AGP Executive Report

Colombia–U.S. Sanctions Talk: President Gustavo Petro asked Donald Trump to remove him and his family from the U.S. OFAC sanctions list, with Trump saying he will work to get the case reviewed; the call also covered anti-drug cooperation and Colombia’s political transition. Amazon Protection Push: UK charity Cafod says more action is needed to protect the Amazon as parliamentarians hear from partners in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia about threats and criminalization faced by forest defenders; it also warns “illegal deforestation” rules could be gamed. World Cup Round of 32 (Colombia vs Ghana): Colombia closes the Round of 32 against Ghana in Kansas City at 9:30 p.m. ET, with the bracket set for the Round of 16 on July 4; coverage highlights Colombia’s group form and Ghana’s low-scoring, defense-first approach. Oil Markets Watch: Oil prices stay rangebound as traders look past U.S.-Iran ceasefire headlines for clearer signals. Traffic & Productivity: A new traffic index ranks Colombia among the world’s worst for commuting strain, adding pressure on productivity and emissions.

Colombia Finance Watch: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has tasked designated Finance Minister Miguel Gomez with traveling to Washington to negotiate refinancing of Colombia’s public debt, aiming to extend maturities and secure better interest rates to ease pressure on public finances. World Cup Business & Tourism: As Colombia prepares for its Round of 32 clash vs Ghana in Kansas City, local Colombian-owned businesses in the metro are reporting surges in customers and visibility tied to matchweek crowds. Venezuela Disaster Response: Twin earthquakes near La Guaira and Caracas have pushed the death toll above 2,000, with thousands injured and tens of thousands unaccounted for, while rescue operations and humanitarian logistics continue amid strained access to supplies. Regional Policy & Environment: A broader rightward political shift across Latin America is being linked to rollbacks in environmental protections and tougher conditions for rural and Indigenous communities to challenge resource-extraction projects. Aviation & Travel Demand: Iberia is resuming Madrid–Doha flights this Friday with a three-times-weekly schedule, adding capacity that also boosts demand on routes including Bogotá.

Debt Refinancing Push: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella told incoming Finance Minister Miguel Gomez to travel to Washington to meet international banks and multilateral lenders to refinance public debt and ease fiscal pressure, as the deficit is projected around 7%-8% of GDP and the Fiscal Rule warns of funding gaps. Coffee Policy Boost: Colombia’s Congress declared coffee the national beverage, backing more than half a million coffee-growing families and aiming to lift domestic consumption (currently about 2.5 kg per person a year) while promoting quality and sustainability. Peso Pressure on Exports: A stronger Colombian peso is squeezing dollar-priced agricultural exports while costs stay in pesos, raising alarms for rural jobs and investment and calling for action from the new administration. Transition Watch: The Petro–De la Espriella handover officially starts July 2, with oversight and a reported US$60m IDB contribution to support the transfer of programs, contracts, and public finances. Regulated Tech in Focus: Facephi highlighted results from its OxiaCore deployment, cutting commission fraud by 80% in under a year and targeting one million+ identity authentications by year-end. Immigration Spillover: Spain’s mass regularization drew 1.17m applications; Colombia accounted for 25.9%, underscoring ongoing regional labor and migration links.

Colombia Politics: Left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda says he will launch “civil disobedience” if president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella does not renounce his U.S. citizenship, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and possible extradition efforts tied to outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Peace & Justice: Colombia’s JEP ratified first sentences against former FARC members for kidnappings and war crimes, and confirmed convictions of former military personnel for murders and forced disappearances on the Caribbean coast. Mining & Energy: Cerro Matoso (CoreX) plans to cut operations by 25% after Canacol reduced gas supply, threatening output, jobs, and payments through taxes and royalties. Infrastructure: Antioquia and Medellín say “Tunnel 0” on the New Road to the Sea has met, bringing the Toyo Tunnel closer to opening. Trade & Agriculture: The Colombia Avocado Board launched the “Avocados from Colombia” brand in the U.S., aiming to boost recognition as exports surge. Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add nonstop flights from Cartagena to Washington and Houston starting Dec. 17, expanding U.S. links for tourism and business. Environment: A study finds potentially carcinogenic compounds and pigmentation changes in Colombian Caribbean mangroves, pointing to pollution impacts on human and marine life.

