Colombian-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Turns 90
AHK Colombia Celebrates 90 Years of Binational Cooperation and Economic Progress
Table of Contents
- AHK Colombia Celebrates 90 Years of Binational Cooperation and Economic Progress
- A Legacy of German Investment and Enduring Growth
- Future Investments in Key Sectors
- Looking Ahead: Innovation and Sustainability
- Driving Dual Vocational Training
- Amazonía Project with BID Support
- Contribution to the Energy Sector
- Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Mines and Energy
- Investments in Renewable Energy
- The Next 90 Years: A Vision for the Future
- Did You Know?
- AHK Colombia: Key Facts and Figures
- Bilateral Economic Relations
- AHK Colombia Celebrates 90 Years of binational Cooperation and Economic Progress
- A Legacy of German Investment and Enduring Growth
- Future Investments in Key Sectors
- Looking ahead: Innovation and Sustainability
- Driving Dual Vocational Training
- Amazonía Project with BID Support
- Contribution to the Energy Sector
- Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Mines and Energy
- Investments in Renewable Energy
- The Next 90 Years: A Vision for the Future
- Did You Know?
- AHK Colombia: Key Facts and Figures
- Bilateral Economic Relations
Marking nine decades of fostering German-Colombian relations, the Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana (AHK Colombia) commemorates its 90th anniversary.
TORELEVANT_IMAGE” alt=”AHK Colombia Anniversary” width=”800″>
A Legacy of German Investment and Enduring Growth
Wiht a dedicated team of 40 professionals operating from Bogotá and Medellín, AHK Colombia has been instrumental in driving dual vocational training and spearheading the change of key sectors. These sectors include energy,technology,telecommunications,and infrastructure,thereby bolstering sustainable growth and innovation throughout colombia.
The organization’s commitment to fostering economic ties is evident in its support for initiatives that promote technological advancement and sustainable practices.
Future Investments in Key Sectors
According to Mischa Groh, Presidente ejecutivo of AHK Colombia, meaningful investments are on the horizon:
Empresas alemanas destinarán alrededor de 4,5 mil millones de dólares a proyectos en energías renovables, transformación digital, robótica, automatización industrial e inteligencia artificial
Mischa Groh, Presidente Ejecutivo de la Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
These investments highlight the confidence of German companies in Colombia’s potential for growth and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Sustainability
Marcela Perilla, Presidenta del Consejo Directivo of AHK Colombia, emphasizes the importance of this milestone:
Este aniversario más que una celebración, representa una valiosa oportunidad para mirar hacia el futuro y seguir construyendo un porvenir fundamentado en la innovación, la sostenibilidad y la colaboración,
Marcela Perilla, Presidenta del Consejo Directivo de la Cámara de Industria y comercio Colombo-Alemana
This vision underscores AHK Colombia’s dedication to fostering a future built on innovation, sustainability, and collaborative partnerships.
Driving Dual Vocational Training
AHK colombia has been a pioneer in implementing the German dual vocational training model in Colombia for over 20 years. This model, also promoted by the Red de Universidades Duales de Latinoamérica (Red Duale Hochschule Latinoamérica -DHLA-), combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, adhering to stringent German quality standards.
The dual education system includes a unique certification platform from Germany, designed to recognize the technical and psychosocial competencies of graduates both nationally and internationally.
Amazonía Project with BID Support
currently, AHK Colombia is leading a project funded by the Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) to enhance vocational training within SENA in the Amazon region. This initiative focuses on the technical-pedagogical training of instructors in electrical energy and tourism networks. it also involves designing two technical work programs in:
- Operación de Servicios Turísticos con Enfoque Étnico Sostenible (Sustainable Ethnic Tourism Services operation)
- Electricidad Residencial, Comercial y Sistemas Solares Fotovoltaicos (Residential, Commercial, and Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electricity)
Contribution to the Energy Sector
AHK Colombia has played a crucial role in the development of Colombia’s energy sector. Following the climate alliance signed between the governments of Colombia and Germany, strategic initiatives were formalized in March 2024. These include:
- Grupo de Alto Nivel de Hidrógeno Verde (High-Level Green Hydrogen Group)
- mesa Sectorial de Transición Energética (Sectoral Roundtable on Energy Transition)
- Centro Regional de Formación en Energías Renovables (CERFER) (Regional Training Center for Renewable Energies)
These collaborations solidify bilateral cooperation in sustainable energy.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Mines and Energy
In December 2024, AHK Colombia and the ministerio de Minas y energía de Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MdE), strengthening collaboration in areas such as renewable energies, decarbonization, and energy communities. This is aligned with the objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) – Sustainable Development Goals.
Investments in Renewable Energy
The commitment to sustainable energy is further demonstrated by investments from companies like Viridi, a German leader in renewable energies, which plans to construct eight solar projects, along with a green hydrogen project.
