Colombia

Maria Alejandra Henriquez

Head of Inward Foreign Direct Investment

ProBarranquilla

Head of Inward Foreign Direct Investment, ProBarranquilla. Henriquez leads the investment promotion strategy of the city of Barranquilla and the state of Atlantico in Colombia, encompassing investment attraction, promotion and retention to drive economic development. Henriquez holds a degree in International Relations with a focus on International Economics from Universidad del Norte, as well as a master’s degree in Commerce and Marketing from Macquarie University. With 8 years of experience in investment promotion and attraction, she is certified by the Inter-American Development Bank as an expert in investment promotion agency strategy. Additionally, she holds certifications from the World Energy Council as an Energy Leader of the World Energy Academy and is an active member of EmpowerED, a network of women in energy. Her previous roles in marketing, economic research, and business relations, including positions at SENA and Fundesarrollo, have honed her expertise. She’s committed to positioning Barranquilla as the preferred destination for foreign investors.

As a representative of Barranquilla’s investment promotion agency, I am eager to participate in the ACE Michigan program as it offers a unique opportunity to engage with Michigan’s economic development ecosystem, gain insights into sustainable growth practices and explore collaboration opportunities with world-class institutions. From an investment attraction perspective, this program serves as an invaluable networking platform to get in touch with Michigan-based companies that may be interested in exploring industrial investment projects in Latin America, where they can reduce operational and logistics costs, foster formal employment and extend business reach. Furthermore, ProBarranquilla is committed to ensuring a favorable business climate conducive to both reinvestments and new investments in the state of Atlantico. I perceive a significant opportunity to foster partnerships between Michigan and Barranquilla, particularly in talent and capacity development, research collaborations, and knowledge transfer within industry ecosystems. In addition, Barranquilla aims to reclaim significance in the aerospace industry through the establishment of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul operation. Drawing from Michigan’s expertise in this domain, the city can collaborate on developing a roadmap for the aerospace supply chain. In conclusion, the ACE Michigan program presents a remarkable opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth between Barranquilla and Michigan. By leveraging our respective strengths and experiences, we can propel innovation, foster economic development, and drive sustainable growth in both regions.

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