importing car tariffs

miamimike says on Apr 24, 2007, 04:56:

Only a Used 2007 Car with less then 10K on the Odometer can be imported and the Import Tax is around 30%,,,Check with Gator for more specifics.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Brians says on Apr 24, 2007, 05:25:

This tariff really sucks I hope they one day change this tariff. However to just clarify with Gator. Gator Colombian citizens can import personal items duty free. I assume that does not include cars or motorcycles. Is that correct?

juanalejo says on Apr 24, 2007, 06:02:

Imported Cars Used cars are not allowed into Colombia unless they are imported by diplomats.

Gator says on Apr 24, 2007, 06:32:

No Go On a Used Vehicle As of 1994 no USED vehicles may be imported into Colombia. (Only diplomatic used vehicles with franchise can be imported with maximum FOB values according to diplomatic rank). I am unaware of any exceptions to this requirement.

Tariffs:

Andean Automotive Policy Colombia automotive tariffs are 35 percent for automobiles.

15 percent for trucks and buses).
Taxes:

VAT is assessed on the C.I.F. value ( This pricing term indicates that the cost of goods, insurance and freight are filed in the quoted price) plus any applicable duties

Four-wheel-drive vehicles (20 percent)

All other cars (35 percent); unless the C.I.F. value plus tariff is greater than or equal to US $35,000, in which case the VAT is 45 percent

Import Restrictions: The Andean Automotive Policy bans imports from other countries of used cars, trucks, and buses, as well as new vehicles from previous years. An import license is required and MUST be obtained prior to arrival in country of vehicle.

Documents Required:

Original Commercial Invoice (detailed and in US Dollars),Title and Registration and a copy of Bill of Sale

General Motors topped the list of best sellers with its Chevrolet model, followed by Renault, Hyundai, Mazda (what we drive) and Toyota.Subaru is also very popular and coming on in sales

Also you can check DIAN's site for up to date information:

Lots of paper work and you will likely be required to have a cedula de E. to get much done like registration, driver license, insurance, etc. and LOTS of initial paperwork and shipping costs.

http://www.dian.gov.co

My advise, buy used locally even if it costs more.


Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

mecca says on Apr 24, 2007, 07:18:

Hi Gator , one quick question So it appears that the 4 wheel drive's are taxed less?? Any qualifications on this? Have you imported a car or do you know anyone that has? I'm interested in bringing in a new 4 wheel drive frim Miami if it's only 20% taxed. Thanks,

juanalejo says on Apr 24, 2007, 07:35:

Tariff + VAT Don´t forget it is Tariff plus the VAT which is 35% on vehicles. Tariff is excempt on vehicles produced in the Andean region and quite low and lowering each on vehicles brought from Mercosur and Mexico according to the free trade agreements with them.

mecca says on Apr 24, 2007, 07:40:

So juan, the VAT is 35% alone? plus the 20% on 4X4 trucks? Thanks for the feedback.

juanalejo says on Apr 24, 2007, 08:21:

Mecca Yes, that is why a Blazer will cost around 50.000 USD. I may be off on the exact figure of the VAT, as now I remember that one of the taxes was lowered by congress last December and I think it was the VAT, as cars did come down some this year. I car I looked at 100 Million pesos last November I saw it on the newspaper at 80 million last week. But still not cheap to buy a car here.

mecca says on Apr 24, 2007, 08:49:

Hi Juan Thanks for the info. I've been looking at this for over a year. I'm kind of waiting to see how TLC works out, any info on that? I've got a shipper in miami that has shipped cars, etc. But, he's waiting on TLC also. They may drop the taxes on new cars.

juanalejo says on Apr 24, 2007, 10:02:

TLC The TLC will not come anytime soon, plus the TLC considers importing cars sensitive matter as it means important jobs in industry here, so if other TLCs like the one with Mexico and the one with Mercosur are any indication, the tariffs on imported cars from the US will drop year by year at a 1% rate after an original drop of 15-20%. That is how it has worked in those cases. Don´t forget also many of the cars you get in the US are manufactured in Mexico and in that case they already can come into Colombia under the TLC with that country.

