94,000 higher-education graduates per year. There are 115 higher-education institutions and more than 2,300 higher-education programs. Sometimes known as the Athens of South America, Bogotá has an extensive educational system of both primary and secondary schools and colleges. Colombia is ranked second in terms of availability of skilled labour in Latin America, according to the IMD World Compet- itiveness Yearbook. Companies located in Bogotá have direct ac- cess to the $333 billion Colombian market, one of the largest and most dynamic markets in Latin America, and to an extended market of $41 tril- lion and 1.4 billion people due to the interna- tional trade agreements that Colombia has in place. In the past decade, Colombia has focused intensely on improving its business climate. As a result, foreign direct investment has been soaring.
Companies with a presence in Bogotá in- clude Globant, an Argentinean Company that is one of the top ten software development com- panies in the world. Globant arrived in Bogotá in 2010 and hired 200 people in its first two years. From its Bogotá base, Citibank centralises sales and client support processes for corporate bank- ing for Latin America. Likewise, PwC offers legal, financial and accounting outsourcing serv- ices. Some 250 IBM professionals located in Bogotá provide sales and support for Latin America. Hewlett Packard has over 300 bilin- gual professional agents in the city for sales and customer care activities.
Extensive experience, abundant and skilled human resources, competitive costs, a strategic near-shore location and government support make Bogotá one of the most competitive cities for offshore operations in the region for contact centres, business process outsourcing, shared services centres and software and remote infra- structure. A large local market, access to regional markets, human resources with specific expert- ise, competitive costs and experience in research and development also make Bogotá an ideal lo- cation for health services and the production of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. To make business conditions more attractive,
Colombia and Bogotá provides incentives for investment, including free trade zones that offer companies a preferential income tax of 15%, no custom duty for materials and equipment im- ported into the zones and VAT exemption for in- puts purchased from the Colombian market. The Colombian tax code has several additional
New European Economy
Companies located in Bogotá have direct access to the $333 billion Colombian market, one of the largest and most dynamic markets in Latin America
deductions from corporate income tax, including 175% of the investment in scientific, technolog- ical, or innovative projects done in Colombia, direct and voluntary investments made to con- trol and improve the environment, and up to 120% of wages of employees with disabilities. Colombia’s capital city is the country’s most popular destination for congresses, fairs and events. Infrastructure in the city represents 33% of all the country’s infrastructure. Bogotá’s hotel infrastructure meets even the highest interna- tional quality standards. There are approxi- mately 12,000 hotels rooms. The city also has about 200 meeting and conference rooms lo- cated in top hotels and specialised centres, 65 convention centres and auditoriums, as well as first-class fairgrounds that offer a wide range of services and cutting-edge technology. Many companies are relocating to Bogotá from other cities in Colombia, neighbouring countries and Central America because it’s a great place to live. Bogotá has an almost ideal climate and more than 4,000 public parks. Bo- gotá is home to the world renowned Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). And that is just one of some 58 museums on offer that regularly show international exhibits. Bogotá is a city of
Bogotá Convention Bureau
The Bogotá Convention Bureau is an excel- lent ally when it comes to organizing and car- rying out a corporate event. With more than 95 affiliated businesses, including five-star ho- tels, auditoriums, convention centres, venues, travel agents and event planners, the bureau guarantees a unique experience. Being affili- ated with the bureau means opening doors to new business opportunities in the world of international corporate events.
Strategic
partners include the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, the Bogotá mayor’s office and various private businesses. The bureau can organise trips to any of
the 26 golf courses are located in Bogotá’s savannah as well as to the flower plantations that decorate the savannah. While you’re there, stop off and visit the beautiful colonial houses
with their beautiful
breathe in the fresh country air and savour ex- quisite traditional Colombian cuisine. The bureau also organises tours to the
brewery run by the Bogota Beer Company. This is the second biggest brewery in Colom- bia, although the biggest one (Bavaria) con- trols 99% of the market. It produces 13 different types of beer, from Munich-style white beers to British-inspired dark ones, including porters and stouts. The brewery has also started to bottle and sell its beers in bars, restaurants and supermarkets and is making plans to distribute its products beyond Colombia's capital.
landscapes,
restaurants and café culture. When the sun goes down, the city comes alive with its friendly and diverse nightlife options.
Events to look forward to in 2013 include
the Bogotá International Art Fair, which is at- tended by leading national and international gal- leries promoting young Colombian and Latin American talent. The ATP Tennis World Tour is set to return to Bogotá in 2013, and the new tournament will be staged at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento. Bogotá’s carnival takes place in August. This lively party includes masquerades, dance parties, live music and many more events at venues around town.
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