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OECD 2025 Forum in Barranquilla: Colombia’s Growth and Projections

Thinking about making Colombia your new home or already living the expat life in Medellín? If you’re on the lookout for the next big thing in investment, you’ll want to keep an eye on the OECD 2025 Forum happening in Barranquilla. This year marks Colombia’s fifth anniversary as an OECD member. The forum is set to spotlight new ideas and policies that could open up exciting opportunities in tech, green energy, tourism, and more, right here in Colombia. Whether you’re dreaming of your next business move or just curious about what’s coming, get ready to dive into what this forum could mean for your financial future and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

What is the Foro OCDE 2025

The Foro OCDE 2025 is an international event organized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD’s mission is to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. This year’s “Local Development Forum” focuses on new drivers of local economic transformation, exploring opportunities in booming sectors like green energy and the care economy, while also aiming to boost Colombia’s global presence.

Why Barranquilla, Colombia?

Barranquilla was chosen as the host city for the Foro OCDE 2025 to showcase Colombia’s transformation story. Over the past five years as an OECD member, Colombia has made strides in public-private collaboration and economic diversification. Hosting the forum here puts a spotlight on Colombia’s rising international profile and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.

How Does the OECD Influence Colombia's Investment Climate?

OECD membership has guided Colombia’s economic reforms, focusing on transparency, efficient regulations, and robust support for investors.
The OECD’s push for clear administrative rules and post-establishment support aims to make Colombia more attractive for foreign direct investment (FDI).
By aligning with OECD principles, Colombia reduces investment risks and increases predictability for expats looking to invest.
Recent policy areas influenced by the OECD include pension reform, labor rights, and tax policy, all contributing to a more stable, investor-friendly climate..

How Did the Foro OCDE 2025 Go?

The Foro OCDE 2025 in Barranquilla has marked an historic milestone, for Colombia and for the international community focused on local economic development. Over four days, this Caribbean city became the epicenter of global dialogue on innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth, hosting more than 3,600 participants from over 40 countries, including ministers, mayors, entrepreneurs, and leading minds from across the public and private sectors.

One of the standout moments was the landmark agreement to spotlight Barranquilla as a world-class investment and tourism destination. This move united local and international stakeholders, putting Barranquilla squarely on the global map and setting the stage for future transformation and opportunity. Throughout the forum, attendees celebrated major economic commitments, like a USD $50 million credit from CAF to back green projects and a hefty $50 billion COP loan from Banco Popular to accelerate local infrastructure through 2027. These investments are projected to snowball into over $250 billion COP in the coming years, firmly positioning Barranquilla as a launchpad for sustainable development and regional prosperity.

Beyond the headline announcements, the forum’s packed agenda tackled some of the most pressing themes in development today, green transition, tech innovation, and digitalization, while also shining a spotlight on fair labor markets and the care economy. The event put Colombia front-and-center in the regional conversation on urban transformation, with OECD-backed policies reassuring foreign investors and expats about transparency, regulatory predictability, and opportunity.

How Can Expats Unlock Investment Opportunities in Colombia?

The Foro OCDE 2025 highlights several sectors ripe for foreign direct investment in Colombia:

Services & Manufacturing:

hese established sectors continue to show robust growth potential, driven by Colombia's strategic location and growing internal market.
Green Energy:

With a global push for sustainability, Colombia's green energy investment opportunities are expanding fast. The green transition is a top priority, with incentives for renewable energy projects.
Technology & Innovation:

Medellín is fast becoming Colombia’s tech hub, attracting investors in software, AI, and digital services.
Tourism:

Colombia's diverse landscapes and rich culture make it a strong contender for tourism investment, with specific tax incentives often available for new hotel developments or ecotourism projects.
Agribusiness:

Investors in agricultural projects can benefit from tax-free income, especially in export-oriented ventures.

FAQs About Investing in Colombia After the Foro OCDE 2025

Can expats find sustainable investment opportunities in Colombia?

Thanks to the OECD’s focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), foreign direct investment in Colombia is increasingly tied to projects with real environmental and social impact. Expats can invest in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or social enterprises, not only earning returns but also contributing to Colombia’s green and inclusive growth.

What are the emerging investment hotspots beyond Bogotá and Medellín?

Cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena are fast gaining attention. These up-and-coming destinations offer advantages for foreign investors such as modern port access, regional tax incentives, and energetic local development programs. If you’re looking to diversify beyond traditional hubs, these cities are worth exploring.

What tax incentives and support are available for foreign investors in Colombia?

Foreign investors can unlock a range of benefits, including:

Reduced tax rates for hotels and tourism sector investments in certain municipalities.
Tax exemptions for projects in agriculture or the creative/orange economy sectors.
Regionally targeted incentives promoting development outside the biggest cities.

Do foreign investors receive special tax benefits in Colombia?

Generally, Colombia offers the same treatment to foreign and domestic investors, but there are still specific incentives available. These are mostly aimed at encouraging foreign investment in designated sectors or regions, so doing your homework can pay off.

What is the difference between the Colombia Investment Visa and the Business Visa?

The Investment Visa is based on passive investments, such as real estate or free-use investments, while the Business Visa requires active business ownership or entrepreneurship in Colombia.

How can expats use the Foro OCDE 2025 to boost their investment plans?

The Foro OCDE 2025 is a goldmine for expats seeking practical investment strategies. Insights and announcements from the forum help you spot new opportunities, understand Colombia’s evolving investment environment, and position yourself for smarter, more profitable decisions in sectors singled out for growth and support.

What’s the outlook for real estate investment now, especially in Medellín?

Real estate remains a top pick for expats. It blends lifestyle advantages, like vibrant city life and affordable prices, with potential financial returns and even pathways to residency. The outcomes of the Foro OCDE 2025 are expected to further fuel urban development and infrastructure projects, possibly boosting property values in Medellín and other key cities. Medellín, in particular, attracts foreign buyers with its quality of life, attainable real estate prices, and welcoming expat community.

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Other things to see and do in Colombia

Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.

The Bottom Line: OECD 2025 Forum in Barranquilla—Colombia’s Growth and Projections

As the Foro OCDE 2025 in Barranquilla wraps up, one thing’s clear: Colombia is stepping up as a top spot for foreign investment. Whether you’re already living the expat life in Medellín or thinking about making the move, this forum highlights a bright economic future fueled by smart OECD-backed policies focused on sustainable growth. From tax incentives to sectors like renewable energy, tech, and food and beverage, Colombia’s investment scene is buzzing with opportunity.