Colombia’s economic reset: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella named economist Miguel Gomez Martinez as finance minister, signaling a push to stabilize public finances amid a forecasted widening fiscal gap. Public finances watch: The Economist Intelligence Unit projects Colombia’s 2026 fiscal deficit at 6.6% of GDP, among the world’s worst, underscoring pressure on the next administration to restore investor confidence. Cabinet and policy direction: The appointment comes as De la Espriella builds a team mixing technical profiles with political experience, with markets focused on how quickly spending and revenue plans can be rebalanced. World Cup business spillover: Colombia’s World Cup run is also boosting local commerce and tourism in host cities, with matchday crowds supporting downtown businesses and fan events. Global legal and trade backdrop: Sweden’s development-assistance overhaul includes Colombia among its 2026–2031 priorities, while the US continues enforcement actions tied to World Cup streaming and broader immigration policy debates.

Colombia’s Economic Team: President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella named Miguel Gomez finance minister, tasking him with pushing tax, budget and spending reforms through a polarized Congress as markets watch the pace of fiscal adjustment. Political Tensions: Losing senator Iván Cepeda said he won’t recognize De la Espriella unless he renounces U.S. citizenship and clarifies ties, warning of “peaceful civil disobedience.” AI for Work: isEazy launched Brain, an AI training system built from a company’s own documentation that adapts in real time to each employee’s context and goals. Coffee Boost: Colombia’s Congress declared coffee the national beverage, backing the sector and aiming to lift domestic consumption. World Cup, With Business Spillover: Colombia’s animation industry got a lift as the country was named Guest Country of Honor for Annecy 2027, while the U.S. DOJ shut down nearly 400 illegal World Cup streaming sites, including targets in Colombia. Regional Watch: Spain’s immigration amnesty drew over 1 million applications, more than double expectations, as the deadline nears.

Colombia Bonds & Rates: Bancolombia says Colombia’s peso-denominated TES rally outpaced the fiscal picture the government itself is downplaying, warning gains may be fragile. Health & Regulation: INVIMA approved IntelliGenome’s CRISPR-TB blood test for sale in Colombia, with Velez Lab S.A.S. named as exclusive distributor. Business & Travel: United Airlines will launch two new nonstop routes to Cartagena from Houston and Washington starting Dec. 17, as U.S.-Colombia capacity shifts after Spirit’s exit and Avianca’s growth. Policy & Compliance: MinCIT published a draft decree to dissolve and cancel nonprofit legal status when entities fail to register or stay inactive, using an ex officio administrative process. Sports & Economy: Avianca priced $650m in new senior secured notes due 2032 to refinance 2028 maturities, while Colombia’s World Cup focus intensifies ahead of the Round of 32 vs Ghana. Social Impact: A drug-testing proposal for schools argues prevention should extend beyond physical checkups to early detection of substance abuse.

Venezuela Quake Response: The US military reopened a major port in La Guaira to speed aid as the twin-earthquake death toll passed 1,700 and tens of thousands remain missing; morgues filled with bodies and families waited for identification while an aftershock hit the region. Venezuela Energy Risks: A PDVSA rig explosion in Apure (Colven 02) injured at least 17 workers, with some sent to Colombia for treatment, highlighting ongoing safety problems in aging infrastructure. Colombia Security & Policy: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro ordered a “total offensive” against the FARC dissident EMC in Cauca, while Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella faces pressure over how to handle the 2016 peace deal and public expectations for tougher security. Colombia Business & Travel: United Airlines announced new nonstop service to Cartagena from Houston and Washington starting Dec. 17, adding to its existing Colombia network. World Cup Economy: World Cup knockout play is driving big betting volumes in the US, with sportsbooks reporting action above expectations.

