Cartagena connects with Dubai: opportunities for the internationalization of Colombian companies

On August 12, Cartagena hosted a key gathering for the region's business and investment future. Business leaders, diplomatic representatives and entrepreneurs from Bolívar and Cartagena gathered to explore business opportunities in Dubai, recognized as a strategic hub for the internationalization of Colombian companies into global markets.

A diplomatic and business roundtable

The event included Dr. Andrea Piña Gómez, Executive President of the Cartagena Chamber of Commerce; Khadija Al Mazrouei, Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Colombia; Sebastián Vargas, Chief Representative of Dubai Chambers Colombia; and Pablo Andrés Pérez García, Partner & CCO of T&C.

Real cases of Colombian companies in international markets

Success stories of Colombian companies already operating in global markets were presented, with Andrés Valencia, CEO of E-Containers, and Mario Andrés Jordán Quintero, International Markets Manager of Colombina. These testimonies confirm that internationalization is no longer an aspiration but a replicable operation when corporate structure, cross-border flows and regulatory compliance are correctly designed.

Why Dubai as a gateway to the Middle East and Asia

Dubai today consolidates a unique proposition: an intermediate time zone between Asia and Europe, leading Gulf logistics connectivity, deep private banking, a free zone regime with the Qualifying Free Zone Person status under the 9% Corporate Tax, and patrimonial vehicles such as DIFC and ADGM foundations. Add to this the Colombia-UAE double taxation treaty, in force since 2023.

Cartagena as a global city

The gathering reaffirms Cartagena's role as a global city, prepared to attract investment, generate alliances and seize the opportunities offered by Dubai as a gateway to the Middle East and Asia.