With a historic turnout for the Colombian delegation—gathering 39 representatives—Antioquia stood out for its robust corporate presence at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, the premier investment summit in the United States, held from May 3 to 6 in National Harbor, Maryland.
A total of 26 delegates from the department attended the event, where they gained firsthand knowledge of the expansion, investment, and business soft-landing opportunities offered by all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Antioquia’s presence marked a milestone for the regional business ecosystem, driven by Comfama’s strategic commitment to the internationalization of long-tail businesses, alongside the coordinated efforts of AmCham Antioquia & Caldas and the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Section.
The delegation was composed of firms such as Agrofresh Products, AITEC, BEE Consultoría & Negocios, Bold & Grit, Cultivos Sayonara, Equilibria Agro, ExperTech, Faja Export Colombia, Inaam Botanicals, Mecánicos Unidos, Neroli, Semco Cosmetics, Simex, Supralab, and Summa (part of Grupo Argos), as well as Nutreo and Prizma (both from Illuma Alliance). Additionally, CELEMA participated representing the department of Caldas.
During the four-day summit, over 5,500 business leaders and investors from more than 100 countries participated in an intensive agenda focused on learning, networking, and exploring investment and expansion opportunities in the United States. The program included panels and plenary sessions featuring governors, business leaders, and high-ranking U.S. government officials, focusing on strategic and fast-growing sectors such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, food and beverages, cybersecurity, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Key topics for corporate internationalization were also addressed, including U.S. market entry strategies, business culture, human talent, access to capital, supply chains, and brand positioning in North America. The event also featured pitch sessions for tech startups.
For several of the entrepreneurs, the experience prompted them to review their organizational capabilities and broaden their vision regarding internationalization. “Participating in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 is an opportunity to test a company’s soundness and the clarity of its vision on a global stage,” said Santiago Vélez, CEO of Neroli. “Internationalization is not a destination; it is a consequence. And it only happens when a company manages to align long-term vision, rigorous execution, and adaptability,” he added.
Beyond exporting, this setting highlighted foreign investment as a strategic alternative to scale, diversify risks, and get closer to new markets. In this context, Comfama and AmCham Antioquia & Caldas will continue to promote initiatives and programs such as the “Road to SelectUSA” to support regional companies in their expansion and connection processes with the U.S. market.