Important information for to start business relationship between Colombia and Arab Countries. Our main subject. LIVE CATTLE AND MEAT.

1. [1]
NEWSLETTER
Editor in Chief
Stéphanie Chevalier
President
Cecilia Porras Eraso
Columnists
Mr. Mohammed Hamdan
Director of Trade Promotion, Ministry of
Economy – UAE
Mr. Kamel Mukharesh
Vice Chairman MOKA
Beirut, Lebanon
SHEIKH Ilyes Marzougui
Director of the Center for Islamic Studies Al-
Qúturbi
Ana Charris de la Oz
Head of Market Access and
Internationalization
Barranquilla Chamber of Commerce
Augusto Beltrán - FEDEGAN
Communication Office - PROEXPORT
PROCAFECOL S.A JUAN VALDEZ
Correspondents in
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Oman
Algeria and Morocco
CONTACTS
Calle 125 No. 19-89 Of 502
Phone line: +57-1- 2153266
Mobile:+57-3138001004
info@ccac.com.co
www.ccac.com.co
August – September
2013
CONTENT
• News from the ACCC
• Editorial
• Special Colombia’s Livestock
• Juan Valdéz enters in the Middle
East
• Report Economic Relations U.A.E
and Colombia
• Holy Month of Ramadan and
the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC)
• Colombia’s News
• Cultural Tip
• Guest Cities: Bogota,
Cartagena & Barranquilla
• Diplomatic Missions Agenda
• Upcoming Missions
The articles published
compromise solely
their authors and do
not necessarily reflect
the opinions of
newsletter’s directors.
Total or partial
reproduction without
the express permission
of the publishers is
forbidden.
We build relations, we make business
NEWSLETTER
NUMBER 4
Collectible
Edition
COLOMBIA’S LIVESTOCK

2. [1]
NEWS FROM THE ACCC
Strengthen economic ties between South American and Arab Countries
On the initiative of Brazil, the first Summit of Arab and South American countries, The
"ASPA" Summit was held in Brasilia in 2005, with the participation of 34 countries in which
was identified key objectives for the countries involved. In parallel, was held an Economic -
Business Forum attended by approximately 500 businessmen from both blocks.
In continuation, the second Summit "ASPA" took place in Doha, Qatar, in 2009, in which
was also organized the Economic - Business Forum, this time with a greater participation
from entrepreneurs. In the final resolution of the Forum, and ratified at the summit, was
launched the creation of the Federation of the South American Arab Chambers of
Commerce, having as empowering body the establishment of Bilateral Arab Chambers of
Commerce in every single South American country.
In 2012, The ASPA Summit was held in Lima (Peru), where the ACCC participated with the
Colombian delegation, headed by the President of Servientrega Luz Mary Guerrero,
Senator Alexandra Moreno Piraquive, business and government delegates. The desire
expressed by these countries to negotiate economic agreements already shows the
growing mutual awareness that has taken place between them. The political momentum
also is getting bigger, with constant visits of heads of state and high-level representatives,
such as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
Visit of the ACCC to the Embassy of Morocco
On July 23, the delegates of the ACCC, Cecilia Porras Eraso and Stephanie Chevalier,
were received at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Bogota by the Counsellor
responsible of Business Officer and Consular Affairs, Mr. MOUFDI M´FAREJ, with whom
they shared a nice conversation around an exquisite cup of tea. The delegates presented a
warm greeting for his arrival in Colombia and wished success in his management.
In this exchange of ideas, it was proposed to establish cooperation mechanisms to
strengthen the presence of Moroccan entrepreneurs in Colombia and coordinate the Firtst
Mission of Colombian Entrepreneurs to visit important international fairs, besides also
promoting tourism, academic exchanges and Investment. In terms of trade, create joint
activities to promote export of livestock, meat and other products with clear opportunities.
They commented Colombian presence through the Royal Decameron Issil Inclusive Hotels
chain in Marrakech. Under the leadership and high appreciation of the Ambassador Khalifa
in Colombia, this will be a good starting point.
Dear Readers:
It is our interest to bring Colombians and
Arabs closer by using all the tools we
have at our disposal, conferences,
workshops, courses, Commercial /
academic missions, as well as the
Newsletter, website and social networks.
All these are important means to convey
real information and timely opportunity
considering it is an important market of
over 350 million people.
Special thanks to Mr. Kamel Mukharesh
for his excellent monthly articles, to Sheik
Ilyes Marzougui for his commitment to
the promulgation of Islam as the basis of
business with Muslims, to the PTP,
FEDEGAN, Proexport and the Chamber
of Commerce of Barranquilla for their
contribution to this special COLOMBIA
LIVESTOCK; to Mr. Mohammed Hamdan
for sharing information on the state of
relations between Colombia and the
UAE, to Procafecol SA for their
contribution to the history of the origin of
coffee.