World Cup & Security: Two Argentine YouTubers, Beni Marmol and Pato Perrotta, were arrested in Miami during the Colombia–Portugal Round of 32 match for allegedly entering with invalid media credentials and bypassing security; they face felony charges and were held after a judge set bond. Venezuela Quakes & Aid: A new aftershock rattled northern Venezuela near Caracas and La Guaira, as the death toll from last week’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450; the U.S. says it has boosted funding to over $300m and deployed search-and-rescue teams, while Israel also sent rescue personnel and specialists. DOJ Anti-Piracy: The U.S. seized nearly 400 websites and domains tied to illegal World Cup streaming, warning viewers about copyright and malware risks. Colombia Politics & Inclusion: Pop star Karol G urged President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella to “govern for everyone,” pushing for an inclusive approach after the election. Trade & Agribusiness: Celifruit got ICA authorization to export Tahiti limes to China, aiming to diversify amid tough price competition. Energy/Industry: A rig explosion at PDVSA’s operation in Venezuela’s Apure state injured at least eight workers, who were transported to Colombia for medical care.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: UN-coordinated rescue efforts have mobilized 2,245 specialists and 140 search dogs from 27 countries as the death toll from twin quakes in Venezuela climbs past 1,400, with damage preliminarily estimated at $6.7B and “golden time” for survivors now largely gone. Colombia Politics: Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential runoff as the country’s first-ever “outsider” president in over 200 years, edging Iván Cepeda by 0.96% amid a record 63.6% turnout, setting up a transition with implications for security and foreign policy. World Cup & Business Angle: Colombia’s World Cup run continues to shape travel demand, with FIFA-linked summer bookings shifting toward host cities while many travelers still delay hotel plans; meanwhile, Colombia vs Ghana ticket access is tight after official lotteries ended, pushing fans toward FIFA resale channels. Sports Security: Two Argentinian YouTubers face felony charges in Florida after deputies said they bypassed stadium security using expired credentials during Colombia vs Portugal. Corporate/ESG: SK bioscience published its 2026 ESG report, highlighting expanded emissions accounting and nature-related disclosures.

World Cup Knockouts Set: The 48-team group stage is over and the Round of 32 bracket is locked, with Canada traveling to face South Africa at SoFi and Colombia set to meet Ghana after both advanced from Group K/L scenarios. Venezuela Quake Relief & Air Links: As Venezuela’s twin earthquakes push the death toll to about 1,430 and thousands remain missing, Avianca is adding temporary Bogotá–Valencia flights through July 10 to keep connectivity and move rescue and medical teams. Anti-Piracy Crackdown: The US DOJ seized nearly 400 domains illegally streaming 2026 World Cup matches under “Operation Offsides,” with takedowns linked to infrastructure traced to servers in Peru and Bulgaria and supporting actions in countries including Colombia. Colombia Inequality Spotlight: Oxfam says Colombia ranks among Latin America’s highest for wealth concentration, with four people holding about US$42 billion—an issue tied to social cohesion and democracy concerns. Colombia Politics After Petro: Gustavo Petro is signaling a continued opposition role after leaving office, with Ivan Cepeda set to lead parliamentary work for the Historic Pact. Trade & Investment Talks: UAE and Panama officials discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, including supply-chain resilience and strategic-sector cooperation.

