Representatives from three of the largest global economic institutions used President Juan Manuel Santos’ ongoing visit to the United States as an opportunity to publicly praise Colombia on the model it has adopted for sustained economic growth.
On Wednesday, members of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) held a joint press conference with the Colombian president recognizing the Andean country’s efforts to achieve macroeconomic stability.
Speaking for his fellow colleagues, IADB President Luis Alberto Moreno stressed that during 2012-2013, the Colombian economy grew at an average annual rate of 4% , while inflation and unemployment reached the lowest levels in 20 years.
“In October 2013, inflation was at 1.8% and unemployment at 7.8%, while in the last three years Colombia has added 3.2 million jobs,” Moreno said.
In the last month, the three major funding and economic regulation bodies have praised Colombia for its business-friendly environment, tax reform initiatives and focus on innovation.
The World bank said Colombia is the third best country in Latin America for doing business, in a reported published at the end of October.
MORE: Colombia 3rd best country for doing business in Latin America: World Bank
IMF Mission Chief for Colombia Valerie Cerra, meanwhile, told Colombia reports in November that national tax reforms were one of the key factors driving economic growth in Colombia, along with anti-inflation measures, a flexible exchange rate, effective financial sector control, and a prudent fiscal policy.
MORE: Tax reform helping drive Colombia’s ‘promising’ economy: IMF
Assessing the country’s progress so far, two separate IADB experts have said Colombia needs to transition into a knowledge-based economy with strong investment in human capital and innovation, along with the development of modern, efficient infrastructure and institutions.
MORE: Education, innovation key to Colombia development: IADB
MORE: IADB: Colombia still faces challenges despite increase in per capita income
Source
Organismos internacionales alaban políticas macroeconómicas de Colombia (CM&)