To all, thank you for generously sharing
your time and giving us your support in
order to achieve our goals.
CECILIA PORRAS ERASO
Founding President
EDITORIAL

3. [2]
SPECIAL COLOMBIA’S LIVESTOCK
The beef Cattle Sector in Colombia:
productive excellence and tradition that
expand into international markets.
By FEDEGAN – Federación Colombiana de
Ganaderos
Since Colonial times, about 500 hundred years
ago, the beef cattle sector in Colombia has been
a sector which, until today, builds progress in the
Colombian rural areas by producing the highest
quality beef for domestic and international
consumption in a very sustainable way.
This is only possible with an exceptional
combination of geographical, political, economic,
technological, human and organizational factors.
All of these reasons give to our cattle beef sector
the brightest future in the international markets,
combining both excellent in quality and price.
The beef sector in Colombia enjoys the
advantages of being located in a tropical country:
the sun all year long combined with nutritive soils
allows to maintain production every month having
a good supply of pastures avoiding the use of
excessive amounts of fertilizers.
This natural feeding is a key factor to harmonize
the beef production with the ecosystem
dynamics, not only as a healthy product to the
global informed consumer but also an outcome of
a healthy process to the planet.
Not just sustainability. The Colombian beef
sector also accomplishes to generate profitability
and economies of scale. Beef cattle production is
one of the main sectors of agriculture in
Colombia being responsible of 1,6% of national
GDP and 20% of agricultural GDP. As a result,
its size is 3,3 times bigger than coffee production
and 5,7 times bigger than bananas production. It
generates about 950.000 jobs, which
demonstrates not only the economic but the
social impact of this activity, an engine of human,
economic and rural development.
sector will make come true its
potential of herd growth, 29,8% for
the period 2008-2017 (the highest
rate in the world). For our purposes
it will export from 1% to 25% of the
national production.
These economic excellence and
huge potential would not make
Colombia a future world player in
beef trade without the coordination
with the government. In sanitary
terms, as a public affair, Colombia
has reached many achievements.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and
Bovine Rabies are fields where
Colombia already gives proof of
reliability since 2009.
As a second public aspect related to
our beef cattle, the country has an
active commercial agenda by signing
FTA’s with countries such as USA,
the EU and South Korea, which will
In terms of numbers, Colombia’s beef cattle
herd is the fourth largest in Latin America with
24, 85 millions of heads.
Most of these animals have Brahman genetics,
which implies an outstanding capacity of
adaptation and quality for beef production.
Commercial beef production has increased too.
From 2002 to 2012 it has grown 17%, as
ranchers improve production practices to
attend domestic and foreign markets.
Precisely demand in Colombia has a lot to
offer, as long as it has been low for years. In
2012 per capita consumption was almost 20
Kg/per year and total consumption was
950.000 tons. These levels are forecasted to
increase in the near future along with economic
improvement.
According to FAPRI (United States Food and
Agricultural Policy Research Institute) our
make easier to expand our export
destinations and more global consumers are
going to know and prefer our excellent
products.
All those factors are brought to reality with the
commitment of Fedegan, the Colombian
Federation of Cattlemen, the leader
association of the sector. Our organization
looks for an organized and modern productive
chain acting in an integral way, defined by the
Strategic Plan for Colombian Cattle
Production 2019 (PEGA).
We have the conditions for being a successful
player in international markets. Given this
short overview, we extend our hands to invite
you and your associates to let us delight you
with a product that brings our extensive
expertise and quality, called to satisfy the
exigent Arab consumer.
Photo source: Atlas Geográfico

4. [3]
Responsible Government Entities.
ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute).
www.ica.gov.co
Establishes, according with international
standards adopted by Colombia, diseases of
official control and mandatory notification and
registration. Develops and manages strategies
for joint actions with the private sector and
other authorities for compliance with sanitary
and phytosanitary or SPS measures in animal
protection for export.
INVIMA (National Institute of Food and
Drug Monitoring). www.invima.gov.co
Its role is to support the Colombian producers
of poultry, cattle meat, pigs and dairy
stakeholders in achieving access to health for
third countries. INVIMA reports that in August
2013, Colombia has health status for:
- Beef Meat: Meat raw materials and
Byproducts Commodities Export to:
Customs Union (Belarus - Kazakhstan -
Russia) - Peru, Venezuela, Egypt, Angola
and Curacao.
