On December 11, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Colombia Business Council (USCBC) brought together business and government leaders to chart a path for deeper subnational collaboration. The high-level dialogue, “From Local to Global: Advancing U.S.-Colombia Subnational Partnerships,” highlighted the growing potential for local governments and private sector partners to shape the next wave of innovation, investment, and shared prosperity between Colombia and the United States. By fostering deeper collaboration today, these partnerships are paving the way for stronger, more dynamic connections that will drive sustainable growth well into the future.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau highlighted the strategic importance of subnational partnerships in complementing national-level diplomacy. Characterizing the U.S.-Colombia partnership as one that is “committed to protecting and strengthening cooperation on issues of common interest,” Deputy Secretary Landau’s remarks pointed to the opportunity for cities and regions to serve the backbone of economic development.
The governor of Valle de Cauca and mayor of Bogota reinforced this message, sharing how their cities/regions are positioning themselves as hubs for investment, technology, and sustainable development. Their perspectives illustrated the growing role of local leadership in shaping international cooperation.
Over the course of the discussion, participants noted that companies are increasingly looking to partner with local authorities on infrastructure, digital transformation, and research & development. These partnerships represent a tangible opportunity to deliver results that improve lives and strengthen communities.
This event marked another milestone in the USCBC’s broader strategy for subnational engagement, which aims to expand the Council’s outreach and advocacy beyond the national government and into the regional spheres. Earlier this year, the USCBC hosted a Digital Policy Dialogue on the margins of ANDICOM in Cartagena, featuring Colombia’s Minister of Science and Vice Minister of ICT. This initiative underscores the Council’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation and collaboration across all levels of government.
Looking ahead, the USCBC will continue to strengthen its engagement with Colombian subnational leaders, focusing on public health and reinforcing local, provincial, and national health systems through public-private partnerships. The Council will also prioritize supporting a sustainable energy transition, advancing digital economy policies that unlock innovation, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
The high-level dialogue on December 11 made clear that subnational partnerships are not just complementary to national-level commercial diplomacy; rather, subnational partnerships are essential to advancing mutual prosperity. By connecting local leaders with private sector partners, the USCBC is helping to build a future where collaboration drives opportunity from Bogotá to Barranquilla, and from local to global.
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