The strengths and challenges in exporting the free trade zone of the country were reflected in the latest internationalization survey presented by the Chamber of Users of Free Zones of the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (Andi).
According to the results of the survey, it was determined that at least one 76 % of those consulted are interested in presenting an internationalization plan from their companywhile 24% said no.
(Imports from Colombia fell 22.7% in April).
It should be remembered that with the new tax reform of this Government, some modifications were made in the taxation of businessmen in free zones. According to the norm, companies that present an internationalization plan for 2023 and 2024 may benefit from a differential rate of 20% in rentwhich would benefit the company.
However, 70.4% of users claimed to have an internationalization plan, while 29.6% stated that they did not have it. On the other hand, according to users, there are various reasons why their companies do not export.
Among these, the company’s economic activity, productive capacity, lack of knowledge of the markets and the absence of potential clients stand out.
(Trade in free zones fell in April).
About, Angélica Peña, director of the Andi Chamber of Free Zone Usersassured that “Free zones have the ideal competitive conditions to address the internationalization challenges that the country has set for itself. However, this process goes beyond exports, it includes variables such as foreign investment, innovation and sustainability. In addition, there are structural conditions that must be taken into account to address as a country, such as infrastructure”.
Looking towards the export line, At present, 48% of the users of free zones surveyed assured that they are selling internationallywhile 47.2% said they did not do it and 5% said they were in the process.
Similarly, the main destinations in 2022 were in first place USAfollowed by Ecuador. In the third position is Peruin the fourth Mexico and in the fifth Chili.
Free trade zone
Another aspect detailed in the study is sales to types of producers. In this sense, 78% of users assured that they sell to wholesalers, while 8% do it to retailers. Similarly, 14% sell to both.
(MinCIT endorsed free zones that would boost investment and employment).
According to the responses of those surveyed, the main barriers to exporting are freight coststhe complexity of agreementsthe customs barriershe ignorance of the market and the public order.
On the other hand, the objective sectors of the products or services abroad are the manufacture of food, drinks, pharmacists, substances and chemical products and textiles. Other sectors that are detailed are transport, storage, services and the wholesale trade.
Likewise, in terms of authorization as an exporter in the RUT82.2% said they had the record and 17.6% said they did not.
Other issues to be detailed in the Andi report They are the capacities and conditions that companies or users have to market products or services abroad.
(There have been three months of contraction in the industry).
When asked if they have the capacity to offer their product outside the country constantly throughout the year, without being subject to seasons or seasonality, 83.2% of those surveyed said yes, while 16.8% said no.
In the same way, 83.2% stated that the supply of their raw materials is guaranteed, but 16.8% said they did not have this guarantee. From the aspect of productive linkages with companies in the region, 65.6% stated that they did not have them, while 34.4% affirmed that they did.
Besides, 72% of the surveyed users assured that they do know the logistics conditions of transport and shipping requirements for the export of their product. 32% claim to be unaware of them.
(Middle East, the next step in the expansion of Decimetrix).
According to the document, in Colombia there are currently 124 free zones operatinglocated in 20 departments, where more than 1,000 companies that carry out industrial operations of goods and services operate. It should be noted that most of them are micro, small or medium-sized companies.
“Additionally, it is estimated that these companies have generated more than 152,000 jobs as of December 2022 and it is estimated that the accumulated investment in this sector exceeds $46.3 trillion, the latest figure available.”, they assure.
Finally, the director of the Andi Chamber of Free Zone Users explained that A regulation is necessary around the realities that occur in the free zone sector in the country.
Free trade zone
“The process needs to be carried out gradually, taking into account the reality of the business sector and the dynamics of foreign trade, on which we are maintaining an open dialogue with the Government and we hope that the perspective will be accepted in the decree that would establish said conditions.“, said.
Innovation and company certification
According to the results of the Andi survey, 52% of companies have an innovative project for the product or service they export; however, 48% do not have it.
(Government announces housing improvement plan for San Andrés).
Along the same lines, when asked if they have alliances that promote innovation, 66.4% answered no, 24% said yes, and 9.6% are in process.
Now, detailing the certifications, 53.6% of those surveyed count on them for their product or service, while 46.4% answered no. For this reason, 77.3% are not in the process of being certified and 22.6% are.
However, 50.8% have no interest in generating the certification, but 49.2% do.
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