- Swine Meat: Angola and Venezuela.
- Meat of avian species: Customs Union
(Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan) and
Venezuela.
- Milk and dairy products: Chile Customs
Union (Belarus - Russia, Kazakhstan)
Mexico, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Morocco,
Costa Rica and Peru.
- Fishery products: Customs Union
(Belarus - Russia, Kazakhstan),
European Union, Brazil and Argentina.
- Live Cattle: Lebanon
These achievements translate into a great
opportunity for Colombian entrepreneurs in the
export sector of beef, pork and poultry to
venture into new markets UAE, QATAR,
KUWAIT, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA,
ALGERIA, MOROCCO LEBANON and
supporting the generation of employment
opportunities and economic growth for the
country.
Lebanese, delighted with the livestock
imported by the Caribbean Coast.
By the C.C of Barranquilla - Journalist Jorge
Montaño Acosta
Marketing began in late 2009 and through 2013
about 250,000 bulls were sent to Beirut from
three ports of Barranquilla and Cartagena,
respectively. And it is that new destination that
in the last three years has been the Middle East
market, specifically in Lebanon, which has
begun to receive Colombian cattle, especially
from the departments of the Caribbean Coast,
from late 2009 and early 2010, and which
remained in the following years until today.
Precisely, the Chamber of Commerce of
Barranquilla works on the creation of a cluster
of agro inputs, dubbed Agro Competitive, which
aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the
companies located in the department of the
Atlantic, this means for them positioning
competitively in the business in order to achieve
that the activity becomes more prfitable and
sustained in the long term.
The business fabric of this cluster has a major
impact on the regional economy, since it is
composed of 192 companies, 70% engaged in
commerce and distribution, generating 3,468
direct jobs and assets of $ 14.0 billion.
The livestock sector is only exporting from
Barranquilla live cattle for further sacrifice in
Lebanon refrigerators. It is because male cattle
perform better when it comes to make the most
of the sale and consumption of meat. To this is
added that cattle exported are bulls because
the market demands it by religious culture of
Lebanese consumers. Lebanon is currently the
only export market for Colombian cattle.
Colombia has managed to post since 2009 and
until 2013 about 250,000 animals. The
unloading port is Beirut and the shipping ports
have been the Port of Barranquilla Port Society,
Palermo Port Authority and the Port of
Cartagena. The animals are taken is special
vessels with capacity of 7,000 to 8,000 cattle.
The journey between the Caribbean Coast and
Lebanon takes about 22 days and mortality is
minimal by the fact that cattle exported is of
good quality and is resistant to long journeys,
"When a market seems saturated, the next step is to create a new market. Halal industry is exactly that. "
Dato' Mukhri
besides the cattle receive excellent food to
help them resist.
The crew of the ships is made of cowboys,
including veterinarians, who know how to care
of animals installed in the different pens
brought by boats of 5 and 8 floors, with
appropriate systems to supply food.
The cattle being exported to this country must
be of good quality, good yield in carcass when
slaughtered, which is achieved through the
zebu cattle crossing, that is healthy and meets
all the requirements of the animal health
protocol between Colombia and Lebanon, free
of disease and brucellosis.
The bull being exported to Lebanon, since it is
to sacrifice, must have a minimum weight of
460 and 480 kilos, besides importers are also
buying lighter cattle of about 300 kilos. These
cattle when it is fattened (bring to maturity to
be well developed and that it has a weight of
460 kilos) and finally slaughtered for
consumption in the different Lebanese cities.
Asoganorte’s executive director, José De
Silvestre Pájaro, says this new export market
is due to the work and the achievement of the
private enterprise, achieving to consolidate it in
recent years.
"Although they compete with cattle from
countries like Brazil and from Central America,
cattle coming from departments of the
Caribbean Region are preferred for its quality
and price.
"The feeding regime, intense summers and the
heat in which our livestock is raised here is
much like one of the seasons in Lebanon,
therefore our cattle are adapted to the new
environment and their acclimatization is very
easy, they grow successfully to then be taken
to sacrifice”.

5. [4]
Visit of Arab Ambassadors from Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine in Yopal (Casanare) at the Valenzuela Reyes family's Hacienda. Coordinated by the ACCC
and the Chamber of Commerce of Mararave, Casanare, and accompanied by Governor Julieta Gomez de Cortes in March 2013.
Like the cattle in the Caribbean Coast is under
a strong tropical climate, we manage to have a
mix with local zebu which makes them more
resistant and which in turn is used to obtain a
good and lean quality meat, without that much
fat and marbling (the amount of fat within the
meat streaky and is the main factor to be taken
into account by the consumer to determine its
quality).