mecca says on Apr 24, 2007, 10:35:

ahhhh, I didn't realize we can import from Mexico What are the specifics on importation of a car or truck from Mexico? I know, as you say TLC is bogged down. Thanks

Rubito says on Apr 24, 2007, 11:09:

I dunno if you guys are aware of this But you ABSOLUTELY don't need a car in Colombia. As a matter of fact you will probably be better off without one.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Gator says on Apr 24, 2007, 11:37:

All Imports IN TO Colombia follow the rules established by DIAN. Add in shipping, insurance, port fees and you are looking a $$$$$$ for a new vhicle.. We looked at a Toyota 4-Runner in 2006 and it was 130.000.000 pesos. We wnt with a Mazda 6.2

The Andean Automotive Policy bans imports from other countries of used cars,trucks, and buses, as well as new vehicles from previous years. It also bans trade in these vehicles among the member nations.

Mercosur reguarding automobile taxes, I think, does not kick in until 2009 and will reduce the import tax at about 1% a year

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

mecca says on Apr 24, 2007, 11:50:

Thanks Gator and Rubito I'm aware of the new and used car prices in Colombia they are crazy for sure. But, in my case, necessary. Thanks again for the info.

Man Tequila says on Apr 24, 2007, 12:25:

Just drive a Hummer from Mexico to Colombia, cross your fingers, and hope and pray people think you are a pesado (and not a pescado blanco).

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

poco says on Apr 24, 2007, 12:47:

Colombia needs more cheap used cars I hope they one day change this tariff.

Just think of the enormous self confidence the U.S. could instill in Colombians. They'd be cool, a slice of the American dream. I can see a huge market for add ons like wheels, stereos, speakers capable of vibrating the dead awake.

Plus the employment potential is HUGE. With-in 20 years the rusted hulks of vechicles would require JUNK YARDS and dogs and guys to strip the junk.

Bring it on. I'd love to suck those pesos right out of Colombia into my pockets in the U.S.

Then again, maybe a 20 year investment that declines to essentially zero isn't a good idea.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

maritime says on Apr 24, 2007, 13:11:

Info on Shippers what about tourist cars, i heard a rumor that a car can be brought into colombia for 1 year? this true? also does anybody know Contact info on Shippers out of mimia or South Florida?

Brians says on Apr 24, 2007, 13:25:

You can have a car bought in as a tourist but it might not be as long as a year. Can't get it legal. Rubito I know you have a strong opinion about owning cars in Colombia. Well what if I need to get my wife or kid to a hospital or doctor quick? Wait for a taxi or ambulance? I prefer the luxury for emergencies. Anyway I usually only take taxis while in Colombia but prefer to have a car also as a lot on the board do as well if living there.

Rubito says on Apr 24, 2007, 14:14:

Wait for the fucking ambulance. Colombian ambulances have doctors ALREADY IN THEM. You are FAR better off waiting for the ambulance in Colombia than trying to drive somebody yourself to the hospital. Not to mention in Bogota emergency vehicles get to use the TM's lanes. Pretty hard to beat that in a private vehicle.

I have s atrong opinion about cars worldwide. They need to fucking go. Most of us, probably everybody on this board included, just aren't good enough drivers to handle it.

In Bogota as of 2015 NO CARS will be allowed anywhere in the city during rush hours, so that's something else to consider for anybody thinking of owning a car there. Hopefully other cities will follow suit.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Rubito says on Apr 24, 2007, 14:43:

I don't know truthfully But AFAIK it is in fact scheduled to happen. Only city in the world with BALLS enough.

Realistically, if the TM is not completed on schedule I think they'll have to hold back on the car ban too. But so far the TM is right on schedule so we shall see.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

vicshere says on Apr 24, 2007, 14:43:

hold on Most of us, probably everybody on this board included, just aren't good enough drivers to handle it.

what a stuipd thing to say
speak for yourself...just you cant drive for shit doesnt mean everyone else cant drive



listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

Rubito says on Apr 24, 2007, 14:48:

But they REALLY CAN'T..... just go out to the nearest major road and WATCH!!! People really can't drive!

