AGP Executive Report

Public Finance: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella will send a delegation to the U.S. this week to refinance public debt and line up cheaper financing with international banks and multilateral lenders, aiming to improve debt terms and ease fiscal pressure ahead of the Aug. 7 start. Security Policy: De la Espriella also announced an Urban Security Defense Block for major cities, plus the appointment of retired Gen. Jorge Eduardo Mora as defense minister, signaling a shift away from Petro’s Total Peace toward stronger state operational capacity against armed groups and gangs. Telecom Resilience: Colombia’s regulator CONATEL sped up procedures for internet providers to interconnect with Colombia after a submarine cable cut following the June 24 earthquakes disrupted service, focusing on restoring capacity in vulnerable areas. World Cup & Sports Economy: Colombia’s World Cup run continues with a Round of 16 clash against Switzerland in Vancouver, while the U.S. vs Belgium tie has swung after FIFA reversed Folarin Balogun’s suspension, moving betting markets toward the Americans. Culture & Media: Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM) expands with Netflix support, bringing more regional participants and a new France-Latin America distribution push with Unifrance and the French Embassy. Sports Transfers: Toronto FC acquired Colombian midfielder Nelson Palacio from Real Salt Lake in a cash-for-player deal, adding depth to its midfield.

Colombia Legal & Politics: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro says he will file lawsuits for slander and libel and denounce harassment against his family, blaming supporters of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. IP & Innovation: The EPO and China’s CNIPA will launch an Aug. 1, 2026 Patent Prosecution Highway pilot, letting applicants use results from one office to speed processing at the other; Colombia is listed among participating offices. Sports & Talent: In Cali, Hidilyn Diaz’s niece Alexandra Diaz dominated World Youth Weightlifting, sweeping three golds and setting records in the women’s 48kg class. World Cup Business Spotlight: Colombia’s World Cup run continues into the Round of 16 after a 1-0 win over Ghana, while Mexico-England at the Azteca delivered a fast Bellingham brace and a late Quinones reply. Tourism Watch: The Dominican Republic reported 6.62M visitors in the first half of 2026, up 7.7% year-on-year—another signal of strong regional travel demand.

World Cup Knockout Focus: The 2026 World Cup is now in the round of 16, with Brazil set to host Norway and Mexico welcoming England at Estadio Azteca, as the tournament shifts to do-or-die single elimination. Colombia Angle: Colombia’s run continues into the last-16 after a narrow win over Ghana, keeping the country in the knockout mix. Azteca Economics: Ahead of Mexico vs England, Azteca owners have promised FIFA $62m amid a box-owner dispute, highlighting how big-match football is also a major business operation. Regional Politics Watch: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is moving to restore ties with Israel, while Milei plans to attend both Peru and Colombia inauguration ceremonies—signaling a broader rightward political wave across Latin America. Tech & Finance: KPMG opened applications for its Global Tech Innovator 2026, with past editions including Colombia among participating countries.

World Cup Business: France beat Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 in Philadelphia, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a 70th-minute penalty after a VAR review, setting up a quarterfinal vs Morocco after Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada; the bracket now points to a tougher path for Les Bleus as they chase a 1998/2018-style run. Colombia Football & Economy: Colombia’s World Cup momentum continues after Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Colombia sent the team into the Round of 16 against Switzerland in Vancouver, while Ghana’s campaign ends with a single early goal and no shots on target. Trade Policy Watch: New Zealand’s National Party says it would pursue trade negotiations with seven new economies in five years if re-elected, including Colombia in a second tranche—an angle that matters for regional exporters and supply chains. Aviation Consumer Impact: American Airlines must refund nearly $1 million after overcharging taxes on children’s award tickets, a reminder that compliance risk can quickly become reputational and financial risk.