The cattle being exported from the Caribbean
coast to Lebanon comes mostly from the
departments of Magdalena, Córdoba, Cesar,
Bolivar and Sucre, but others such as Atlantic
and La Guajira are also providers.
At present, the Caribbean coast composed by
Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, Magdalena,
Sucre and La Guajira has a cattle herd of
7'360.000 cows, of whom 4'850,000 are female
and 2'510,000 are male. In this order, according
to statistics from FEDEGAN, Córdoba is the
department with the largest cattle population,
followed by Cesar, Magdalena, Sucre, Bolívar,
Guajira and Atlántico.
Colombia, meat supplier to the world.
By Proexport Colombia
There are several advantages of Colombia as a
producer of beef. One is its location, as being in
the tropical belt of the equator the country
receives a constant sunlight, which is necessary
for the production of biomass and allows the
possibility of feeding livestock based on
pastures throughout the year.
It also has quintessential beef breeds such as
Cebu and within this the Brahmin Colombian,
idea production for tropical conditions and
standing as having one of the highest in quality
genetics in the world.
Also, the livestock sector in Colombia, whose
offer is displayed in the beef carcass, chilled
and frozen boneless vacuum packed, has the
fourth largest herd in Latin America with a cattle
inventory of 26.9 million head, according to the
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
This, added to its health status free of FDM with
vaccination, has enabled the sector to reach
demanding markets such as Russia, Egypt,
Angola and Peru.
For entrepreneurs interested in knowing in
detail about the domestic supply of this product,
Proexport Colombia, the organization
responsible for promoting non-traditional
exports, attract foreign direct investment and
promote international tourism has the advisers
and information necessary.
More business opportunities in
www.proexport.com.co
Halal Certification.
SHEIKH Ilyes Marzougui
Halal is an Arab word meaning lawful or
permitted. The opposite of Halal is Haram,
which means unlawful or prohibited. Halal and
Haram are universal terms that apply to all
facets of life. However, we will use these terms
only in relation to meat products.
Slaughter of animals for HALAL meat
From the advent of live cattle to the
establishment refrigerator, these steps must be
followed:
- The animals remain resting between a
minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 48
hours in roofed pens with drinking water that is
renewed automatically and permanently, until
the time of slaughter.
The killing is not done by the refrigerator's staff,
this is oversee by a Muslim personnel
recognized by the Islamic religion in Colombia.
The animal must be slaughtered, the killings by
asphyxiation, beatings, electric shock, etc are
not allowed. You cannot sacrifice Halal animals
in facilities used Halal with Haram animals.
At the time of disgorgement:
- Invoking the name of God previously.
- Cut the pharynx, esophagus and jugular
if it is a cow, sheep, goats or poultry.
- Expect the complete bled before any
operation.
- Store in facilities where no animals
Haram.
These rules date back to the time when the
Qur'an was written. It is written:
"...Therefore, you shall eat from God's
provisions everything that is lawful and good,
and be appreciative of God's blessings, if
you do worship Him alone. HE has only
forbidden you carrion, blood, pig’s meat, and
animals over which any name other than
God’s has been invoked. But if anyone is
forced to eat such things by hunger, rather
than desire or excess, he commits no sin:
God is Most Merciful and Forgiving.”
Procedure
Control group number, the serial number of
each animal and the sealing of the cattle in
Arabic, allowing its visualization and
monitoring of the following steps:
Dismembering, freezing, truck loading and
shipping.
The Center for Islamic Studies in Al-Qurtubi,
led by Sheik Ilyes Marzougui, is the
organization recognized by the ACCC to
carry out the Halal study, application and
laughter in Colombia.
The ACCC recommends and recognizes his
suitability, honesty and knowledge of the
sharia (law) of Islam.

6. [5]
JUAN VALDEZ® ENTERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST:
AN ENRICHED WAY TO RETURN TO THE BEGINNING
REPORT ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED
ARAB EMIRATES AND COLOMBIA
We thank Mr. MOHAMMED HAMDAN Trade
Promotion Director of the Ministry of
Economy of the United Arab Emirates for his
kind participation in the ACCC Newsletter
through a comprehensive report of mutual
economic relations between UAE and
Colombia in the Department of Commercial
Analysis.
Considered of high interest for the opening of
relations between Colombia and the UAE, the
full article will be published in our next edition.
Report mutual economic relations
between UAE and Colombia - Foreign
Trade
There is a surplus in the trade balance for the
United Arab Emirates, for the following
reasons:
1. Increase in total exports value by $ 21
million and reduction in the value of
imports that amount to 12.1 million in
2012.