The Next 90 Years: A Vision for the Future
AHK colombia aims to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between Colombia and Germany, focusing on sustainable, innovative, and inclusive development. Priorities include energy transition, industrial digitization, responsible reindustrialization, and the training of qualified talent to German quality standards. Strategic alliances will be key to addressing future challenges.
mischa Groh concludes with an optimistic outlook:
90 años son solo el comienzo. Lo que hemos construido juntos demuestra el potencial que aún tenemos por desarrollar. Seguiremos fortaleciendo esta relación bilateral para impulsar nuevas oportunidades de inversión, crecimiento y colaboración,
mischa Groh, Presidente Ejecutivo de la Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
Did You Know?
Interesting facts about German influence in Colombia:
- The two oldest German companies in Colombia are: Allianz (150 years) and Bayer (113 years).
- The accordion arrived in Colombia in the mid-19th century aboard German merchant ships.
- The Julio Pérez Ferrero Library in Cúcuta houses ‘El Incunable: las crónicas de Núremberg’ (The Incunabulum: The Nuremberg Chronicles), a book written in old German dating back to 1924.
- German technology has been pivotal in major Colombian milestones, with Siemens contributing to projects like the first television transmitters and the Metro de Medellín.
- SCADTA, now Avianca, the second oldest airline in the world, was founded by German partners in Barranquilla in 1919.
- The Kopp brothers from Germany founded the bavaria brewery in Bogotá in partnership with the Castello brothers.
AHK Colombia: Key Facts and Figures
- Founded: March 15, 1935
- 90 years as the official representative of the German economy in Colombia
- More than 320 affiliated companies
- Over 31,000 direct jobs created by German companies in Colombia
- Operation of the German dual higher education model (DHLA) since 1999, with 3,277 graduates, 1,779 active students, over 900 training companies, and approximately 300 associated teachers.
- 1,500 Colombians trained in renewable energies through the Centro Regional de Formación en Energías Renovables.
- The Alianza para la Formación, a German-Colombian cooperation project in Antioquia, currently has 246 active students in dual training programs for software development, electrical and solar network installation, and culinary arts.
Bilateral Economic Relations
- Trade volume between Germany and Colombia: EUR 14.7 billion (2021-2024).
- Germany is the most vital supplier country in the European Union for Colombia.
- The Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union was signed in 2013.
- Main imports from Germany: Machinery, mechanical appliances, pharmaceutical products, motor vehicles, land vehicles, optical and photographic products, electrical products, and organic chemicals.
- Main exports to Germany: Mineral fuels, fresh and dried fruits, coffee, spices, various food preparations, plastic products, sugar, cocoa preparations.
- Economic sectors with german company participation in Colombia: renewable energies, infrastructure and construction, automotive and mobility, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, financial services and insurance, agribusiness and biotechnology, logistics and transport, and education.
AHK Colombia Celebrates 90 Years of binational Cooperation and Economic Progress
Marking nine decades of fostering German-Colombian relations, the Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana (AHK Colombia) commemorates its 90th anniversary.
A Legacy of German Investment and Enduring Growth
With a dedicated team of professionals operating from Bogotá and Medellín, AHK Colombia has been instrumental in driving dual vocational training and spearheading change in key sectors. These sectors include energy, technology, telecommunications, and infrastructure, thereby bolstering sustainable growth and innovation throughout Colombia.
The institution’s commitment to fostering economic ties is evident in its support for initiatives that promote technological advancement and sustainable practices. AHK Colombia actively facilitates market entry for German companies into colombia and vice versa, providing consulting, networking, and advocacy services.
Future Investments in Key Sectors
According to Mischa Groh, Presidente Ejecutivo of AHK Colombia, significant investments are anticipated:
Empresas alemanas destinarán alrededor de 4,5 mil millones de dólares a proyectos en energías renovables, transformación digital, robótica, automatización industrial e inteligencia artificialMischa Groh, Presidente Ejecutivo de la Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
These investments highlight the confidence of German companies in Colombia’s potential for growth and innovation. These areas align with Colombia’s strategic development goals and will contribute substantially to modernization and competitiveness.
Looking ahead: Innovation and Sustainability
Marcela Perilla,Presidenta del Consejo Directivo of AHK Colombia,emphasizes the importance of this milestone:
Este aniversario más que una celebración,representa una valiosa oportunidad para mirar hacia el futuro y seguir construyendo un porvenir fundamentado en la innovación,la sostenibilidad y la colaboraciónMarcela Perilla,Presidenta del Consejo Directivo de la Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
This vision underscores AHK Colombia’s dedication to fostering a future built on innovation,sustainability,and collaborative partnerships. the AHK is committed to supporting Colombia’s transition to a green economy and fostering a culture of innovation across diverse industries.
Driving Dual Vocational Training
AHK Colombia has been a pioneer in implementing the German dual vocational training model in Colombia for over 20 years. This model, also promoted by the Red de Universidades Duales de Latinoamérica (Red Duale Hochschule Latinoamérica -DHLA-), combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, adhering to stringent German quality standards.
The dual education system includes a unique certification platform from Germany,designed to recognize the technical and psychosocial competencies of graduates both nationally and internationally. This system is highly valued for its ability to produce highly skilled workers who are immediately productive in the workplace.