Colombia in the World Cup spotlight: Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 in Kansas City, with Jhon Arias scoring in the 14th minute, sending the team into the Round of 16 against Switzerland in Vancouver. Currency watch: The Colombian peso surged against the U.S. dollar in June, gaining about 7.4% and posting its strongest appreciation versus the dollar in roughly a decade, helped by high local interest rates, election-driven sentiment, firmer oil prices, and remittance inflows. Business & trade: Former Colombian presidential candidate Santiago Botero bought U.S.-based distributor RPM Food and plans a US$100 million push to expand distribution of Colombian and Latin American food products across the United States. Aviation expansion: Air Europa has applied to Colombia’s civil aviation authority to launch direct Barranquilla–Madrid flights, proposing three weekly frequencies if approved. Legal & security: A U.S. court sentenced Antoine Qassis, tied to drug networks linked to Syria’s ousted regime, to decades in prison over terrorism-related drug trafficking and money laundering involving Colombia’s ELN.

Colombia-Ghana World Cup: Colombia booked a Round of 16 spot for the third time in three straight appearances, beating Ghana in the Round of 32 thanks to Jhon Arias’ first-half goal; the match also saw early injuries to Jhon Córdoba and Marvin Senaya, forcing quick substitutions. Sports Media & Business: FIFA’s knockout push is driving major sponsor and broadcast attention, with free-to-air TV described as a “premium shop window” for brands and a surge in fan-facing viewing options. Crypto Meets Football: Colombia-Ghana is also a showcase for crypto sports marketing, with prediction markets and fan-token ecosystems seeing big activity ahead of kickoff. Climate Risk Watch: El Niño conditions are forecast to “strengthen rapidly,” raising the odds of heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall—an economic and humanitarian risk for climate-sensitive sectors. Policy & Transition Politics: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro attacked the incoming transition process, accusing the new government of spending abroad to spread misinformation, as Colombia’s political handover heats up. Global Security: France deployed mine countermeasures assets to help restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with the UK and France coordinating with Oman.

Colombia–U.S. Sanctions Talk: President Gustavo Petro asked Donald Trump to remove him and his family from the U.S. OFAC sanctions list, with Trump saying he will work to get the case reviewed; the call also covered anti-drug cooperation and Colombia’s political transition. Amazon Protection Push: UK charity Cafod says more action is needed to protect the Amazon as parliamentarians hear from partners in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia about threats and criminalization faced by forest defenders; it also warns “illegal deforestation” rules could be gamed. World Cup Round of 32 (Colombia vs Ghana): Colombia closes the Round of 32 against Ghana in Kansas City at 9:30 p.m. ET, with the bracket set for the Round of 16 on July 4; coverage highlights Colombia’s group form and Ghana’s low-scoring, defense-first approach. Oil Markets Watch: Oil prices stay rangebound as traders look past U.S.-Iran ceasefire headlines for clearer signals. Traffic & Productivity: A new traffic index ranks Colombia among the world’s worst for commuting strain, adding pressure on productivity and emissions.

Colombia Finance Watch: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has tasked designated Finance Minister Miguel Gomez with traveling to Washington to negotiate refinancing of Colombia’s public debt, aiming to extend maturities and secure better interest rates to ease pressure on public finances. World Cup Business & Tourism: As Colombia prepares for its Round of 32 clash vs Ghana in Kansas City, local Colombian-owned businesses in the metro are reporting surges in customers and visibility tied to matchweek crowds. Venezuela Disaster Response: Twin earthquakes near La Guaira and Caracas have pushed the death toll above 2,000, with thousands injured and tens of thousands unaccounted for, while rescue operations and humanitarian logistics continue amid strained access to supplies. Regional Policy & Environment: A broader rightward political shift across Latin America is being linked to rollbacks in environmental protections and tougher conditions for rural and Indigenous communities to challenge resource-extraction projects. Aviation & Travel Demand: Iberia is resuming Madrid–Doha flights this Friday with a three-times-weekly schedule, adding capacity that also boosts demand on routes including Bogotá.

