“Colombia is now a very appealing country… We have a modern labor legislation, in my opinion, with enough  flexibility to invest and also with enough guarantees for the workers.” Said the leader in his meeting with Brazilian businessman, first thing in the morning of this Monday within his official visit to Brazil.

Sao Paulo, Brazil,  16 feb (SP). During a business breakfast with representatives of 14 companies of Brazil, this Monday morning at the Gran Hyatt Hotel of Sao Paulo,  President Alvaro Uribe Velez explained the labor and fiscal guarantees that the country is offering to direct foreign investment.

The Head of State talked to the businessman about investor trust, the situation of Colombia facing the global crisis, free trade zones and legal stability pacts. Colombia is an appealing country to invest, said Uribe Velez at the beginning of the official visit to Brazil.

“We have introduced fiscal incentives. I would say that by the regulation- and I ask for your reflection and for those who know Colombia- praising  labor an fiscal aspects, Colombia is today a very appealing country.”

“We have a modern labor legislation, in my opinion, with enough  flexibility to invest and also with enough guarantees for the workers.”, said the President.

He also remembered that “Colombia has historically been respectful about investment”, while  he invited them to invest in infrastructure, for example, where Colombia has big challenges.

Part of the speech of President Uribe focused on the advantages and challenges of Colombia facing the international financial crisis. He also explained the Anticiclical Policy of his government to face the current challenges.

The President of Colombia met with businessman of companies such as Votorantim Industrial, E,braer, Sinergy Group, GE Latin America, Marcopolo, Sozano Holding, Amaggi Group, Odebrecht Organization, GP Investimentos, Advent International, Contax, CpmBraxis and Sao Paulo Alpargatoas.

One of the emphasis of the meeting was Votorantim’s investment in Paz del Rio (Boyacá) The company has reiterate that this year will continue with the environmental and productivity investment, and in 2010 will continue with the expansion investments.

At the end of his speech, the President repeat to the Brazilian businessman: “We want all investing in Colombia. Here I see companies that had has close relation with Colombia and for Colombia is very important to have you there.”