2. High contribution of UAE foreign trade
volume increased 63.2% and a low
contribution Colombia 36.8%.
Agreements
- November 24, 2012: Signature of the
representative of the Civil Aviation
Organization of the United Arab Emirates, air
services to the Government of Colombia in the
city of Brasilia, Brazil. The agreement was
signed between the government of the United
Arab Emirates, Mr. Saif Mohammed al-
Suwaidi, Director of the General Civil Aviation
Authority, and Santiago Castro, Director
General of Civil Aviation of Colombia.
- May 8, 2011: Signature of a mutual
cooperation program on air transport services
between the General Civil Aviation Authority of
the United Arab Emirates and the Civil
Aviation Administration of Colombia.
Mutual Economic commissions
No mutual economic commission between the
two countries.
Visit of Delegations and Events
- November 7, 2012: A meeting between the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sharjah,
and the trade mission organized by the Arab
Colombian Chamber of Commerce.
During the meeting, they discussed the opening
of new fields of trade and investment between
Sharjah and Colombia to promote UAE,
strengthening economic relations with various
countries around the world, especially in the Latin
American continent by the multiple trade between
Gulf States and Latin America in general, and
between a State of the United Arab Emirates,
Sharjah, and Colombia in particular.
- November 8, 2012: Meeting between Dubai
Chamber of Commerce and the trade mission,
where mutual cooperation agreements are
achieved in order to promote the opening of
relations between Colombians and Emiratis.
- October 26, 2011: A meeting between
Ambassador Abdullah Absi, Director of the Office
of American Affairs and the Pacific, in his office at
the Ministry, with Roberto Vélez Vallejo,
Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia. During
the meeting were discussed the ways to improve
trade relations in the political and economic,
between the two countries.
By Maria Fernanda Concha PART 1/3
Director of Sustainability and Corporate Communications
Procafecol SA - Special to the ACCC Newsletter
Just as the Arabic language, traveling through time and space, joined to Spanish many of its beautiful words, such as pillow, dock, mosque or
grapefruit – in that mutual enrichment that represents the cultural exchange –, Colombia, from the hand of Juan Valdez®, now enriches the palate of
the Arab inhabitants with a product grown in the Colombian mountains and produced with care by the Colombian coffee farmers.
The origin of coffee goes back to East Africa, specifically in the province of Kaffa in modern Ethiopia, from where it spread to the Arabian Peninsula
and Egypt. But what few know is that it was precisely the Islamic community who played a key role in its marketing and expansion after its discovery.
In fact, it was in the Arabian Peninsula where coffee beans were roasted, ground and prepared for infusion for the first time similarly to the current
method.
The stimulant properties of coffee (its etymology goes back to Arabic qahwah) due to its caffeine content, expanded by hearsay in the Arab world,
which led to its prohibition by Orthodox and Conservative imams in the Mecca in 1511 and in Cairo in 1532, as the Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam,
prohibits all forms of intoxication. But its prohibition turned out to be useless as it could not contain the bean's popularity and eventually had to be lifted.
With the incursion of Juan Valdez® in the Middle East, coffee somehow returns to the origin, the Arab world, the culture that
discovered coffee and subsequently delivered it to the world, only to be later enriched with the unique quality given by those
who grow and produce it in the mountains of Colombia. The brand of coffee farmers in this country comes to the Middle East
with products of the highest quality.

7. [6]
THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN - WHAT IS THE
GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL (GCC)?
I write my second article on Colombia-Arab business relations on this day celebrating Eid-al-Fitr. Eid-al-Fitr is a 3-day celebration at the end of the
fasting month of Ramadan. If you were trying to do business with Muslims in this month, one would be smart and courteous to understand what it is
all about. I will attempt to explain it in the first half of this article and in the second half a brief introduction to the important economic block – the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC).
The Holy Month of Ramadan.
Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and is
obligatory for all healthy adults and that can do so. As Islam follows the
lunar calendar, it is a period of 29-30 days in which one abstains from
eating, drinking, smoking and having sexual relations, from sunrise to
sunset, it also requires that people treat each other with extra kindness
and refrain from expressions or acts of anger. Depending on the time
of the year and location, the fasting day can be of 15 hours or more.
This month highlights the spiritual aspects of life through long hours of
prayer, reading / reciting the Qur'an every night at the mosque; these
prayers intensify at night in the last 10 days of the month. My advice to
the non-Muslim business people working with the Arab world is:
1. Before the beginning of Ramadan, you can send greeting messages
to the occasion, saying something like "My best wishes for Ramadan
Kareem". Also, just a day or two before the end of Ramadan, you can
send another card this time with the message "Happy Eid-al-Fitr".