Amazonía Project with BID Support
Currently, AHK Colombia is leading a project funded by the Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) to enhance vocational training within SENA in the Amazon region. This initiative focuses on the technical-pedagogical training of instructors in electrical energy and tourism networks. It also involves designing two technical work programs in:
- Operación de Servicios Turísticos con Enfoque Étnico Sostenible (Sustainable Ethnic Tourism Services operation)
- Electricidad Residencial, Comercial y Sistemas Solares Fotovoltaicos (Residential, Commercial, and Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electricity)
This project is crucial for promoting sustainable development and creating economic opportunities in the Amazon region, while also preserving its cultural heritage.
Contribution to the Energy Sector
AHK Colombia has played a crucial role in the development of Colombia’s energy sector. Following the climate alliance signed between the governments of Colombia and Germany, strategic initiatives were formalized in March 2024. These include:
- Grupo de Alto Nivel de Hidrógeno Verde (High-Level Green Hydrogen Group)
- Mesa Sectorial de Transición Energética (Sectoral Roundtable on Energy Transition)
- centro Regional de Formación en Energías Renovables (CERFER) (Regional training Center for Renewable Energies)
These collaborations solidify bilateral cooperation in sustainable energy, with a particular focus on developing green hydrogen as a key energy source for the future.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Mines and Energy
In December 2024, AHK Colombia and the Ministerio de Minas y Energía de Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MdE), strengthening collaboration in areas such as renewable energies, decarbonization, and energy communities.This is aligned with the Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) – Sustainable Development Goals.
The MoU provides a framework for joint projects and initiatives that will accelerate Colombia’s energy transition and promote a more sustainable energy future.
Investments in Renewable Energy
The commitment to sustainable energy is further demonstrated by investments from companies like Viridi, a German leader in renewable energies, which plans to construct eight solar projects, along with a green hydrogen project.
These investments will significantly increase Colombia’s renewable energy capacity and contribute to reducing its carbon footprint.
The Next 90 Years: A Vision for the Future
AHK Colombia aims to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between Colombia and Germany, focusing on sustainable, innovative, and inclusive development. Priorities include energy transition, industrial digitization, responsible reindustrialization, and the training of qualified talent to German quality standards. Strategic alliances will be key to addressing future challenges.
Mischa Groh concludes with an optimistic outlook:
90 años son solo el comienzo. Lo que hemos construido juntos demuestra el potencial que aún tenemos por desarrollar. seguiremos fortaleciendo esta relación bilateral para impulsar nuevas oportunidades de inversión, crecimiento y colaboraciónMischa Groh, Presidente Ejecutivo de la Cámara de Industria y Comercio Colombo-Alemana
Did You Know?
Interesting facts about German influence in Colombia:
- The two oldest German companies in Colombia are: Allianz (150 years) and Bayer (113 years).
- the accordion arrived in Colombia in the mid-19th century aboard German merchant ships.
- the Julio Pérez Ferrero Library in Cúcuta houses ‘El Incunable: las crónicas de Núremberg’ (the Incunabulum: The Nuremberg Chronicles), a book written in old German dating back to 1924.
- German technology has been pivotal in major Colombian milestones, with Siemens contributing to projects like the first television transmitters and the Metro de medellín.
- SCADTA, now Avianca, the second oldest airline in the world, was founded by german partners in Barranquilla in 1919.
- The Kopp brothers from Germany founded the Bavaria brewery in Bogotá in partnership with the Castello brothers.
- The Humboldt Institute (Instituto humboldt), a leading research institute for biodiversity in Colombia, is named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt.
AHK Colombia: Key Facts and Figures
- Founded: march 15,1935
- 90 years as the official representative of the German economy in Colombia
- More than 320 affiliated companies
- Over 31,000 direct jobs created by German companies in Colombia
- Operation of the German dual higher education model (DHLA) as 1999,with 3,277 graduates,1,779 active students,over 900 training companies,and approximately 300 associated teachers.
- 1,500 Colombians trained in renewable energies through the Centro Regional de Formación en Energías Renovables.
- The Alianza para la Formación, a German-Colombian cooperation project in Antioquia, currently has 246 active students in dual training programs for software development, electrical and solar network installation, and culinary arts.
- AHK Colombia offers a range of services to support German-Colombian business relations, including market entry consulting, legal advice, and trade fair participation.
Bilateral Economic Relations
- Trade volume between germany and Colombia: EUR 14.7 billion (2021-2024).
- Germany is the most vital supplier country in the European Union for Colombia.
- The Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union was signed in 2013.
- Main imports from Germany: Machinery, mechanical appliances, pharmaceutical products, motor vehicles, land vehicles, optical and photographic products, electrical products, and organic chemicals.
- Main exports to germany: Mineral fuels, fresh and dried fruits, coffee, spices, various food preparations, plastic products, sugar, cocoa preparations.
- Economic sectors with German company participation in Colombia: renewable energies,infrastructure and construction,automotive and mobility,chemicals and pharmaceuticals,financial services and insurance,agribusiness and biotechnology,logistics and transport,and education.
- German development Cooperation (GIZ) is active in Colombia,supporting projects in areas such as peacebuilding,sustainable development,and environmental protection.
