Colombia · BUSINESS
Key Facts
- —Appointment Samuel Bluman Levy was sworn in as director of ProColombia by President Abelardo De La Espriella on 21 August 2026.
- —Background Bluman is a businessman from Antioquia with over 40 years in textiles, garment manufacturing, foreign trade, precision logistics, and business financing.
- —Predecessor Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa served as president of ProColombia for 44 months before being replaced.
- —Restructuring The government will close ProColombia’s standalone offices abroad and move their functions into embassies and consulates.
- —Export context Non-mining goods exports reached US$26,388.9 million in 2025, representing 52.6% of total sales abroad.
The change comes as Colombia’s new government moves to cut costs by folding the trade agency’s overseas operations into its diplomatic missions.
ProColombia’s new director, Samuel Bluman Levy, will move the agency’s overseas offices into embassies, according to Colombian media reports. The plan is part of a broader operational restructuring announced by President Abelardo De La Espriella.
Bluman, a businessman from Antioquia, took office on 21 August 2026.
A New Director Takes Charge
However, Samuel Bluman Levy was sworn in as ProColombia’s new director by President Abelardo De La Espriella on Friday 21 August 2026. Infobae Colombia reported the ceremony, noting Bluman’s stated aim: ‘We will work to attract more investment.
Bluman brings more than 40 years of experience in textiles, garment manufacturing, foreign trade, precision logistics, and business financing. He is described as a leading figure in the textile and export sector, according to Semana.
Bluman, an antioqueño businessman, hails from Antioquia, the historic textile hub. His appointment signals continuity in promoting Colombia’s global trade ties.
However, his appointment follows a failed nomination for the same post. Still, Bluman’s background in foreign trade positions him well for the role.
ProColombia’s New Director: The Agency’s Role
ProColombia is Colombia’s official state agency for international promotion, handling exports, tourism, foreign investment, and the country brand. In addition, it operates under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, known as MinCIT.
In plain terms, ProColombia helps Colombian companies sell abroad, courts foreign investors, and markets the country to tourists. The agency’s remit includes promoting exports, encouraging business expansion, and strengthening Colombia’s international image.
The agency courts foreign investors and markets the country to tourists. However, its core mission remains boosting exports and the country brand.
In addition, the agency is attached to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism. Therefore, its work aligns with national economic policy.
A Failed Appointment Precedes
Bluman’s appointment came after an earlier nomination collapsed. Although announced in July 2026 by Trade Minister Mauricio Gómez Amín, Jaime Uribe could not be sworn in.
He lacked the academic requirements. However, according to ReportNews Colombia, Uribe’s appointment ‘did not go through because he did not meet the academic requirements.
‘ Therefore, Bluman stepped in to lead the agency. Uribe’s collapse left the position vacant for weeks.
Meanwhile, Bluman’s quick selection filled the gap without delay. Meanwhile, Uribe’s collapse left the position vacant for weeks.
As a result, Bluman’s quick selection filled the gap without delay.
The Embassy Office Move
Meanwhile, El Colombiano reported that the government will close ProColombia’s standalone offices abroad and move their functions into embassies and consulates. In addition, the plan is to ‘reduce the size of ProColombia at its international offices.
‘ Moreover, those offices would move into the embassies. Moreover, La Opinión said the move aims to cut costs and boost Colombian export promotion.
Overall, this restructuring is Bluman’s first task, according to El Tiempo. It described using ‘selling ambassadors’ to secure sales at the lowest possible cost.
This move aims to cut costs and strengthen export promotion. As a result, ProColombia’s overseas presence will shrink significantly.
Although announced, the restructuring is not yet formalized. Still, the plan aims to reduce costs and boost exports.
A Focus on Operational Restructuring
President De La Espriella emphasized that the new administration would focus on the operational restructuring of ProColombia. This includes transforming the agency and strengthening Colombia’s presence in the world, as reported by Blu Radio.
Bluman promised to put the agency at the service of ambassadors to achieve sales with the best possible costs. Still, the move is part of a broader effort to make the agency more efficient.
The restructuring is announced but not yet formalized. Still, Bluman’s first task is clear from official reports.
In addition, the president highlighted transforming the agency’s operations. Therefore, Bluman’s first task is clear from official reports.
The Predecessor’s Tenure
Bluman replaces Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa, who had served the government for 44 months. La República noted that a ProColombia director lasts on average the four years of a government.
Caballero’s departure was not explained in any official source. The change came as the government transitioned, with no published reason for her replacement.
Caballero’s 44-month service ended without a published reason. Although she was replaced, no official explanation exists.
However, no official reason for her departure was published. Still, the change came as the government transitioned.
Export Performance Context
In fact, Colombia closed 2025 with non-mining goods exports of US$26,388.9 million, representing 52.6% of everything the country sold to the world. This category, known as ‘exportaciones no minero-energéticas,’ excludes mining and energy commodities.
Growing this basket is a key part of ProColombia’s job. The embassy move is designed to support this effort by cutting costs and boosting export promotion.
Non-mining exports reached US$26,388.9 million in 2025. This share underscores the importance of ProColombia’s promotional work.
In fact, non-mining exports represent over half of total sales. Therefore, promoting this basket remains crucial for growth.
Investment and Tourism Figures
Foreign direct investment in Colombia reached US$14,269 million in 2024, down 15% from the previous year, according to the central bank. No consolidated figure for 2025 has been published.
In tourism, Colombia received 6,696,835 non-resident visitors in 2024, an 8.5% increase over the previous year’s record. However, no official 2025 total has been released.
FDI fell 15% in 2024, while visitors rose 8.5%. However, these figures predate Bluman’s tenure.
Meanwhile, FDI fell 15% in 2024, while visitors rose 8.5%. However, these figures predate Bluman’s tenure.
Looking Ahead
ProColombia’s new director faces the challenge of implementing the embassy office move while maintaining the agency’s promotional duties. The restructuring is announced but not yet formalized, with no decree or resolution cited.
Bluman’s experience in foreign trade and logistics may prove valuable as he navigates this transition. The goal, as stated, is to attract more investment and strengthen Colombia’s global presence.
Bluman’s logistics expertise may aid the embassy transition. Nevertheless, the agency’s budget and office count remain undisclosed.
Although the restructuring is announced, no decree or resolution is cited. Still, Bluman’s logistics expertise may aid the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ProColombia’s new director?
Samuel Bluman Levy, a businessman from Antioquia with over 40 years in textiles, garment manufacturing, foreign trade, precision logistics, and business financing. He was sworn in on 21 August 2026.
What is the embassy office move?
The government plans to close ProColombia’s standalone offices abroad and move their functions into Colombia’s embassies and consulates. This is aimed at cutting costs and strengthening export promotion.
Why did Jaime Uribe not take the role?
Jaime Uribe, announced in July 2026, could not be sworn in because he did not meet the academic requirements for the position. As a result, Samuel Bluman was appointed instead.
What is ProColombia’s main role?
ProColombia is Colombia’s official state agency for international promotion, handling exports, tourism, foreign investment, and the country brand. It helps Colombian companies sell abroad and attracts foreign investors.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Infobae Colombia; Semana; El Colombiano; El Tiempo; La República; Blu Radio; La Opinión; MinCIT; ProColombia.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
Read More from The Rio Times