Meet the team
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Experience, in-depth knowledge, and strategic vision are essential to harnessing foreign trade and foreign direct investment as drivers of development.
Martín Gustavo Ibarra is the president of the firm. Participated in the World Bank mission that created China's special economic zones in 1983. He has also collaborated in the restructuring of foreign trade mechanisms and free zones in most Latin American countries and some countries in Asia and Africa. He has advised several ports on concession contracts and the promotion of port services.
Participated as Manager and coordinator in the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Colombia in 1991 (today the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism) to move from a closed world to a globalized one with regulations such as the development of a new Customs Statute in 1984, the Framework Law on Foreign Trade in the same year and the new Free Trade Zone Law of 1983.
Been Featured by several law magazines as one of the best lawyers in International Trade Law in Colombia and Latin America, including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Best Lawyers International.
He has distinguished himself as an international speaker on topics related to Free Trade Zones and Foreign Trade.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Driving business internationalization with a strategic approach is key to opening new markets, generating value, and positioning Colombia in global trade.
Juan Camilo is a business administrator with over XNUMX years of experience in international trade and business internationalization. He specializes in developing export-oriented companies, analyzing global market trends, identifying distribution channels, and managing export procedures. He has supported companies and public institutions in designing international expansion strategies and contributed to key initiatives such as Colombia a un Clic by ProColombia.
Currently at Araújo Ibarra, he serves as Manager to the President's Office, where he supports high-level strategic coordination, institutional relations, and the development of initiatives aimed at strengthening the international competitiveness of Colombia’s business sector. His work has been essential to projects that integrate business vision, trade policy, and global positioning.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Boosting foreign trade and direct investment requires building informed strategies based on market intelligence and rigorous analysis. Strategic data analysis is key to transforming information into high-impact decisions supported by evidence.
Geraldine is an Economist and holds a degree in Finance and International Trade from Universidad del Rosario, with a master's in public policy economics. Her career has focused on identifying opportunities arising from international trade, promoting collaboration between public and private actors, and developing strategies grounded in rigorous data analysis. She specializes in data visualization, market research, and the generation of commercial intelligence to support strategic decision-making. She has worked with companies, government entities, multilateral organizations, and academic institutions in analyzing the global environment, leveraging trade opportunities, and promoting foreign investment.
Currently at Araújo Ibarra, she serves as a Consultant in the President’s Office, where she directly supports the CEO in the execution of cross-cutting consulting projects on international trade and investment. Her work has been key in developing market intelligence strategies, identifying sectoral trends, and analyzing complex data, strengthening the analytical foundation of the firm’s projects and supporting strategic decision-making at the highest level.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Transforming complex regulatory frameworks into strategic advantages is key to empowering companies competing in global trade.
Olga Lucía is an economist with over XNUMX years of experience in international trade. She specializes in analyzing global trade regulations and providing technical representation for companies, business associations, and government entities before both national and international authorities.
Her expertise spans trade defense, the use of trade agreements, tariff policy, and regulatory affairs. She currently serves as Partner for Policy and Trade Advocacy at Araújo Ibarra, where she leads investigations related to antidumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. She also advises companies on how to effectively leverage free trade agreements, rules of origin, tariff structures, internationalization tools, and export promotion mechanisms.
Olga has played a pivotal role in defending domestic industries against unfair trade practices in sectors such as steel, metalworking, oil & gas, and construction materials. She has also developed strategies to boost the international competitiveness of companies in the agro-industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, petrochemical, textile and apparel, and automotive sectors.
In addition, she serves as a professor in the Specialization in Customs Law and Foreign Trade at Universidad Externado de Colombia.
Economist – Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Master's Degree in Analysis of Contemporary Political, Economic, and International Problems– Universidad Externado de Colombia – IHEAL (Institut des Hautes Études de l'Amérique Latine)
Graduate Certificate Program in Trade Policy and Commerce – completed at the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, and the Organization of American States
Economist – Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Specialist in Negotiation and International Relations – Universidad de los Andes
Economist from the National University and specialist in Negotiation and International Relations. He has more than 10 years of experience in foreign trade, trade defense, regulatory affairs and corporate relations management.
During his internship at ARAÚJO IBARRA Consultores, he has participated in the advice and construction of the investigation processes that the firm has carried out for the adoption of safeguard measures and antidumping duties.
In the private sector, she served as Institutional Relations Coordinator for the Techint Organization. She has also advised professional institutions such as the National Association of Colombian Entrepreneurs – ANDI and the Colombian Chamber of Petroleum Goods and Services – CAMPETROL.
Additionally, he has held different positions in government institutions such as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the National Planning Department.
His practice also involves representing companies before various State entities.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Understanding the global environment and translating it into actionable strategies is key for Colombian companies to thrive in international markets.
Manuela is an Internationalist from Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, with a specialization in foreign policy and global affairs. She has supported numerous companies in the implementation of trade policy instruments and the effective use of trade agreements.
Currently, she serves as a Consultant in the Trade Policy and Defense Unit at Araújo Ibarra, where she contributes to regulatory analysis projects, tariff modification processes, and tailored studies designed to meet the specific needs of each client.