I believe it's something that should be left to professional drivers, and the general population should not just be allowed to get behind the wheel of a car so easily.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

vicshere says on Apr 24, 2007, 14:54:

oh yea your right oh yea right....lets go to the corner and watch those stupid ass professional drivers ....yea they are better than the regular drivers....NOT......America was created because the common man was able to drive a car.....if it wasn't for the car we would be still riding horse back and dieing of scurvy....come on give your head a shake


listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

Man Tequila says on Apr 24, 2007, 15:22:

2015 is a long way off. When people start complaining in 2013, we'll see if the policy remains in place. It does sound progressive.

Some people can't drive, and lots of folks who drive in the city could get by with public transport. Unfortunately, public transport sometimes leaves a great deal to be desired and is often not a realistic option.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

miamimike says on Apr 24, 2007, 15:24:

Rubito- isn't NYC Mayor Bloomsberg Starting a $8 Daily Fine soon for drivers who insist in driving their Car within NYC? I wish this would catch on in other Major US Cities provided they have decent inner city public transit! Decent is the Key Word,,,Miami Traffic is a disaster! Daily I see these Huge SUV Hummer like Vehicles cruising around with one passenger, what a waste of fuel!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Gator says on Apr 24, 2007, 15:37:

It's MY Choice If you like public transportation go for it. I also use public and taxis but if I want a car I will have one and I can afford it.

I believe you can have the car in country for up to 180 days but the time must coincide with your entry time stamped in your passport which will generally be 60 days. Some but not all US Insurance is valid but a prudent person would carry the required insurance with a company licensed in Colombia
The insurance should be with a Colombian company and is compulsory and it is expensive in Colombia. Colombian law requires that every vehicle be covered by a minimum limited third-party-liability policy and a medical policy written by a Colombian insurance company.

INHO it is not worth the hassle, paperwork and shipping/permit costs to bring your vehicle to Colombia. You must remove the vehicle from Colombia when you leave. If you cannot show you did this the penalty is staggering.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

treedoc says on Apr 24, 2007, 16:05:

Wow! More invaluable information. JUst makes Panama look sooo eazy, doesnt it. Colombia sounds more and more like a nice place to visit, which I have done several times and enjoyed it. But why make being free and comfortable and mobile so difficult. I dont get it.......

vicshere says on Apr 24, 2007, 16:30:

treedoc you hit the nail on the head.....Colombia by far is much more difficult to live than north America for a non Colombian....the red tape alone will kill any common man

listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 24, 2007, 16:43:

Hell, Rubito! California Asian drivers are among the BEST in the lower 48!!!.......

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer...Colombia es pasión!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Brians says on Apr 26, 2007, 13:17:

Hey Rubito you have your opinion and I respect that but if I can afford a car and want that luxury then I go for it. I have two cycles and two cars as well as a scooter here in the US. Do I need them? No but I like to have them. As a matter of fact I probably have only driven a car in Colombia twice. I hate driving there and take buses and taxis. However it is nice to drive to the family Finca rather than hoping on a bus for 4 hours. Just a luxury I want to have my opinion. No need argue guy.

miamimike says on Apr 26, 2007, 13:37:

Vicshere, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua all have a Pensioner's Visa Program, where, after you can document you have a Minimum guaranteed income (varies in the 3 countries), you can apply for one these Pensioner's Visas. The process is fairly transparent and after you have your Pensioner's visa, you then can import, on your first move into the country, all your belongings needed for your new house(apt, condo) in a Container, as well as a New Boat, Car and Motorcycle-all Tax Free on this initial move. AFter that , every 2-3 years, you can import a New Car and Cycle, and after owning them for a period of two years, you can sell them(and make $$ each time if they are maintained) and repeat the process. Those countries do this to encourage US Retirees(Canadians also) with all their Retirement Dollars and few problems. Colombia needs to do the same(with same benefits) to attract more of this class of tourist while making the process more transparent and less complicated. Mexico has a Similiar program to attract these Retiree tourist dollars.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Brians says on Apr 26, 2007, 13:42:

