Traslated by Andrés Martínez Forero
As part of the internationalization agenda “Bogotá, My City, My Home”, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán and his economic development team held a high-level meeting with representatives of Swiss multinational companies operating in Colombia. The event also featured Swiss Ambassador to Colombia, Eric Mayoraz, and Mario Reina Carrillo, Executive Director of the Colombian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce.
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“Bogotá is undergoing a profound transformation in its economic and social development, and Swiss cooperation has been a valuable partner along the way. From institutional strengthening to training and employment programs, this joint effort is opening up real opportunities for the city. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to continue working together and to outline a roadmap to deepen this strategic relationship,” said Mayor Galán.
The meeting aimed to present the city’s key economic development policies, with a focus on two flagship programs: Bogotá Trabaja and Bogotá Productiva.
María del Pilar López, Bogotá’s Secretary for Economic Development, led the presentation. She explained that Bogotá Trabaja offers a structured pathway to help individuals access better job opportunities and acquire skills aligned with labor market demands. Meanwhile, Bogotá Productiva is designed to strengthen the city’s business ecosystem by offering support channels that help companies identify commercial opportunities both locally and internationally.
Pamela Támara, Special Adviser for Bogotá’s International Relations, emphasized that Colombia is one of the few countries benefiting from all three pillars of Swiss cooperation: humanitarian aid and development, human rights and peace, and economic development.
“For Bogotá, this collaboration represents a unique opportunity to advance toward a more just, sustainable, and territorially inclusive development,” she noted.
Carlos Alberto Suárez, Acting Executive Director of Invest in Bogotá, highlighted that between 2021 and 2024, nearly 19 new and expanding Swiss investment projects were announced in Colombia, valued at approximately USD 140 million and associated with the creation of more than 1,200 jobs. The Bogotá Region attracted 63 % of these projects, underscoring its role as a primary destination for Swiss investment.
Swiss Ambassador Eric Mayoraz noted, “The Swiss government, through its international cooperation programs, has supported Bogotá in implementing results-based payment models and dual education systems, which are key to the success of such initiatives.”
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At the close of the meeting, Mario Reina, Executive Director of the Colombian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, added, “We’ve identified 12 new Swiss investment projects taking shape in the Bogotá Region, representing USD 43 million. This reflects the Swiss private sector’s strong confidence in the city’s economy.”
He also pointed out that Swiss companies such as Holcim and SwissRe have been key partners in major urban development projects, including Bogotá’s Metro Line 1.
The meeting was attended by representatives from 20 prominent Swiss multinationals, including Nestlé, Roche, Novartis, ABB, SwissRe, Endress+Hauser, Galderma, Holcim, and MSC Shipping. These companies expressed keen interest in continuing dialogue with the city to contribute to Bogotá’s economic development agenda.
Find more details about the meeting with Swiss companies on the X page of Bogotá’s International Relations Office:
🇨🇴I🇨🇭 Bogotá fortalece su cooperación con Suiza para impulsar el desarrollo económico.
— Relaciones Internacionales Bogotá (@BogotaInter_nal) May 28, 2025
El alcalde @CarlosFGalan lideró un encuentro con @SuizaColombia, @Swisschamco y aliados clave para trazar hoja de ruta conjunta en inversión, empleo y productividad.#AquiSiPasa
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*This article was created using information provided by the Bogotá’s International Relations Office and curated by a journalist from Portal Bogotá. For suggestions, questions, or more information, visit Bogotá Te Escucha: https://bogota.gov.co/sdqs/