Debt Refinancing Push: Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella told incoming Finance Minister Miguel Gomez to travel to Washington to meet international banks and multilateral lenders to refinance public debt and ease fiscal pressure, as the deficit is projected around 7%-8% of GDP and the Fiscal Rule warns of funding gaps. Coffee Policy Boost: Colombia’s Congress declared coffee the national beverage, backing more than half a million coffee-growing families and aiming to lift domestic consumption (currently about 2.5 kg per person a year) while promoting quality and sustainability. Peso Pressure on Exports: A stronger Colombian peso is squeezing dollar-priced agricultural exports while costs stay in pesos, raising alarms for rural jobs and investment and calling for action from the new administration. Transition Watch: The Petro–De la Espriella handover officially starts July 2, with oversight and a reported US$60m IDB contribution to support the transfer of programs, contracts, and public finances. Regulated Tech in Focus: Facephi highlighted results from its OxiaCore deployment, cutting commission fraud by 80% in under a year and targeting one million+ identity authentications by year-end. Immigration Spillover: Spain’s mass regularization drew 1.17m applications; Colombia accounted for 25.9%, underscoring ongoing regional labor and migration links.

Colombia Politics: Left-wing senator Ivan Cepeda says he will launch “civil disobedience” if president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella does not renounce his U.S. citizenship, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and possible extradition efforts tied to outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Peace & Justice: Colombia’s JEP ratified first sentences against former FARC members for kidnappings and war crimes, and confirmed convictions of former military personnel for murders and forced disappearances on the Caribbean coast. Mining & Energy: Cerro Matoso (CoreX) plans to cut operations by 25% after Canacol reduced gas supply, threatening output, jobs, and payments through taxes and royalties. Infrastructure: Antioquia and Medellín say “Tunnel 0” on the New Road to the Sea has met, bringing the Toyo Tunnel closer to opening. Trade & Agriculture: The Colombia Avocado Board launched the “Avocados from Colombia” brand in the U.S., aiming to boost recognition as exports surge. Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add nonstop flights from Cartagena to Washington and Houston starting Dec. 17, expanding U.S. links for tourism and business. Environment: A study finds potentially carcinogenic compounds and pigmentation changes in Colombian Caribbean mangroves, pointing to pollution impacts on human and marine life.

Colombia’s economic reset: President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella named economist Miguel Gomez Martinez as finance minister, signaling a push to stabilize public finances amid a forecasted widening fiscal gap. Public finances watch: The Economist Intelligence Unit projects Colombia’s 2026 fiscal deficit at 6.6% of GDP, among the world’s worst, underscoring pressure on the next administration to restore investor confidence. Cabinet and policy direction: The appointment comes as De la Espriella builds a team mixing technical profiles with political experience, with markets focused on how quickly spending and revenue plans can be rebalanced. World Cup business spillover: Colombia’s World Cup run is also boosting local commerce and tourism in host cities, with matchday crowds supporting downtown businesses and fan events. Global legal and trade backdrop: Sweden’s development-assistance overhaul includes Colombia among its 2026–2031 priorities, while the US continues enforcement actions tied to World Cup streaming and broader immigration policy debates.

Colombia’s Economic Team: President-elect Abelardo De la Espriella named Miguel Gomez finance minister, tasking him with pushing tax, budget and spending reforms through a polarized Congress as markets watch the pace of fiscal adjustment. Political Tensions: Losing senator Iván Cepeda said he won’t recognize De la Espriella unless he renounces U.S. citizenship and clarifies ties, warning of “peaceful civil disobedience.” AI for Work: isEazy launched Brain, an AI training system built from a company’s own documentation that adapts in real time to each employee’s context and goals. Coffee Boost: Colombia’s Congress declared coffee the national beverage, backing the sector and aiming to lift domestic consumption. World Cup, With Business Spillover: Colombia’s animation industry got a lift as the country was named Guest Country of Honor for Annecy 2027, while the U.S. DOJ shut down nearly 400 illegal World Cup streaming sites, including targets in Colombia. Regional Watch: Spain’s immigration amnesty drew over 1 million applications, more than double expectations, as the deadline nears.

