover talks with UK fintech Monzo after share volatility, saying it is focused on Brazil, Mexico/Colombia scaling and global expansion.

Monetary Policy: Colombia’s central bank raised its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 12.25% as inflation pressures persist, with August CPI at 6.24% and core inflation at 6.30%, while El Niño and earthquake-related needs add uncertainty. Labor Market: DANE reported Colombia’s unemployment climbed to 9.4% in August, the highest in nearly two years, as employment fell and labor participation weakened. Security & Governance: The government proposed changes to Colombia’s anti-protest protocol, aiming to speed up police intervention when firearms, explosives, or other violence-linked acts are detected, while keeping the presumption of peaceful demonstrations. Justice & Assets: A Bogota court ordered the forfeiture of six properties tied to singer Charlie Zaa after linking them to resources from the Tolima Bloc of the AUC, with the case focused on asset origins rather than proving membership. Business & Finance: Nubank said it is not pursuing a deal with UK digital bank Monzo, while reaffirming its growth priorities including scaling in Mexico and Colombia.

Security Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Colombia’s security forces say they’ve hit illegal-mining revenue streams hard since President Abelardo de la Espriella took office Aug. 7, reporting 124 arrests and disabling 269 illegal production units and mine shafts through Sept. 28, alongside major fuel and equipment seizures. Cauca Drone Attacks: Armed groups carried out drone-and-explosive strikes that wounded at least 10 police in Piendamó, Cauca, prompting highway closures and raising displacement concerns. IMF Talks and Fiscal Pressure: Colombia is in renewed IMF financing discussions as the fiscal deficit widens, with reporting suggesting the government is adjusting plans to secure support. Payments and Commerce Push: Getnet and Nayax announced a global partnership to speed integrated cashless payments for unattended commerce across Latin America and Iberia, starting with Chile. Cross-Border Air Connectivity: State airline Satena resumes an international route between Montería and Panama City from Oct. 26, with three weekly flights. Investment Pitch to Global Capital: Colombia’s “Milagro Week” in New York will showcase 176 investment projects, aiming to attract international funds under the government’s growth agenda. Energy and Trade Watch: Cerrejón says it wants to restart coal shipments to Israel after Colombia lifted the export ban, but rebuilding customer relationships remains the hurdle.

IMF Talks & Fiscal Pressure: Colombia’s new government has held technical discussions with the IMF on securing financing and better terms as the fiscal deficit widens, with an Article IV-style review and a possible path to deeper cooperation discussed but no deal announced yet. Visa Crackdown: The US expanded “Shield of the Americas” visa restrictions, revoking or limiting entry for officials and businessmen tied to corruption or narcotrafficking across Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Extradition Push: Colombia transferred alleged rebel leader “Araña” (Geovany Andrés Rojas) to the US for drug-trafficking and terrorism charges, after the new administration moved to restart extraditions. Infrastructure & Growth: EPM secured a $348.69m USD AFD credit to fund water, energy and wastewater upgrades with sustainability-linked pricing. Transport Capacity: Colombia plans a new passenger terminal at Rionegro’s airport (Airplan) while work on a second runway shifts to land-purchase planning. Tourism Recovery: Colombia earmarked over $3bn COP for Quindío’s earthquake-hit tourism and small-business recovery via Fontur and iNNpulsa. Education & Business Spotlight: A Colombian student scored 500/500 on the Saber 11 state exam, prompting a scholarship announcement tied to the president’s office.

Drug Enforcement & Cross-Border Crime: Colombia arrested the wife and daughter of Ecuador drug lord Adolfo Macías “Fito,” extradited to the U.S. last year, in a joint operation with the FBI and Ecuadorian authorities, accusing them of money laundering via shell companies tied to Los Choneros. IMF Talks & Fiscal Pressure: Reuters reports Colombia has held technical discussions with the IMF on securing financing amid a widening fiscal deficit, with IMF staff visiting as talks focus on alternative funding at better rates. Corporate Investment: PepsiCo says it will invest $1 billion in Colombia over five years, targeting manufacturing upgrades, distribution and agricultural initiatives benefiting 2,000+ farmers and small businesses. Energy & Gas Supply: Petrobras may add Colombia’s Sirius offshore gas project to its 2027-2031 plan if it receives the environmental license, including further community consultations. Transport & Aviation: Menzies Aviation won a JetSMART ground-handling contract across 11 Colombian airports, expanding operations and adding 43,000+ aircraft turns annually. Policy & Regulation: Colombia’s Congress is set to consider a bill to reduce police pressure on ride-hailing drivers by tightening due process around traffic checks, without fully regulating the sector yet. Peace Process Under Strain: The JEP condemned the killing of a 2016 peace accord signatory in Tolima, underscoring continued violence against reintegration participants. Trade & Tax Fairness: Colombian e-commerce groups warn Temu and Shein are reshaping shopping while calling for clearer tax rules to create a more level playing field for local sellers.