People take note of these gestures and remember these acts of
kindness and courtesy. However, we must bear in mind that there is a
significant Christian minority in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and
Palestine.
4. Sometime in the GCC, business is conducted late at night – after 10-
11 pm and a meal is served around midnight or 1 a.m. Expect to stay
up until just before dawn. No worries, because most probably no one
would be calling or meeting you the next day before noon or later!
In the future, I will write an article dedicated to explain Islam and its
world dynamics in human relations, economy and politics as well as the
stereotypes, legends and myths.
2. Avoid business in the last 10 days of
Ramadan, plus 3-7 days following Eid holiday.
Do not expect an answer to calls or emails,
although some Muslims may not be as devout
as others and that they consider it "normal
business" for them.
3. If you happen to be in the Arab/Muslim world
during Ramadan, avoid at all cost eating,
drinking or smoking in public during the day.
Kamel Mukharesh
Vice-Chairman – Moka Libani SAL
www.mukharesh.com
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.
Also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and
economic union of six Arab states of the Arab/Persian Gulf including:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates. There have been talks about enlarging it to include Morocco,
Jordan and Yemen.
- Stated Objectives: Formulating similar regulations in various fields
such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation and
administration; fostering scientific and technical progress in industry,
mining, agriculture, water and animal resources; establishing scientific
research centers; setting up joint ventures; unified military presence
through “The Peninsula Shield”; encouraging cooperation of the private
sector; strengthening ties between their peoples
- Benefits of GCC: Elimination of currency transaction costs will result
in savings in both time and money; elimination of exchange rate risk
would encourage increased intra- Gulf trade and investment; greater
transparency in pricing, improved business competitiveness; an
enlarged, unified GCC market, whose present GDP exceeds $1 trillion,
would offer new trading and investment opportunities.
- Challenges to GCC: Failure to establish a free trade zone with the
European Union; eliminating bureaucracy and allowing project
developers a freer hand to speed up the industrialization process; oil
prices have been steady but gas has become much more important;
“Arab spring” prospects are possible and must be managed wisely;
Involvement direct or by proxy in regional Arab conflicts/wars, as well
as the ever-present Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Four main areas of cooperation: Trade; investments; industrial
cooperation including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) / Small
Scale Industries (SSI) and transfer of technology including agricultural
technology, power, mining and metals.
A thorough understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of the GCC
should help Columbia - both government and private sector, formulate
a winning strategy to succeed in the GCC region and in each individual
country. Columbia should also benefit from inter-regional bridges being
built between Latin America and the Arab World as well as Latin
American and the GCC. It is worthwhile noting that Abu Dhabi
Investment Authority has about $900 billion of investment assets, Qatar
Investment Authority $300 billion and Saudi Arabia over $1 trillion. The
cumulative GDP surplus for the GCC is $250 billion and expected to
rise in the coming years.
In view of Europe’s current economic ills and the US focus on politics,
opportunities abound for Columbia in the GCC region for 2-way
business, trade and investment. Matters we will explore in more detail
in the future.
Go to CV

8. [7]
COLOMBIA’S NEWS
How did, the Arab countries participating
in the Global Game, perceived Cali?
During the World Games, Cali is the most
complimented city on the planet, getting all kinds
of admirations in Spanish, English, Japanese
and Arabic.
The Egyptian Karate referees, Ayman Fargaly
and Mohey Mohamed described their stay as
"Perfect". Smiling, they confess that the name of
typical food is the only drawback they had to
overcome as words such as “sancocho,
chontaduro o aborrajado”, were difficult to
pronounce. Despite the difficulty, they made their
best effort again and again to repeat them
correctly, classifying the regional food with the
same "Perfection" gesture.
The referees noted that despite being so far from
home, they did not miss it; Cali was able to make
them feel at home, mostly thanks to the friendly
and cheerful behavior of its inhabitants.
The event was attended by athletes from Arab
countries: Jordan (1) Kuwait (1) Algeria (1),
Morocco (3), Qatar (10), Egypt (17) Tunes (18)
and United Arab States (2).
Despite being a market with certain difficulties
and the fact that Algeria severely limited for a
long period all foreign participation in its
economy, the truth is that Algeria is now the
land of opportunity.
The Algerian government has allocated more
than $50,000 million dollars for the housing
sector, included in a development plan with a
budget of 225,000 million Euros, and opened
the construction and housing to international
competition, authorizing the Opening of
contracts to foreign companies, which could
represent billions of dollars in jobs available to
international companies.