Colombia Bonds & Rates: Bancolombia says Colombia’s peso-denominated TES rally outpaced the fiscal picture the government itself is downplaying, warning gains may be fragile. Health & Regulation: INVIMA approved IntelliGenome’s CRISPR-TB blood test for sale in Colombia, with Velez Lab S.A.S. named as exclusive distributor. Business & Travel: United Airlines will launch two new nonstop routes to Cartagena from Houston and Washington starting Dec. 17, as U.S.-Colombia capacity shifts after Spirit’s exit and Avianca’s growth. Policy & Compliance: MinCIT published a draft decree to dissolve and cancel nonprofit legal status when entities fail to register or stay inactive, using an ex officio administrative process. Sports & Economy: Avianca priced $650m in new senior secured notes due 2032 to refinance 2028 maturities, while Colombia’s World Cup focus intensifies ahead of the Round of 32 vs Ghana. Social Impact: A drug-testing proposal for schools argues prevention should extend beyond physical checkups to early detection of substance abuse.

Venezuela Quake Response: The US military reopened a major port in La Guaira to speed aid as the twin-earthquake death toll passed 1,700 and tens of thousands remain missing; morgues filled with bodies and families waited for identification while an aftershock hit the region. Venezuela Energy Risks: A PDVSA rig explosion in Apure (Colven 02) injured at least 17 workers, with some sent to Colombia for treatment, highlighting ongoing safety problems in aging infrastructure. Colombia Security & Policy: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro ordered a “total offensive” against the FARC dissident EMC in Cauca, while Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella faces pressure over how to handle the 2016 peace deal and public expectations for tougher security. Colombia Business & Travel: United Airlines announced new nonstop service to Cartagena from Houston and Washington starting Dec. 17, adding to its existing Colombia network. World Cup Economy: World Cup knockout play is driving big betting volumes in the US, with sportsbooks reporting action above expectations.

World Cup & Security: Two Argentine YouTubers, Beni Marmol and Pato Perrotta, were arrested in Miami during the Colombia–Portugal Round of 32 match for allegedly entering with invalid media credentials and bypassing security; they face felony charges and were held after a judge set bond. Venezuela Quakes & Aid: A new aftershock rattled northern Venezuela near Caracas and La Guaira, as the death toll from last week’s twin earthquakes rose to at least 1,450; the U.S. says it has boosted funding to over $300m and deployed search-and-rescue teams, while Israel also sent rescue personnel and specialists. DOJ Anti-Piracy: The U.S. seized nearly 400 websites and domains tied to illegal World Cup streaming, warning viewers about copyright and malware risks. Colombia Politics & Inclusion: Pop star Karol G urged President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella to “govern for everyone,” pushing for an inclusive approach after the election. Trade & Agribusiness: Celifruit got ICA authorization to export Tahiti limes to China, aiming to diversify amid tough price competition. Energy/Industry: A rig explosion at PDVSA’s operation in Venezuela’s Apure state injured at least eight workers, who were transported to Colombia for medical care.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: UN-coordinated rescue efforts have mobilized 2,245 specialists and 140 search dogs from 27 countries as the death toll from twin quakes in Venezuela climbs past 1,400, with damage preliminarily estimated at $6.7B and “golden time” for survivors now largely gone. Colombia Politics: Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential runoff as the country’s first-ever “outsider” president in over 200 years, edging Iván Cepeda by 0.96% amid a record 63.6% turnout, setting up a transition with implications for security and foreign policy. World Cup & Business Angle: Colombia’s World Cup run continues to shape travel demand, with FIFA-linked summer bookings shifting toward host cities while many travelers still delay hotel plans; meanwhile, Colombia vs Ghana ticket access is tight after official lotteries ended, pushing fans toward FIFA resale channels. Sports Security: Two Argentinian YouTubers face felony charges in Florida after deputies said they bypassed stadium security using expired credentials during Colombia vs Portugal. Corporate/ESG: SK bioscience published its 2026 ESG report, highlighting expanded emissions accounting and nature-related disclosures.