66 percent of employers believe that Colombia is one of the countries with the worst management of its wealth. Only 13 percent consider it one of the best.
And in line with this thought, 69 percent say that for the country’s wealth to reach all Colombians there must be an articulated work between the national and local governments, the business sector and the universities. 19 percent state that it is a task that corresponds only to the Government.
(Also read: “We are not the most attractive country to invest in”: president of Cerro Matoso).
This is one of the conclusions of the first major study on business climate ‘The voice of companies in Colombia, a dialogue with society’, carried out by the Universidad del Rosario together with EL TIEMPO and the National Consulting Center.
The results of this survey were presented in a discussion in which, among others, Andrés Mompotes, general director of EL TIEMPO Casa Editorial; María Claudia Lacouture, president of AmCham Colombia; María Carolina Castillo, president of ProBogotá, and businessman Miguel Santamaría.
The survey of 1,002 companies from all economic sectors and sizes also revealed that 58 percent believe that Colombia is one of the worst countries in terms of conditions to create and grow a business.
They say that the top five problems they face are high taxes (59 percent), input prices (31 percent)get trained staff (31 percent), interest rates (28 percent) and reduced sales (28 percent).
(Also read: Smurfit Kappa Colombia will execute 5 projects under the Works for Taxes mechanism).
Alejandro Cheyne, rector of the Universidad del Rosario and Andrés Mompotes, general director of EL TIEMPO Casa Editorial.
Discriminated by sector, those engaged in oil production have greater difficulties due to high taxes, reduced sales and legislation. 79 percent of employers state that Oil is a positive industry for the country and if it ceased to exist, the economy would worsen.
What is required is to understand the business sector to define strategies together that allow the sector to be strengthened
In mining, the problems are concentrated in paper, having technology and/or machinery to compete, and high taxes. 50 percent think it is a positive industry, but 40 percent express the opposite.
Although the majority of those consulted (66 percent) affirm that, if mining is stopped, the economy of the country could worsenonly 27 percent think it could improve.
Meanwhile, companies in the tourism sector say that the main problems are related to high taxes, reduced sales and interest rates. Added to this, construction companies are also affects not being able to get trained personnel.
“What is required is to understand the business sector in order to define strategies together that allow the sector to be strengthened and, of course, increase its competitiveness. What we need is to accompany our entrepreneurs so that they can compete, generate greater wealth and therefore well-being in Colombia is for everyone”, said Alejandro Cheyne, rector of the Universidad del Rosario, who participated in the event.
It is important to adequately specify the reform proposals that support the business sector
Entrepreneurs were also consulted about their prospects for 2023 and the majority ensure that sales (38 percent) and their earnings (46 percent) will decline this year compared to what they reported in 2022.
Regarding investments, 38 percent believe there will be no change in 2023the same as in the hiring of new employees (47 percent) and the plant of employees (54 percent).
The survey also revealed that respondents consider that there is little (65 percent) or none (32 percent) protection for companies in the country. In addition, 79 percent express that the relationship with the government is one of mistrust and 64 percent affirm that the contribution they are making to the future of the country is not recognized.
point out that receive more support from the communities where they operate (32 percent) than national (7 percent) and local (5 percent) governments and banks (13 percent).
(Read also: Taxes, costs and trained personnel, the biggest problems for companies).
Businessman Miguel Santamaría, María Carolina Castillo, president of ProBogotá, and María Claudia Lacouture, president of AmCham Colombia.
“It is important adequately concretize are the reform proposals that support the business sector and that they guarantee that well-being is for all Colombians”, said the rector of the Universidad del Rosario.
Five out of 10 entrepreneurs considering that job opportunities should focus on young people and women to achieve a more equitable country. Only 17 percent responded that the focus should be on men.
“Without trust it is impossible to move forward. There must be a renewal of the way we work as a team,” said Cheyne, adding that calm and serenity are also required because if the dialogue is not constructive, damage is generated for all sectors of the country.
ECONOMY