New Ambassador of Colombia to the
Kingdom of Morocco.
Mr. JOSÉ RENATO SALAZAR ACOSTA was
appointed Ambassador of Colombia to the
Kingdom of Morocco; Ambassador Salazar
Acosta is a Civil Engineer with specialization in
International Relations at the Rosario University
and served as minister plenipotentiary.
From the ACCC we extend a cordial greeting
and our desire to support approaches in favor
of the growth of relations with the Maghreb
countries.
The opening of this diplomatic representation
shows the high interest of the Colombian
government to increase relations with the Arab
world on trade, academic exchange /
technology, tourism and investment.
With the opening of this embassy, Colombia
has four diplomatic missions in the Arab
countries, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and the
United Arab Emirates, which have competition
with neighboring countries.
Consul of Colombia in Egypt visits the
Colombian Community of Alexandria.
(Friendly note from the Embassy of
Colombia in Egypt).
The Responsible of Consular Functions of the
Colombian Embassy in Egypt, Andrés
Fernando Noguera Caicedo, moved to the city
of Alexandria, on Saturday July 13, with the
purpose of making a courtesy visit to
Colombians living in that city.
During the meeting in the Library of Alexandria,
was held an inquiry concerning the current
situation of their compatriots residing in this
important Egyptian city, the set up of a network
of contacts was agreed on, and was
established a support and communication
network with a view to an eventual evacuation
process.
Algeria, land of opportunity.
Since the beginning of the crisis in Europe,
Algeria has become the destination of choice
for many companies, Spanish sales only
increased in 2012 by 30% and in the month of
May this year, Algeria was the country with the
highest growth rate export.
Algeria is the third largest supplier of gas to
Europe, the eighth largest producer in the world
and is in the top 20 oil producing countries.
In the first two months of 2011, exported to international
markets about 39,965 tons of flowers valued at 234.4
million dollars, the main exporters being Cundinamarca,
Bogota and Antioquia (East). However, departments like
Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Amazon have been
recorded major export figures in the last two years
The country also occupies the third place in living
species and the first place in bird and amphibian
species.
CULTURAL TIP
The Flora and Fauna: Riches of Colombia
In the first weeks of August takes place in Medellin the
famous "Feria de las Flores", a Festival celebrated in
the capital of Antioquia since 1957 and pays homage
to the floral wealth of Colombia, a country with an
intermediate size that holds approximately 10% to
20% of plant species worldwide, with about 45 000
species of plants.

9. [8]
GENERAL DETAILS ECONOMY EDUCATION
- Bogota: Temperatures between 6
and 24 ° C, annual average of 15 ° C.
- Cartagena: Average temperature of
29 ° C - Relative humidity: +90%.
- Barranquilla: Average temperature of
28 ° C.
- The official currency of Colombia is the peso.
Bogota: Exports agricultural products, chemicals and
textiles.
- Cartagena: Ideal strategic location for touristic,
industrial and commercial development.
- Barranquilla: Strategic place for the development of
international trade.
- In Bogota are located 7 of the top
universities in the country.
- The U. Cartagena is among the 20 best
universities in Colombia.
- Barranquilla is the leading regional
university center of the Caribbean Coast.
Bogota, Capital District.
Up until 2000 it was called Santa Fé de Bogotá, the Colombian
capital is the political, economic, administrative, industrial, artistic,
cultural, sports and tourism epicenter in the country. It has a
population of 7'363.782 inhabitants and has a height of 2,625 meters
above sea level, making it the third highest capital in South America.
GUEST CITIES
BOGOTA, CARTAGENA &
BARRANQUILLA
Designated the "Athens of South America" and Latin American Capital of Culture in 2007, the city hosts senior agencies of the executive
branch (Casa de Nariño), legislative (Congress of Colombia) and judiciary (Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Council of State and the
Higher Judiciary Council), as well as numerous museums, theaters and libraries.
Cultural city, Bogota has also hosted important festivals of national and international recognition, and has more than 104 institutions in
higher education, both public and private. Economically, Bogotá is the most important economic and industrial center of Colombia,
bringing the higher percentage in the national GDP (24.5%) due to its high production rates, its ability for creating new companies and
doing business, its financial maturity, the attraction among global companies and the quality of its human capital.
Cartagena
Capital of the department of Bolivar, the city is called since 1991 “Cartagena de Indias”. Officially
known as Touristic and Cultural District of Cartagena, the city, located along the Caribbean Sea,
has been recognized by UNESCO as Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. From its
foundation in the sixteenth century and throughout the Spanish colonial era, Cartagena was one
of the most important ports in America. Nowadays, the city has consolidated itself as the first
industrial city in importance of Colombian Caribbean Coast. With a total population of 955.250
inhabitants, Cartagena has developed its urban area, preserving its historic center and its
colonial architecture, becoming a popular touristic destination, nationally and internationally.