Great points Miami I hope someday Colombia "Gets it" and tries to induce people to move there. The amount of grief I had to go through getting a visa and setting up bank accounts to finally feel comfortable buying a an apartment was amazing. Now my wife is a Paisa and we love Colombia but if I were comparing two places and felt equal about either then Colombia would definately not gotten my vote. If Colombia ever realizes that this is good for them I will be amazed. Anyway hopefully one day we can import a car:(

vicshere says on Apr 26, 2007, 14:29:

yes mike as I said before Colombia is very difficult.....I would much rather live in another country but circumstances have placed me here....which if fine with me BUT things like bringing my 35 year old motorcycle from Canada is next to impossible...I have it in storage at my brother's place hoping one day maybe soon I am going to have it sent down...I hope sooner than later......I agree Colombia does everything possible to make you say "do I really want to live here?" if I have a few more bucks and the circumstances were just a bit different Costa Rica would be the place for me


listo
"con mucho gusto"
Vic

listo

miamimike says on Apr 26, 2007, 16:02:

Colombia Would greatly Benefit from offering these types of Visas. Not to mention the amounts of trouble free cash they would attract. Sad thing is, it really wouldn't cost Colombia that much as compared to the gain realized. My neighbor's Dad, who is from Honduras and he retired there from Miami several years ago under this pensioner's Visa, he was building a new house outside of Tegulcigalpa(capital)and he purchased a huge load of Building supplies like Doors, WIndows, AC unit,Tankless water heaters, Ceiling fans, all his Kitchen appliances, washer/dryer ect-he loaded them into a container with all his furniture. He saved a Bundle and it was all tax free. In everyone of these countries where this Type Visa is offered, the Concept is working great and drawing large numbers of Baby Boomer Adventuresome retirees.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

webmanco says on Apr 26, 2007, 17:58:

Haciendo de tripas corazon Heider Yesid Trujillo, built his own car in Convención (Norte de Santander).

Full Article here El Tiempo

Abril 26 de 2007

Auto deportivo con motor de 1.400 c.c.



Autopartes de aquí y de allá

"El chasis es de tubo de dos pulgadas que compré por metros, el motor era viejo en desuso y lo acondicioné y le compré pistones, las latas las compré por láminas cada dos meses y les fui dando forma, las llantas las traje de Bogotá, las sillas las rescaté de cachivaches del taller, el volante lo compré y el resto de repuestos son segundas compradas en Ocaña. También tiene piezas hechas por mí", dice Trujillo.

ARTURO PEÑALOZA PINZÓN
ENVIADO ESPECIAL DE EL TIEMPO
CONVENCIÓN (NORTE DE SANTANDER)

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

juanalejo says on Apr 26, 2007, 18:14:

miamimike Countries like the centralamerican ones which have virtually no industry can easily create laws to allow imported products to come into the country. All of centralamerica has less inhabitants than Colombia and not even 1/2 of our industry, that is why we are so protective. Plus every body complains of the awful place Costa Rica has become due to the ammount of retirees, so why go in that direction. Plus it seems to me that plenty of people are coming in regardless of the the importing laws, so my opinion is that we are only getting those who really like the country as it is and not those who want to transform the country into a cheaper version of their home country.

Rubito says on Apr 26, 2007, 18:59:

Yeah will you guys listen to yourselves... so hung up on material bullshit... gimme a break...

Driving or owning a vehicle is NOT a civil right! If you can do it, great, more power to ya, but the country of Colombia doesn't exist to pander to North American hangups with HAVING to have their own vehicle, no matter how inefficient or impractical it is for the country as a whole!!

