Barranquilla, Colombia — The year 2025 closed with strong economic results for the Atlántico region and its capital city. Through coordinated efforts between the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, the Atlántico Governor’s Office, and ProBarranquilla, the city reinforced its position as a prime destination for foreign investment in Colombia.
According to ProBarranquilla’s annual report, the agency supported 23 investment projects worth nearly USD 450 million. These initiatives created more than 3,900 direct jobs, boosting local growth and strengthening Barranquilla’s reputation as a hub for both national and international investors.
A Year of Growth and Strategic Events
ProBarranquilla also led the management of 35 strategic events, which generated more than USD 45 million in economic impact. Over 47,000 participants attended, reaffirming Barranquilla’s position as a leading business and event tourism destination in northern Colombia.
The city’s strategic location, logistics infrastructure, and skilled workforce played a crucial role in attracting global investors. Companies recognized Barranquilla’s long-term stability and clear development vision, built on strong collaboration between public and private sectors.
New Projects for 2026 and Beyond
“Investors trust what this territory represents: stability, clear rules, and shared growth,” said Vicky Osorio, Executive Director of ProBarranquilla.
Throughout 2025, ProBarranquilla assessed 180 investment opportunities that will shape the region’s future. Many of these projects are expected to materialize starting in 2026, creating new business and employment opportunities.
Osorio emphasized that the agency’s role is to connect investors with the local ecosystem, helping them understand the competitive advantages the region offers for business expansion.
Notably, 77% of foreign investment projects came from the United States, Spain, Germany, and Argentina.
Industrial Sector Leads Investment
The industrial sector became the main driver of foreign investment, accounting for 65% of projects in 2025. Key industries included Chemicals and Life Sciences as well as Food and Beverages.
Companies such as Ricky Joy and John Foods invested under nearshoring strategies, strengthening supply chains and bolstering Barranquilla’s role in global value chains.
Other projects, like Latamks, promoted integration with local suppliers and talent. Meanwhile, Ilunion, from the ONCE Group, stood out as a model of inclusive investment, creating jobs for people with disabilities.
“These results are possible thanks to Barranquilla’s logistics platform, industrial ecosystem, competitive costs, and talented workforce,” Osorio added. “This is a region where companies come to grow and build high-value production chains.”
Barranquilla: A Hub for Major Events
Barranquilla also shined as a host city for international academic and specialized events. Highlights included ExpoACCCSA and the International Course on Plastic Surgery, which gathered nearly 1,200 professionals from around the world.
The globally recognized Giro de Rigo cycling event was another major success. Supported by the Mayor’s Office, the Atlántico Governor’s Office, and ProBarranquilla, it drew over 22,500 participants from 28 countries, creating a major boost to tourism and local commerce.
“Each event that arrives in Barranquilla boosts the local economy, creates jobs, and showcases the city as a meeting point for business, knowledge, and culture,” said Osorio.
With these results, ProBarranquilla reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and long-term prosperity for Barranquilla and the Atlántico region.
Recent Recognitions for Barranquilla
- OECD Host City: Barranquilla was chosen as the host of the 2025 OECD Local Development Forum, being held from July 8 to 11. This marks the first time the OECD will host its Local Development Forum in Latin America.
- Best Quality of Life: In July 2024, Rankia selected Barranquilla as the city in Colombia with the best quality of life based on various issued including health, economic, and security.
- Global Cities Index 2024: Barranquilla ranked as the third-best city in Colombia by Oxford Economics, which evaluated 1,000 cities worldwide based on economic performance, human capital, quality of life, environmental commitment, and governance.
- Foreign Direct Investment: In April 2024, fDi Intelligence ranked Barranquilla third among Latin American and Caribbean cities for fastest-growing foreign direct investment.
- Festival & Event Destination: In July 2024, Barranquilla was named South America’s Leading Festival & Event Destination by the World Travel Awards.
- Investment Growth: ProBarranquilla reported a remarkable 130% increase in foreign direct investment in 2023, particularly by Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.
