BOGOTÁ – Adam Boehler, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), today concluded a trip to Colombia where he traveled with President Iván Duque to the region of Nariño and met with other senior government officials and private sector leaders. The President and Boehler discussed the promise of investment in sustainable alternatives to the illicit production of drugs.
“DFC is committed to partnering with President Duque and his government to invest with the private sector and unlock economic growth for the Colombian people,” said Boehler. “We want to invest in projects that create jobs for people across Colombia, giving them opportunities that will improve livelihoods, strengthen families, and transform entire communities.”
Boehler and President Duque discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on regional prosperity, stability, and security. The discussion built upon Boehler’s December 2019 trip to the country, where he and the President started a dialogue on how DFC could support private sector-led economic development in Colombia. On their visit to the region of Nariño, the President and Boehler toured a site where coca plants, which are cultivated to produce cocaine, were being eradicated and also explored opportunities to invest in projects that create quality jobs for Colombia’s rural, underserved populations.
Boehler met with Bogotá Mayor Claudia López to discuss potential collaboration on projects critical to the city’s development, including major infrastructure projects that will better connect Bogotá with the surrounding region and improve transportation for low-income residents. During their meeting, Boehler stressed the importance of addressing barriers that restrict market access for U.S. companies in Bogotá and across the country. He also highlighted the high-quality, principled alternative that DFC and its private sector partners can offer to state-led investments in Bogotá.
Boehler wrapped up his trip by meeting with members of the Colombian business community to discuss investment, particularly in critical infrastructure and women’s economic empowerment, including through improved access to credit. He also highlighted the enhanced tools, resources, and flexibility that DFC can offer to businesses seeking to invest in Colombia.
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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.