Rodrigo Jimenez, a veteran entrepreneur, was forced to close his shoe business because of the large amount of production other industries were producing. Jimenez´s production depended on other’s work, which in the long run became too expensive to buy materials from other parts of the world.  

Colombia, one of the most beautiful and providencial countries of South America ranks as the second most biodiverse country in the  whole world. Although there has been strong trade, investment and established relationships with countries, there are still some vital points that are not going to be fixed until people are aware of our dependency on external industries.

Trade, is one of the strongest points of Colombia’s economy, the country occupies the forty fifth place in  exports worldwide with a total amount of $282B, however is it decreasing significantly. The countries top exports are; crude petroleum, coffee, refined petroleum and computers.  On the other hand, Colombia counts with a total amount of $42.9B in imports which have significantly increased. Data leads to an obvious conclusion that Colombia is completely dependent on foreign industries.

Despite the size of the country, Colombia’s development lead to investment of multinational companies. Do to the strategic location and natural resources that Colombia has,  strong companies are entering into countries which depend on what this industries move. Alstom, BBVA, Coca Cola, among many others are some examples of direct investment.

By settling headquarters in Colombia companies have close contact with North and South America. Colombia provides a gateway for the booming economies of South America where external companies mainly from the middle east find Colombia as a stable country in which to base their operations. Such characteristics account for the pleasing perspective foreign investors take upon Colombia flooding economy with job opportunities and necessary capitol.

Anyone who invests in Colombia has the liberty to run their own business. Investors also count with many social and political rules that could benefit their business do to a stable democratic government. Prices are set do to the demand of the product as expected from a capitalistic centered economy. As many international speculators have argued before Colombia has been severely regarded as a “corrupt safe haven” where foreign investors with enough capital are allowed to work as they please when they please.

Furthermore, Colombia is regarded as a violent country given the long lasting internal conflict scaring investors and straying many businesses before, Colombia with a  “peacefully trademarked” country attracts businesses and investors that never even looked towards the south western hemisphere. Judging by now usual investments, NGO are also focusing aid towards Colombia, with this investors feel a much needed safety when placing investments.

Unfortunately, Colombia is being used as a product of globalization, having a negative impact on local business.“Products used in my business come from other places, it definitely makes the products more inexpensive but is does not allow local economy to grow. Anyone is willing to pay up the prices that my shirts have now that the exact shirt is sold half of the price in other countries,” Tomas Quintero, young entrepreneur, said. Extern industries are producing high demanded products in soaring amount and distribute them to countries which are forced to but them in high value.

“We are not prepared for globalization, we are still dependent on what other industries do for us. We do not have roads, ports and  airports do not meet international standards,” Freddy Mesa, businessman, said. Colombian citizens need to realize that we are dependent on others, action needs to be taken over this problem. What Colombia needs to be prepared for a future is education, through it we will achieve a competitive country.  Colombian citizens were taught to buy and not to sell. We have to change that thinking in order to be a developed country and move the world economies.

To conclude, Colombia’s dependency over other industries will not generate a positive impact in the long run. Citizens need to be educated which will cause a mentality of production and not of consumption. Educating correctly the youth ensures prosperity and integrity for Colombia’s economy, guiding Colombia towards a better future where dependency is no longer there and a secular and independent economy rises.