Barranquilla.
Capital of the department of the Atlantic, the Special, Industrial and Port District of Barranquilla is
the main commercial, industrial, cultural and educational Center of the Colombian Caribbean
region, as well as a major sea and river ports of Colombia.
Headquarters of the Government of the Atlantic, the Departmental Assembly and the High Court
of the Atlantic, Barranquilla is home to more than 1 million inhabitants in its 154 kilometers.
Among its main economic activities are highlighted the manufacturing and mechanical Industry, as
well as the production of food and beverages, clothing and chemicals.
Surrounded by beautiful natural sceneries, Barranquilla has been the birthplace of eminent
personages of the artistic and cultural life, and every year is held the famous “Carnival of
Barranquilla”, most important and cheerful festival of the Colombian Caribbean.

10. [9]
UPCOMING MISSIONS
OF THE ACCC
BOOK NOW YOUR SPACE
Information and Registration
www.greenclick.com/ or
Tatiana Valencia:
direccionejecutiva@ccac.com.co
DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AGENDA
Embassy of Colombia in the United Arab
Emirates – UAE, presents the V meeting
of the IRENA Council.
During the 24th and 25th of June in Abu Dhabi,
the Embassy of Colombia in the United Arab
Emirates - UAE, attended the fifth meeting of the
International Renewable Energy Agency -
IRENA council.
The International Energy Agency currently has
116 full member states and 45 other countries,
including Colombia, still seeking membership.
The Agency aims to become the global voice for
renewable energy issue and in the main
international center of excellence for renewable
energy, platform for the exchange and
development of knowledge about alternative
energy.
During this meeting the Council discussed
important issues for the future of humanity such
as cooperation activities that IRENA can
manage with UNHCR's help and addressed the
relationship between renewable energy and
food security, and the water- energy - earth
nexus.
These issues are particularly sensitive to many
countries such as the ones in the Arabian
Peninsula, which despite its economic resources
have deficiency in water and fertile soils.
Mr. Adnan Z. Amin, Director General of the
agency and his team emphasized the importance
they want to give to Latin America, making of the
meeting, a very productive scenery, ideal for
access to technical, economic and investment
information in this area.
Thanks to the participation of one of the main
thematic directors of IRENA in the recent
Regional Forum of the Global Green Growth
Initiative - 3GF Global Green Growth - held in
Bogotá with the assistance of President Juan
Manuel Santos, Colombia will begin to participate
in specific initiatives of IRENA.
Taken from the Embassy of Colombia in United
Arab Emirates – UAE’s website:
http://emiratosarabesunidos.embajada.gov.co
ACCC Services
 Conferences and Seminars on
Arabic Business Culture.
 Counseling in rules and
procedures on Halal
certification in partnership with
the Center for Islamic Studies
Al Qurtubi, recognized by the
ACCC.
 Processing of visas for UAE.
In partnership with
A brand from
COMMERCIAL
Dubai (UAE)
- Commercial Mission (October 18 to
26) and visit to the GITEX Technology
Week (October 20 to 24, 2013)
www.gitex.com
Commercial Spectacle for technology
enthusiasts. Gateway to the Middle East,
Africa and South Asia Industry of ICT.
- Il Multisectoral Commercial Mission
(November 14 to 25) and visit to the
Food Fair Gourmet "Specialty Food
Festival" (November 17 to 19, 2013)
www.speciality.ae
Exhibition of products of the highest quality
in the sector of food, hotel and specialized
buyers in the Middle East.
- II Commercial Mission of
Construction and Infrastructure
(November 23 to December 2) and visit
to "The BIG5" Fair (November 25 to 28,
2013) www.thebig5.ae/
Largest construction event in the Middle
East with more than 60,000 professionals in
the subject.
ACADEMIC
Dubai (UAE)
- II Academic Mission (October 25 to
November 2) and visit to the GETEX
Autumn Fair (October 28 to 30, 2013)
www.mygetex.com
Largest academic forum in the Middle East,
with more than 400 programs for students
and professionals interested in doing
internships, or post-graduate studies.
Recognized by
Embassy of the Arab
Republic of Egypt
Embassy of the
Kingdom of Morocco
Embassy of the
Democratic and Popular
Republic of Algeria
Embassy of
Palestine
Embassy of the
Republic of Lebanon