Corporate Investment: Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella says PepsiCo will invest $1B in Colombia over the next five years to expand production, modernize operations and strengthen distribution, supporting 2,000+ farmers and local shopkeepers. Security & Justice: Colombian police, with FBI and Ecuador support, arrested the wife and daughter of Ecuador gang leader “Fito” (José Adolfo Macías Villamar), wanted for money laundering after his US extradition. Energy & Regulation: Colombia faces gas rationing after a technical failure at a regasification facility, while broader energy projects like Petrobras’ possible Colombia gas work are in focus. Fintech & Banking: Bogota’s tax reform is raising alarms across Colombia’s fintech sector. Trade & Industry: RIMAN expands to 22 markets, adding France, Germany, Romania and Ecuador, with Colombia included in its Latin America footprint. Agriculture & Food: A new book argues regenerative farming support for 240M smallholder families could help meet future food demand while restoring soils. Culture & Business Events: Sharjah named Guest of Honour at FILBo 2027, boosting publishing and translation ties with Colombia.

Cross-border Drug Enforcement: Colombian police arrested the wife and daughter of Ecuadorian gang leader “Fito” Macías Villamar, extradited to the U.S. last year, in an operation backed by the FBI and Ecuador—another signal Colombia won’t shelter transnational criminal finances. Human Rights & Public Safety: New figures highlight the scale of forced disappearance in Colombia: about 137,000 people reported missing and 211,924 recognized victims of forced disappearance, with tens of thousands of searchers—mostly women—still looking for loved ones. Energy & Infrastructure: Colombia’s business agenda also intersects with regional energy moves, as Embraer expands aircraft partnerships in India (Mahindra for military KC-390, Adani for civilian), underscoring how aerospace deals keep reshaping procurement pipelines. Finance & Policy Watch: A report says Colombian lawmakers earn more than peers across Latin America, raising fresh debate on congressional pay and fiscal fairness. Trade & Industry: Cinte Techtextil China 2026 wrapped with nearly 19,000 visits, pointing to continued demand for technical textiles in automotive, medical and protective sectors. Agribusiness: Colombia ranks among top banana exporters globally, while broader supply-chain pressures remain a theme for fruit markets. Sports with Market Impact: Gilberto Mora’s standout goal in Mexico’s 1-1 draw vs Colombia boosts attention on a 17-year-old transfer target watched by major European clubs.

Colombia-US Security Shift: Colombia extradited FARC dissident leader Geovany Andrés Rojas (“Araña/Spider”) to the U.S., with President Abelardo de la Espriella personally overseeing the handover—signaling a tougher, anti-negotiation security posture. Fiscal Watch: Wall Street delivered a mixed read on Colombia’s fiscal plan after officials presented higher deficit targets for 2026-27 and increased borrowing, with some banks seeing commitment to adjustment while others flagged market-rate sensitivity. EU-Backed Biotech Funding: The EIB approved a €15m venture-debt loan for Colombian biotech VaxThera to scale vaccine and biopharma production, aiming at up to 250m doses annually. Trade & Industry: ColombiaPlast in Bogotá (Sept 28-Oct 2) brings eight Italian machinery firms and matchmaking with regional buyers, underscoring demand for plastic processing tech. Agribusiness Signal: Colombia ranked third globally for banana exports in 2025 (2.6m metric tons), behind Ecuador and the Philippines.

Fiscal Watch: Colombia’s fiscal plan drew a mixed Wall Street reaction after officials presented higher 2026-27 deficit targets and bigger borrowing, with Bank of America seeing political commitment while investors flagged bond-market sensitivity. Security & Justice: Colombia extradited FARC dissident leader Geovany Andres Rojas (“Spider”) to the U.S., signaling a tougher security stance under President Abelardo de la Espriella. Energy Policy: The government said it will fully resume oil and gas exploration and new hydrocarbon contracts, including fracking, subject to environmental criteria. Trade & Industry: ColombiaPlast in Bogotá opens Sept. 28 with eight Italian firms in plastics and rubber machinery, underscoring Colombia’s role as a regional buyer. Disaster Funding: The World Bank approved an additional $200m for Colombia’s Aug. 10 earthquake recovery, citing urgent needs and long-term rebuilding. Payments & Banking: Claro Colombia and Grupo Aval relaunched the Claro Pay wallet, while Monzo reportedly explored a potential sale/combination with Brazil’s Nubank. Markets & FX: Colombia’s inflation accelerated to 6.24% in August, and the peso returned to around 3,300 per dollar.

Energy Policy Shift: Colombia will fully resume oil and gas exploration and sign new hydrocarbon contracts, including fracking, as President Abelardo de la Espriella says the move will follow environmental criteria. Gas Supply Crunch: Colombia has started scheduled natural gas rationing after a technical failure at the SPEC LNG regasification terminal near Cartagena, with essential users like homes, hospitals and power generation prioritized. Security & Justice: Colombia extradited an alleged dissident FARC commander (“Spider”) to the U.S., the first senior illegal-armed-group extradition under the new president, as Bogotá says it will target entire trafficking chains. Fintech Tax Pressure: Bogota’s proposed “Smart City” tax reform is raising alarms in the fintech sector, with higher rates on major financial activities and concerns about how the ICA is calculated. Regional Energy Investment: Petrobras may add Colombia’s Sirius offshore gas project to its 2027-2031 plan, pending an environmental license and community consultations. International Finance Deal Watch: UK digital bank Monzo is in talks about a multibillion-pound sale/combination with Brazil’s Nubank.