Traslated by Andrés Martínez Forero
Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, is attending this week’s Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, taking place in Washington, D.C., United States. This global event brings together world leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders to discuss the future of international cooperation amid economic, climate, and social challenges.
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During the panel “Delivering Essential Urban Infrastructure and Jobs”, the Mayor will highlight Bogotá´s experience in developing an urban infrastructure investment strategy aimed at not only transforming mobility but also spurring economic growth and improving quality of life. Alongside international experts, he will explore policies and mechanisms that can help local governments expand access to private financing as a way to accelerate job creation and sustainable development.
Mayor of Bogotá Galán will highlight progress on the city’s ambitious public works agenda, which includes major projects such as Lines 1 and 2 of the Bogotá Metro, the expansion of the TransMilenio BTR system, and the construction of TransMiCable aerial cable cars in the San Cristóbal and Potosí areas of Ciudad Bolívar District. Currently, the city is managing over 1,200 active construction spots and expects to create nearly 300,000 formal jobs during the 2024–2027 period. These infrastructure investments are complemented by projects in health, education, culture, and security, acknowledging the cross-cutting role these sectors play in building a more equitable and sustainable city.
As part of his agenda in Washington, the Mayor will meet with Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to review the bank’s financial support for key projects like the Metro lines and to explore the feasibility of non-sovereign-guaranteed credit lines for financially solid cities like Bogotá.
He will also meet with Amy Radetsky, Director of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination at the U.S. Department of State. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a direct channel of communication between Bogotá and the State Department, and to explore concrete opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
During his visit, the Mayor will present Bogotá´s economic development strategy to global investors. This strategy prioritizes high-growth potential sectors such as manufacturing, information and communication technologies, healthcare services, and the creative industries. One key initiative is Bogotá Airport City, designed to position El Dorado International Airport as a regional development hub through investment incentives, business network strengthening, and a collaborative governance model.
Finally, the Mayor of Bogotá will meet with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.–Colombia Business Council (USCBC) to engage with American business leaders about investment opportunities in the city. Bogotá is emerging as a strategic gateway to Latin America, offering logistical advantages, competitive costs, and a highly skilled workforce. This meeting will spotlight mobility, health, and education projects ready for public-private partnerships, as well as the city’s potential to enhance supply chains amid global trade realignments.
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This international mission reinforces Bogotá’s commitment to a development model anchored in openness, cooperation, and strategic alliances. The city is working collaboratively to improve residents' quality of life and position itself as a key player on the global stage. We open our doors to offer the best of our city—and to welcome the best the world has to offer.
*This article was created using information provided by the Bogotá’s International Relations Office and curated by a journalist from Portal Bogotá. For suggestions, questions, or more information, visit Bogotá Te Escucha: https://bogota.gov.co/sdqs/