Her work has been instrumental in managing tariff deferral and split processes, as well as in identifying commercial risks and opportunities for strategic sectors.
Manuela has also contributed to foreign direct investment initiatives from the United Kingdom to Colombia and has supported the promotion of Colombian economic sectors to Brazilian companies interested in the market. Prior to joining Araújo Ibarra, she was part of the Vice-Presidential team.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Rigorous and strategic analysis is essential to successfully face the challenges of international trade.
Amena is a professional in Finance and International Trade, with a focus on the latter, from Universidad del Rosario in Colombia. She has specialized in anti-dumping investigations and other trade defense instruments, as well as in the compliance with rules of origin under current trade agreements. She has supported exporting and importing companies, as well as business and industrial associations, in trade defense proceedings and international regulatory strategies.
Currently at Araújo Ibarra, she serves as a Consultant in the Trade Policy and Defense Unit, where she leads and supports the development of diagnostics for the application of trade defense measures on specific products, structures technical and economic analyses, builds evidentiary arguments in the context of anti-dumping investigations, and verifies compliance with rules of origin according to the applicable trade agreement.
Her work has been key in projects aimed at identifying unfair trade practices across multiple sectors, conducting comparative economic and technical analyses for strategic countries, and verifying compliance with rules of origin in foreign trade operations. She has contributed to the correct application of tariff preferences under agreements such as the Colombia-U.S. Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA).
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Rigorous and strategic analysis is essential for effective trade defense.
Julián is an economist with more than two years of experience in trade policy and advocacy. He specializes in international trade, market analysis, and tariff regulation, providing technical and strategic support to companies and industry associations involved in trade defense procedures, including antidumping investigations, safeguard measures, and tariff modification processes (such as increases, deferrals, and tariff splits).
As a Junior Consultant in the Trade Policy and Defense Unit at Araújo Ibarra, he leads the analysis of statistical and market data and plays an active role in trade defense investigations. His contributions have been key in high-impact cases such as the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of extruded aluminum profiles and the application of safeguard measures on iron wire rod, among other relevant proceedings.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: aAnalyzing Colombian companies is key to understanding the national context.
Professional in Government and International Relations with a research profile. Began her career in the Center for Indian Studies (CESICAM)focusing on macroeconomic and Asian market analysis.
Subsequently, as an external consultant for the Institute of Political Science (ICP), led the analysis of Colombian companies and their reaction to national legislation, developing and automating statistical and econometric variables with R Studio, Power BI, and MAXQDA. Her analytical skills were honed in the public sector during her internship at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourismwhere he offered Direct support in tariff analysis and antidumping measures.
Currently, he works as junior consultant at Araújo Ibarra, in trade defense, policy and foreign trade data analysis.
Professional in Government and International Relations – Universidad Externado de Colombia
Andrés Ibarra promotes efficient interrelations among organizational business systems, leveraging technology and digital transformation to strengthen ties with the broader ecosystem. His goal is to create profitable and holistic solutions, as well as to drive think tanks that disseminate best practices for generating comprehensive value, based on his experience within a family business group.
His approach acknowledges and prioritizes the links, relationships, and interdependencies of organizational systems, enhancing their innovation capacity to achieve profitable and sustainable growth.
He develops efficient and cost-effective solutions to complex problems, placing people and the planet at the core, enabling organizations to thrive and endure.
As an intrapreneur, he seeks to generate value through strategic solutions that optimize business models and processes, driving innovation, development, and long-term growth within organizations. Currently, as Director of IR Family Office, he is developing an integrated management system for both family and business governance.
In his role as Executive Vice President of the “World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) – Araújo Ibarra” alliance, he promotes the growth and internationalization of free zones around the world, creating business and expansion opportunities. He builds strategic global connections among WTCs, free zones, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
As Co-founder and Director of the IR Foundation, he collaborates with various organizations globally and promotes the empowerment and integration of business families and Family Offices, with a strong emphasis on social and economic impact. He partners with Family Office Exchange (FOX), a global leader in the Family Office industry.
He serves on the boards of companies related to Family Offices, legal affairs, industrial parks, and the Juan Antonio Pardo Ospina Institute for Blind Children.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Understanding markets is the first step to unlocking new international opportunities and developing effective global strategies.
Laura is an Economist and a professional in Finance and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She has experience in market research and intelligence, developed during her internship at Invest in Bogotá, where she focused on data analysis, visualization, and the study of strategic sectors to support foreign investment promotion.
During her academic journey, she was part of the Center for Strategic Analysis and Design (CADE)—a research group dedicated to international economic analysis and negotiation strategies for global cooperation.
She currently serves as a Junior Consultant at Araújo Ibarra – International Business Consultants, where she plays a key role in supporting the alliance with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). Her work centers on the strategic analysis of free trade zones and the creation of tools to identify and evaluate investment opportunities.
At Araujo Ibarra we know it: Market research is essential to identifying real opportunities, minimizing risks, and making smart decisions that open doors to new markets and foster effective international collaboration.