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

mecca says on Apr 26, 2007, 21:25:

Rubito, I understand what you're saying. Though, don't you think the average Colombiano is far more hung up on owning his own car?? IMOH, it seems that way to me..???

miamimike says on Apr 26, 2007, 22:42:

JuanAlejo,. If Colombia is so Protective why do you see all those Japenese, Russian and other foreign makes of Cars? Not to mention the Flood of Cheap Chinese Imports practically in any Colombian store? New Cheap Chinese Medical Equipment is also flowing into Colombia as we speak,,, Not to mention China will soon be flooding the Colombian Market with cheap apparel like Socks, underwear ect. Doesn't seem too protective to me! How would cutting a few thousand Retirees a few tax breaks put Colombia's Economy upside anymore then it already is? Seems they would help the Economy more then they would hurt it, considering all the Hard Currency they would be spending. Given the fact all these Chinese imports are flooding into Col, I cannot see your line of reasoning,,,I even saw Colombian Flags for sale in Bogota and guess where they were made,,,China ... so how protective is that,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Rubito says on Apr 26, 2007, 22:54:

I can't speak for every Colombian All I can say is that in Bogota 80% of the population does NOT own their own car, and 90% of the population approves of the city's anti-car and pro-public transit policies.

Also, one sees mostly Chevys in Bogota, which are made locally aside from that the next most common is the Renaults, which get made next door in Brazil.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

miamimike says on Apr 26, 2007, 23:05:

Rubito, I agree with you on the Cars,,, In a city like Bogota I wouldn't want the headache or expense of owning since Public Transportation is so cheap and widespread ; I use it here in Miami whenever possible to avoid the stress and headaches. I wish it was like NYC's System! No need for a Car! Miami is looking at Bogota's Transmilenio as a way of reducing the Daily Traffic Mess! One of my Neighborhood Buddy's Dad never owned a Car when we were growing up decades ago, like over three! He passed away a few years ago but one day when he was in his 80s we talked about that fact and he told me he figures he saved conservatively over $150,000 over his lifetime by not owning a Non appreciating item such as a Car! He traveled the world many times but always by a public Carrier, bus, plane ,Bike, shoeleather express ect. He was a wealthy man, in more ways then one,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 27, 2007, 00:18:

I want to bring my car and my flamethrower to the Honduras... can i do it on a Pensioners Visa? BTW, anyone here been to the Honduras?

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer..2-0..Colombia es pasión!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

Brians says on Apr 27, 2007, 05:26:

I think that making Colombia more investor friendly would only help. Listen I would hate to see Colombia change either. The aspect I feel in love with in Colombia was the culture and the people. Now I see more and more faces like my own. However from just from an economic stand point and standard of living stand point more investment into Colombia increases everyones standard of living there. All you have to do is look at the last 12 months. Prices for buying imported items have fallen for the average Colombian by 12% with the rise in the currency. Now I am sure this has hurt exporters in Colombia but standard of living has increased. Now there are many more issues such as high unemployment etc. but foreign investment creates jobs etc.. This is a multiplier through the economy. I agree with a lot of what Rubito says about cars. In Medellin they have the rotating rush hour also. In Medellin they are in a Valley and with the lack of catalytic converters smog is becoming more and more of an issue (circa L.A. 40 years ago). However I can afford one and it is a luxury I will pay for even at higher prices. I use taxis and buses mostly but like the car option for certain things like going to the Finca. Colombia is at a inflection point and changes do need to be managed with the long term in mind. Maybe usage taxes on autos etc. but Colombia also should recognize foreign investment is in it's best interest tariffs never work in the long run. Look at the US as a perfect example of that for 100s of examples. Look around at the rest of the world's emerging markets and the increases in standards of living that have occur in economies that have welcomed foreign investors. It is good if managed correctly. That is a big "If".

juanalejo says on Apr 27, 2007, 07:22:

Brians The falling dollar is nothing else but evidence of the ammount of investment comming into the country, so real investors are not really interested in a few cars coming in or not, or if policy is retiree friendly. That kind of small cash is better for small economies like those in Central America, larger economies like that of Colombia need other type of large investment, and if the trend continues we seem to be geared in the right direction. Car tariffs will come down for the US manufactured cars once and if the free trade agreement with that country comes into effect. If not well it won´t. Car tariffs do not exist or are in the way of not existing with the free trade agreements that have been signed and I assume it will happen the same once the trade agreement is finished also with the European Union. And what you said about the US, well if there is one country that has a very good record on protecting those none competitive vulnerable industries is that country, so nothing new here. And by the way all cars as of 1995 have a catalitic converter on them, just need to get rid of those cars older than that.

