Valle del Cauca, Colombia, positions itself as a regional leader in green business in Europe
Cali, May 19, 2025. A business mission led by Invest Pacific and the Government of Valle del Cauca — with the support of ProColombia, the Embassy of Colombia in Germany, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) — will present the region’s investment opportunities to European investors from May 19 to 23. The focus will be on Valle del Cauca’s strategic role in clean energy generation and industrial development as part of the global energy transition.
The mission is part of the ‘H2Uppp Europe 2025 Roadshow’, organized by GIZ, a key initiative to strengthen technological and commercial cooperation with Europe, particularly in the field of green hydrogen — a clean, sustainable fuel crucial for decarbonizing a wide range of industrial sectors.
In this context, the Embassy of Colombia in Germany has played a key role in supporting and enhancing the region’s visibility in Europe.
As Colombian Ambassador to Germany, Yadir Salazar Mejía, explains: “Cooperation between Colombia and Germany on decarbonization, clean energy, green molecule exports, and sustainability — with a regional focus — has grown stronger. From the Embassy, we work to turn these strategic alliances into concrete projects that drive our economic development and promote innovation, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. The participation of Valle del Cauca in this effort is another important step in the national government’s strategy to position Colombia as a reliable and committed partner for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
During the mission, Invest Pacific will also attend the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, one of the most important global events in the sector, to showcase Valle del Cauca’s potential as a key hub in the green hydrogen value chain.
“The legacy of COP16 in Cali – Valle del Cauca marked a turning point for climate action in the region. This mission reflects the department’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization in Colombia, and to strengthening its international positioning as a green investment destination,” said Juan Carlos Castro, Executive Director of Invest Pacific and head of the delegation.
In Amsterdam, the delegation will also present Valle del Cauca’s potential as a strategic MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) base to investors interested in the aviation sector. This is a key opportunity to develop an investment hub around Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, which serves Cali and the surrounding region.
“Collaboration between the private sector, government and academia is essential to present Valle del Cauca as a reliable partner in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Óscar Eduardo Vivas, Secretary of Economic Development, Competitiveness and Employment Promotion for the Government of Valle del Cauca. “The region is becoming increasingly attractive to international companies looking to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, thanks to joint efforts in our territory.”
Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, adds: “Germany is a global leader in clean technologies and sustainability. It’s a natural partner for Colombia and regions like Valle del Cauca, given their strengths in sustainability, circular economy and green chemistry. This mission aims to open doors to new cooperation and investment projects in the ‘country of beauty.’”
Valle del Cauca is positioning itself as a green hub for sustainable solutions. With 18% of Colombia’s industrial production, 22% of its agribusiness, and the country’s only Pacific port, the region offers an ideal platform for companies looking to align operations with global sustainability standards.
Sectors such as green chemistry, renewable energy and circular economy are key components of the region’s offering. For example, Valle del Cauca accounts for nearly 30% of Colombia’s exports of cosmetics and personal care products — a segment that increasingly demands sustainable chemical inputs like surfactants, for which the region offers cleaner, more competitive alternatives.
Updates on this business mission and other promotional efforts by Invest Pacific to position Valle del Cauca as a top destination for international investment in strategic sectors will be available on the agency’s website and social media channels.
Invest Pacific is a non-profit organization with over 14 years of experience supporting the region and its business community. The agency offers tailored knowledge, connections and support to companies, working jointly with local governments, the Governor’s Office, chambers of commerce, free trade zones, universities, and other entities within the regional business ecosystem to promote an optimal business climate.
