What is the Internationalization Mission?

The Internationalization Mission is an initiative that aims to generate new avenues to connect Colombia with the world and with the objective that internationalization becomes a long-term strategy that contributes to economic growth through different channels such as international trade, the talent of individuals, technology flows, Global Value Chains, and the country's natural resources.

This mission was born under the joint leadership of the Vice Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT), who established a Steering Committee led by Professor Ricardo Haussmann, from Harvard University, and comprised of other renowned national and international economists and experts from academia and the private sector.

The Mission was supported by a technical secretariat made up by the National Planning Department (DNP); the Vice Presidency of the Republic; MinCIT and the World Bank.

The Mission presented a series of recommendations and policy guidelines to contribute to the effective integration of the country into the world economy, promoting the increase, diversification, and creation of value in exports, taking advantage of the new dynamics and realities in international trade.

Contribute to the design and implementation of public policy strategies in Colombia aimed at a larger and more effective integration of its economy into the world, maximizing the economic and social benefits of trade for the country and its population through:

The increase, diversification, and generation of added value in exports of goods and services, through strategic sectors.
The attraction and retention of efficiency seeking foreign direct investment.
Boost the participation in global and regional value chain
Take advantage of immigration and the Colombian diaspora
Enhance the international transfer of knowledge and technology to the country
Improve the institutional and competition environment.
Facilitate trade and logistics.

The Mission worked under a steering committee that met periodically to evaluate the different dimensions of internationalization and to produce a final report with concrete recommendations for the short, medium, and long term. The Mission looks at internationalization as a tool that can contribute to economic recovery, job creation, and economic growth in the country.

The Mission's technical secretariat supported the steering committee´s discussions by preparing research papers, policy notes, and seminars that resulted in a body of knowledge about internationalization issues available to the government, academia, and other interested parties.

Due to the Mission´s work, the following documents are available: one (1) final report of the steering committee, sixteen (16) studies, twelve (12) policy notes, nine (9) Supplementary annexes to the policy notes, and several seminars that addressed different areas of internationalization