Northwest Aerospace News June | July 2021 — Issue No. 21 | Page 54

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Due to the increased importance of the aerospace market in Colombia , the government is working together with the private sector by creating and funding clusters and initiatives , in partnership with domestic ( private ) aerospace associations . These clusters seek to generate technical knowledge and capacities for local companies . The cluster located in the Antioquia Department provides a space for the acquisition of technical skills for training , and maintenance , overhaul and repair services , as well as parts manufacturing .
Opportunities for Washington Companies
Colombia is working to become a regional and international reference for the aerospace industry , creating great opportunities for international investment in the country . The following initiatives create ideal conditions for commercial and technical alliances between Colombia and foreign companies in the industry .
- In 2020 , the government created the Space Development Public Policy , aiming to support the development of the space sector seeking not only to strengthen public investment , but also to establish Colombia as an international player in the industry , contributing to the diversification and sophistication of the aerospace market . With this policy , the government is also looking to stimulate foreign monetary and technical investment .
- Due to the high and continuous growth of the Colombian air traffic , and the importance and relevance of El Dorado International Airport in the region , new technologies for the production of aircraft parts and MRO services , as well as technical knowledge , are constantly needed . With the lack of in-house technology , there is a unique opportunity for foreign companies seeking strategic local partnerships .
-
- There are internal conditions implemented by the national government that allow international aerospace companies to enter into the country . Since 2010 , six international projects have located and developed in Colombia with a total investment of $ 144 million . Airbus , Aerosync and Barfield are some examples of companies that have recently expanded operations in Colombia .
-
- Colombia has international free trade agreements with Europe and North America , eliminating trade tariffs for foreign aerospace products .
54 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS