Colombia’s trade minister, Sergio Diaz-Granados, thanked the members of his team from the ministry, and presented his letter of resignation to the President on Monday.
In what appeared to be a very simple and cordial resignation amidst a slew of scandal-ridden resignations of ambassadors and ministers in the past two months, Minister Diaz-Granados announced on Monday that he would step down in order to “defend the work of President Juan Manuel Santos…from outside the government,” according to the ministry’s press release.
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His resignation was confirmed on twitter by the Ministry of Commerce: “The minister of commerce, industry and tourism has resigned.”
Renuncia ministro de comercio, industria y turismo http://t.co/epoKcQfxBT
— Sergio Díaz-Granados (@MincomercioCo) October 7, 2013
“During these three years and three months, we have advanced our three lines of business – commerce, industry and tourism – thanks to the joint work of all and the leadership of President Juan Manuel Santos,” stated Diaz-Granados in the press release.
The senior official said that he was “satisfied” with the realization of goals that were set forth when he entered the office in 2010.
For example, Foreign Direct Investment has increased in Colombia from $6.8 billion in 2010 to a record high of $15.8 billion in 2012, according to the ministry.
Diaz-Granados also pointed to success in exports as well, saying that in “leaving aside the energy and mining sectors,” exports might hit $19 billion this year, which would be a substantial increase from $13 billion in 2010.
“In tourism, we set ourselves the target of 4 million foreign visitors in 2014, and this year we will reach 3.6 million,” he concluded.
Diaz-Granados will remain in office until a new minister has been found.
In his position, Diaz-Granados has also signed many controversial free trade agreements. He has signed FTA’s with the United States, the European Union, South Korea, Panama, Costa Rica, Canada and Israel, among others, and has also contributed to the creation of the Pacific Alliance between Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Chile.
Sources
- Renuncia ministro de comercio, industria y turismo (MinComercio)
- Ministro de Comercio renuncia para defender la labor del presidente Santos (El Pais)