Colombia is consolidating its position as a top-tier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. It is currently the fourth most attractive destination in Latin America, and prospects indicate sustained growth, driven by the potential and innovation capacity of the pharmaceutical sector.

According to Raúl Ávila, professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the National University of Colombia, "the pharmaceutical industry generated around 1.5% of the country's GDP in 2023 and provides direct employment to more than 50,000 people, including professionals in areas such as research, production, distribution and sale of medicines". This environment has made Colombia one of the most promising emerging markets for foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Colombian pharmaceutical sector has attracted growing interest from foreign investors, who see a unique opportunity in the country due to several factors. Ávila pointed out that FDI has brought multiple benefits, such as economic growth in the sector, technology transfer, access to new medicines, boosting research and development, and increasing exports of pharmaceutical products.

A study by Banco de la República supports these assertions, showing that FDI companies engaged in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals and botanicals for pharmaceutical use have maintained positive net margins. These results demonstrate the profitability and stability of the pharmaceutical sector in Colombia, making the country an attractive destination for global investors.

Jenny Saturno, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and professor at the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Sciences of the Universidad Javeriana, highlighted the importance of Colombia's biodiversity as an invaluable resource for the pharmaceutical industry. "The country's great biodiversity, which has not yet been fully explored, makes it possible to obtain pharmaceutical products from natural raw materials," explained Saturno.

The success and growth of the pharmaceutical sector in Colombia offers an exceptional opportunity for foreign investors. With a solid infrastructure, a favorable environment for innovation and an expanding market, investing in Colombia's pharmaceutical industry not only promises significant financial returns, but also contributes to the country's social and economic development.

Colombia's single window of investment Shop offers a comprehensive platform where investors can find a wide variety of projects and sectors with great growth potential. Among them, the pharmaceutical sector stands out for its dynamism and future projection.

We invite investors to find out how to invest in this strategic sector and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. 

With the single window of investment Shop, the process is simpler and more accessible, providing all the information necessary to make informed decisions. 

Bibliography:

Semana

https://www.semana.com/hablan-las-marcas/articulo/por-que-colombia-es-tan-atractiva-para-la-inversion-extranjera-directa/202436/