The Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Antioquia & Caldas, successfully hosted its XL Annual General Meeting, an event that gathered business leaders, institutional representatives, members, and strategic allies to reflect on the current context and perspectives of the bilateral relationship between Colombia and the United States, as well as the fundamental role that regions play in strengthening this binational agenda.
The event featured three main sessions: the Annual General Meeting, a high-level academic agenda, and a strategic networking session that brought together more than 80 attendees. During the meeting, the key achievements of the 2025 management report were presented, reaffirming AmCham Antioquia & Caldas’ commitment to promoting trade, investment, and strengthening relations between both countries.
The first panel, titled “New Horizons in Colombia, Venezuela, and U.S. Relations,” was moderated by María Clara Múnera, Executive Director of AmCham Antioquia & Caldas. It featured Patrick Thomas O’Neill, Economic Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, and Amarú Liendo, Director of VenAmCham. This session analyzed the challenges and opportunities facing the region in light of new geopolitical and commercial scenarios, as well as the dynamics that could impact relations among Colombia, Venezuela, and the United States.
Subsequently, the panel “From Regional Capabilities to International Competitiveness” took place, moderated by Sebastián Salazar, Director of Breakthrough and co-author of the book Colombia Ganadora. The panelists included Jorge Eduardo Rojas, Mayor of Manizales; Cristina Zambrano, Director of ACI Medellín; and Patrick Powers, President of Parce Rum and Powerseal Pipeline Products. The conversation centered on regional capabilities, investment attraction, corporate internationalization, and strengthening competitiveness as drivers of development for Antioquia and Caldas.
During the Annual General Meeting, a special recognition ceremony was also held, honoring organizations and leaders who have significantly contributed to the business and social development of both regions. The awards presented were:
Antioquia Civic Merit Award: Fundación Juan del Corral.
Antioquia Exporter Merit Award: Enka de Colombia.
Caldas Civic Merit Award: Promotora de Eventos y Turismo de Manizales, for the Feria de Manizales (Manizales Fair).
Caldas Exporter Merit Award: Compañía Cafetera La Meseta.
Honorable Mention: Jorge Mario Velásquez and Shawn Flatt.
2025 Management Report
Within the framework of the 2025 management report, the Chamber highlighted significant progress across its four strategic pillars.
Pillar 1: Binational Reference Leader
Focused on consolidating its position as a regional reference leader in binational affairs between Colombia and the United States, the Chamber highlighted the strengthening of its historic relationship with the U.S. Embassy and the growth of its network of U.S. allies. Key partners included:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
SelectUSA
Purdue University
Troy University
IIUSA, among others.
Likewise, alliances were strengthened with local stakeholders such as the Government of Antioquia, the Mayor’s Office of Medellín, the Mayor’s Office of Manizales, Comfama, Ruta N, ACI Medellín, and the Grupo Antioquia Exporta Más.
Pillar 2: Trade and Investment Promotion
Centered on promoting trade and investment, key initiatives stood out, such as PreciAS 2025—developed alongside the Aburrá Sur Chamber of Commerce. Through this program:
40 companies received specialized training.
12 companies accessed personalized consulting.
Participants engaged in business matchmaking forums and received tailored lists of commercial prospects in the United States.
The AmCham Business Matchmaking Forum with North America was also highlighted, which brought together 23 companies, generated 142 business meetings, and featured 52 international buyers, alongside multiple inbound missions aimed at strengthening trade and investment opportunities.
Pillar 3: Access to Knowledge and Strategic Information
Regarding access to knowledge and strategic information, the report emphasized the strengthening of the weekly Newsflash, which achieved open rates between 28% and 33%.
Furthermore, valuable work was carried out through the Foreign Trade, Intellectual Property, Tax, and Sustainability committees, which held 16 sessions during 2025 with active participation from member companies. Additionally, the Chamber successfully hosted 32 events, gathering more than 1,112 attendees throughout the year.
Pillar 4: Growth and Financial Sustainability
Oriented toward growth and financial sustainability, AmCham Antioquia & Caldas highlighted its core strengths: coordinated work with local and U.S. allies, efficient resource management, and the guidance of a high-level Board of Directors.
The Chamber also identified challenges and opportunities within the current economic landscape:
Challenges: Geopolitical environment, market volatility, and overregulation.
Opportunities: The U.S.–Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), nearshoring and friendshoring, the growth of export and investment programs, and the region’s business dynamism.
Financial Performance and Membership
In financial terms, the Chamber reported the following results for the year 2025:
| Financial Indicators | Amount (COP) |
| Total Revenue | $1,294 million |
| Total Expenses | $1,081 million |
| Surplus / Net Income | $212 million |
Additionally, the Chamber closed the year with 146 member companies and a membership renewal rate of 84%, reflecting the trust and commitment of member companies toward the organization.
Acknowledgments and Sponsorships
AmCham Antioquia & Caldas extended a special thank you to the corporate sponsors of this edition of the General Assembly: Argos, Comfama, Helm Bank, ManpowerGroup, Mineros, Postobón, Solunion, and Uniban.
Likewise, the Chamber recognized the ongoing commitment of its annual sponsors (Cementos Argos, ManpowerGroup, Postobón, and Uniban), whose steadfast support has been fundamental to continuing to generate value for members and consolidating the Chamber as an active player within the regional economic ecosystem.