Brians says on Apr 27, 2007, 07:51:

Juanalego the falling dollar is more evidence of a decline in GDP as well as higher costs in the US. US has a lot of problems now. You only need to look at today's GDP number to see it. Anyway Colombia has had a lot of foreign investment recently because of stock IPO and foreign investment in that as well as I believe they have changed over to issuing Govt. Dept in Pesos away from dollars. This will aslo strengthen the Peso. These are short term effects and really have marginal impacts on GDP growth in Colombia. However I believe if Colombia makes the country investor friendly (not only from individual level but corporate as well) then this trend would continue. I doubt highly that the Trade Agrrement gets signed here in the USA. Democrats are already trashing it because of lack of Unions in Colombia. Anyway expect it to be radically changed.

miamimike says on Apr 27, 2007, 08:47:

Brians I belive the Democratic Majority Will Not Sign the Trade agreement not because of the lack of Unions per se, but because of the lack of explanation on the Murders and disappearence of many Trade Unionists and some of their Organizers in Colombia. Over 800 have disappeared in the last 2-3 years alone,,,We need to ask Colombia about these Deaths of all these folks,,,Again, if Colombia is so protective, why is the market being flooded with Cheap Chinese Imports of all shapes, colors, sizes ect. Why not protect Local Industries(textile for example)if this the objective? Not to mention, The Chinese Currency is non floating unilke the USD or CP which is a true floating currency. Col has a lot of work to do in respect to This flood of Chinese goods, bigtime,,, I fail to see how tax breaks for a few thousand Pensioners would put Colombia's economy Upside down anymore then it already is,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

Brians says on Apr 27, 2007, 09:03:

The Peso floates against the Dollar but the Yuan is for all intents and purposes fixed to the dollar. Peso strength leads to cheaper Chinese goods. All I am saying is that foreign investent is good for Colombia. I am using pesioners as an example as it is a process I am going through and the difference in countries is astonishing. However Economics 101 show you need investment in the economy and Colombia would get a great deal more (now the the perception of safety is better) investment with a more open policy.

miamimike says on Apr 27, 2007, 09:22:

Brians I agree with you on Part of you write but I was asking Poster JA on how giving a few thousand Northern retirees a Tax Break like Panama, Nicaaragua and Honduras gives on Pensioner's Visas would turn Colombia's economy anymore upside down then it already is compared to the Hard Currency they would be spending in Col? On China, I see a big trade inequity when one country(Col or the USA) who floats their currency trades with another country whose currency is fixed so I fail to see how CP strength leads to cheaper Chinese goods. China has their Yuan pegged at an artifically low rate that greatly benefits their economy while doing nothing for the receiving country's domestic industry in the long term. That is the big fight here in the USA, China is not trading fair with us and its an item of continuing contention between the two countries. In China's trade with either the USA or Colombia,we in actuality have one armed chained behind our back, far from fair equitable trade. Hershey's Chocolate in Pennsylvania announced 2 daays ago they are shuttering their Plant to leave for China; another example of the end result of unfair trade! Chinese Chocolate Ughhh! Just the thought is revolting :(!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

miamimike says on Apr 27, 2007, 09:32:

Foreign Investment is good for a Country depends on the Deal In the case of China coming into South America I don't think, long term, it is good. China now is signing all these trade accords essentially with the end stage objective for them to take commodities(raw materials)out of the country and then sending back cheap manufactured goods from China at a preferred currency rate. Now if they were like Siemans AG(germany)VW (germany)or some Japenese Auto companies who set up manufacturing plants in Latin America and pay good wages and benefits, now that really is floating the economic boat of the Poor Latin AMerican country. That is Sadly not China's Intention, they want to extract as much of a country's raw material as they can and then when its gone, move on to another poor country and repeat the same,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

aztec says on Apr 27, 2007, 10:28:

Brians... ...things will change soon in Colombia.