Colombia World Cup Momentum: Colombia topped Group K after a 0-0 draw with Portugal in Miami, booking a Round of 32 clash with Ghana while Portugal finished second and will face Croatia. Knockout Bracket Set: The 48-team group stage is now down to 32, with favorites France, Argentina, Spain and England among the top-ranked paths into the Round of 16. Player Spotlight: James Rodríguez turned in a career-best World Cup showing versus DR Congo, reviving talk around his form and future plans. Crypto & Sports Buzz: Croatia’s late win over Ghana reportedly pulled in about $500K in prediction-market volume, underscoring how betting and digital assets are blending into major tournaments. US Anti-Piracy Push: The US Justice Department seized nearly 400 domains tied to illegal World Cup streaming, including disruptions linked to Colombia. Venezuela Disaster Aid: Earthquake recovery efforts continue as international teams mobilize and the death toll climbs, keeping regional humanitarian needs in focus.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The UN estimates nearly 7 million people may be affected by twin quakes, as Venezuela’s death toll climbs to 920 and thousands remain missing; authorities say 1,600 foreign rescue workers have arrived and more flights are expected, while aid groups warn the critical rescue window is narrowing. Colombia Human Impact: Colombia is among the countries sending search-and-rescue teams, and officials report seven Colombian citizens among quake victims, with families seeking identification and repatriation support. World Cup Business Spotlight (Colombia): All eyes are on Colombia vs. Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami as Group K reaches its deciding match, with Colombia on 6 points and Portugal on 4—an outcome that will shape knockout-round matchups and fan travel demand. Meta & Prediction Markets: Zuckerberg has asked Meta to pursue partnerships with Polymarket and Kalshi while developing its own points-based prediction app, signaling intensifying competition in the fast-growing betting-adjacent market. Coffee Trade (Colombia-linked): A Colombia-origin coffee retail story highlights how direct-trade sourcing and global expansion are turning brands into export businesses.

Colombia’s new security line: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella told illegal armed groups and drug cartels they have one month to surrender, signaling a sharp break from Petro’s softer approach and raising the stakes for Colombia’s crime-and-coca policy debate. EU election oversight: The EU Election Observation Mission praised the runoff’s transparency but warned about underreporting of campaign spending, calling it a structural weakness in Colombia’s campaign finance oversight. Trade & tourism ties: Colombia and the Philippines signed a tourism cooperation MOU covering research, education, tourism promotion, investment and sustainability—aimed at boosting people-to-people exchanges. Venezuela quake response (regional impact): After twin earthquakes, Venezuela’s death toll was reported near 920 with 50,000+ missing, while international rescue teams—including Colombia—rushed in amid criticism of slow access and limited state capacity. Digital enforcement: The US seized nearly 400 domains for illegal World Cup streaming, including sites linked to activity in Colombia, highlighting cross-border enforcement risks for online businesses.

Venezuela Quake Response: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said the twin earthquakes’ death toll has climbed to 589, with 2,980 injured and tens of thousands still unaccounted for as international rescue teams and sniffer dogs arrive and La Guaira is placed under military control. Humanitarian Funding: Global Impact activated a Venezuela Earthquakes Response Fund, letting donors support vetted groups like UNICEF USA and Save the Children through one donation. Colombia’s Role in Aid: Reports say Colombia will send dozens of rescue personnel and equipment, joining other countries’ search-and-rescue deployments. Colombia Business Watch: Canacol Energy won an Alberta court decision allowing it to restructure Colombian natural gas supply and transportation contracts under the CCAA, with protections for regulated consumers. Sports & Trade: U.S. Customs seized counterfeit World Cup 2026 items, with many shipments reportedly originating from Mexico and Colombia. Markets & Weather Risk: S&P warns El Niño could hit emerging markets including Colombia, pressuring water, electricity, and food production.

Colombia Politics & Markets: Leftist Iván Cepeda conceded Colombia’s presidential election to Trump-endorsed outsider Abelardo de la Espriella, setting up a rightward policy shift that investors will watch closely for crime, drug enforcement, and fiscal direction. Venezuela Disaster & Regional Business Impact: Twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, with aid and rescue teams mobilizing internationally as officials reported at least 188 deaths and hundreds injured, disrupting logistics and communications across the region. Illicit Economy: A UNODC report says Colombia’s coca cultivation rose 3.5% to 261,000 hectares in 2024, with 180 municipalities affected and just 10 accounting for nearly half the crop area. Cross-Border Payments: XTransfer expanded its Latin America strategy with a BBVA partnership framework aimed at more automated, real-time FX and trade payments for SMEs. Tech & Finance Security: KPMG survey data shows banking executives expect AI-driven disruptions and are boosting cybersecurity spending, including defenses against deepfakes and AI-related vulnerabilities. Agriculture & Climate Risk: FAO analysis warns an El Niño phase could raise drought risk in parts of Central America and the Caribbean, with knock-on effects for harvests and food security.