Colombia has “a serious security problem” which generates concern in
the rest of the world, although the situation “has improved a lot”,
director of the National Planning Department (DNP), Esteban Piedrahita,
admitted Thursday.
During a meeting with British investors in London, Piedrahita acknowledged that the conflict with the guerrillas is in “the head of the world”, it harms the image of Colombia abroad and is an obstacle to foreign investments.
“We have been very violent in the past. But we are radically improving on this subject, still there is a long way ahead of us”, he added, El Espectador reported.
On the question whether corruption hinders Colombia’s economic potential, Piedrahita said that it was “more complex”. Corruption generates “laxity and inefficiency” but such “practices are not widespread,” she said.
At present the greatest challenges for Colombia are “on short-term to create jobs and to stimulate economic activity, whereas long-term wise we have to increase the competitiveness and integrate Colombia in the world”, Piedrahita quoted.
The director of the DNP showed confidence in the strength of Colombia’s financial system and its future.