The next election in Colombia may provide a socialist and that will scare the investors. Furthermore, by then the US Democrat party will have reduced the flow of US taxpayer dollars to Colombia. Also, the higher peso will eventually slow down the economy.

With a revitalized FARC Colombia will become a more dangerous place. A few bombings for the media will frighten the remaining tourists. Only the truly brave, clueless or adventurous Gringo will be in Colombia.

Rubito says on Apr 27, 2007, 10:47:

Actually what I'm hoping for is a worldwide depression, and I'm dead-ass serious. The way things are going need to have the brakes put on it.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

calikitty1 says on Apr 27, 2007, 12:21:

Humm? Are you, to use your favorite word, as fucking crazy as you sound in your posts or don't you really have a grasp on what the fuck is going on?

I just threw the F-word in so you would feel at home.

juanalejo says on Apr 27, 2007, 17:59:

Attractive Investsment According to World Economic Forum Colombia ranks third in the Infrastructure Private Investment Attractiveness Index after Chile and Brazil, taking into account the 8 pillars for measuring this as they are The eight pillars measured by the IPIAI are:
• Macroeconomic environment: economic stability, market size and growth prospects
• Legal framework (rule of law), including regulatory efficiency, public ethics and the effectiveness of dispute settlement procedures
• Political risk
• Ease of access to information
• Sophistication and development of the financial markets that enable infrastructure financing
• The country’s track record on private investment in infrastructure over the past 15 years
• Relations between government and society, including society’s willingness to pay for the services related to infrastructure
• Government readiness to deal with and ability to facilitate private investment in infrastructure

Cluster 1 is formed by Brazil, Peru and Colombia, who show a fairly strong performance across most pillars, with the exception of the legal framework for Brazil, the civil society–government related dimension for Peru and the track record on private investment projects for Colombia. What is common to the three countries is that their governments and entrepreneurs face a challenge of execution and innovation, to deal with the specific complexities in increasing the flow of successful projects.

I guess when you are not part of the economic society of Colombia you have no idea how things really stand, and I can assure you that most of those who really invest in Colombia as it is easy to percieve here in Colombia you would see things in a very different way. And by the way Miamimike, I am not for protectionism, just certain areas need different approach, and the government here is far from thinking in retirees like the small economies of Latinamerica, we are the third most populated country in the region and one of the largest economies also.

And about China, well if the USA has not been able to do anything about it, much less us, most of the force here is now geared towards the China market, no competing here but selling there. They will be very soon the largest economy on the planet and that is what most exporters here are looking at. I have assisted to more China investment and exporting to China conferences than any other country this year. But Chinese cars do pay tariffs, they are just cheap and cheap, and everybody nows that. We are looking also into a Free Trade Agreement with China, and Chile is leading us in that direction.

miamimike says on Apr 27, 2007, 23:49:

China is also going to destroy what is left of Colombia's domestic industries, what remains now. Wait 'til China perfects its Air transportation of those Cut Flowers fom China to the USA, from Colombia you will hear that Giant Sucking Sound as the wind goes out of Colombia's Cut Flower Industry. That's why I can't understand why giving a handful of Northern retirees a few Benefits in a Special Retirement Visa would affect the country's economy much. And look at the trouble free Money they would bring in-colombia would gain more in this tradeoff then it would give,,, Any country that has granted them certainly is happy with the results and have no idea of turning back,,,Baby Boomer retirees(their dollars)are going to be a sought after prize in the near future as they Will have, acording to a Wall street report today, 2.2 Trillion Dollars in discretionary income to spend in their retirement years. $2.2 Trillion,,,

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

goin_south says on Apr 27, 2007, 23:56:

"you ABSOLUTELY don't need a car in Colombia"

I understand your point, if you are living in a big city like Bogota or any of the big cities, but... that is not 'ABSOLUTELY not true'. I have a close friend who was told two weeks ago to either get a car, in order to do the work... or,... NO WORK.

and, thank you.

Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 28, 2007, 00:00:

So, tell us EF, did you send her the money?? =) Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer..2-0..Colombia es pasión!

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"