Santiago is an Economist with experience in market intelligence, budget analysis, and foreign investment attraction. He also has complementary training in data science.
During his internship at the Market Intelligence Unit of Invest in Bogotá, he contributed to the analysis of strategic sectors for investment promotion and the identification of potential market opportunities. He has also participated in budget review processes and in the monitoring of infrastructure project implementation.
Currently, he works as a Junior Consultant at Araújo Ibarra – International Business Consultants, where he supports the alliance with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). His work focuses on conducting strategic analyses of free trade zones and systematizing key data to identify and evaluate investment opportunities.
At Araujo Ibarra we know it: A clear purpose is the foundation for strengthening a company’s structure and organization.
Carolina is responsible for the design, execution, and oversight of strategic projects at the firm, while also contributing to the development and implementation of its overarching strategy. She brings XNUMX years of experience supporting organizations in enhancing their internal structure and operations, always grounded in a well-defined purpose.
She holds a Law degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, recognized by the University of the Basque Country, as well as a master’s in environmental management from Universidad de los Andes and a Master’s in Management from the London School of Economics.
At Araujo Ibarra we know it: Effective international promotion and strategic business development are key to positioning Colombia as a competitive player in global markets.
Juliana is an economist with extensive experience in international trade, export management, and commercial relations. She specializes in export promotion, development of the manufacturing sector, and socioeconomic inclusion, and has supported governments and companies in processes of internationalization, export offer positioning, and regional cooperation.
Currently at Araújo Ibarra, she serves as Director of International Promotion and Business Development, where she leads strategies to boost Colombia’s presence in international markets, supports the strengthening of business capabilities, and builds key alliances to enhance export growth. Her work has been instrumental in initiatives focused on manufacturing, market intelligence, and regional integration strategies.
Partner - Director of Special Foreign
Trade Mechanisms
María Josefina Ibarra is an Anthropologist from Universidad de los Andes and holds a specialization in International Trade from Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano.
She has extensive experience with the Special Import-Export Systems known as Plan Vallejo, providing advisory services for their implementation and management in operations involving raw materials, inputs, capital goods, spare parts, and services. She has supported companies across various sectors, particularly in the mining-energy, manufacturing, and transportation industries.
She currently serves as Partner and Director of the Foreign Trade Mechanisms Unit at Araújo Ibarra.
Aníbal is a professional in International Trade and a Specialist in Project Management, Formulation, and Evaluation. He has extensive experience in foreign trade operations, particularly in the Special Import-Export Systems known as Plan Vallejo. His practice includes advising on the application and administration of the Plan Vallejo mechanism for operations involving raw materials, inputs, capital goods, spare parts, and services. He has supported companies from various sectors, especially mining and energy, manufacturing, floriculture, industrial, transportation, and airport infrastructure.
He currently serves as Manager of Special Foreign Trade Mechanisms in the Plan Vallejo Unit at Araújo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales S.A.S.
Aníbal is also an adjunct professor at several universities and a frequent speaker on topics related to international trade.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Complete mastery of Special Import and Export Systems—such as the Vallejo Plan—is essential to fully leveraging tariff benefits.
Jaime is an International Business professional with over eight years of experience managing and overseeing Special Import and Export Systems, particularly the Vallejo Plan.
He currently serves as a Senior Analyst in the Vallejo Plan division at Araújo Ibarra, where he specializes in program administration and monitoring, the preparation of export compliance reports, program modifications, and guiding companies through the approval process via Colombia’s Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE).
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Expert advisory in international trade and the Plan Vallejo makes a significant difference.
Danny is an International Trade professional with over XNUMX years of experience coordinating customs procedures, logistics, and regulatory compliance for import and export operations. His approach focuses on ensuring operational efficiency, optimizing processes, and delivering client satisfaction.
He currently works as a Senior Analyst in the Plan Vallejo area at Araújo Ibarra, where he manages and oversees the raw materials Plan Vallejo program for Avianca. He has advanced proficiency in technological tools and specialized international trade software.
Analyst
Diego is a Metallurgical Engineer with extensive expertise in tariff classification and nomenclature, customs valuation, trade policy, product designation and coding, and rules of origin. His technical knowledge and practical experience make him a key asset in helping companies navigate the complexities of foreign trade regulations and optimize their operations.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Experience and tax savings are at the core of effective Vallejo Plan management.
Sonia has supported senior executives across multiple areas by developing research, technical reports, and strategic studies for the firm’s clients. She has contributed to export promotion and market intelligence initiatives such as ATPACOL, ATPACOST, ATPA’XNUMX, and ATPABOL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Proexport, and Incomex.
With XNUMX years of experience in managing the Vallejo Plan—particularly in the aeronautical sector—Sonia has played a key role in supporting Avianca through the management of import/export databases and the execution of quota closures before DIAN and MINCIT.
Currently, she serves as a Senior Analyst in the Vallejo Plan division at Araújo Ibarra, where she is responsible for overseeing the Avianca BS-XNUMX Program.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: We understand the importance of driving the business sector forward by leveraging tax benefits for the importation of raw materials, machinery, and equipment—ultimately resulting in competitive products and services in the international market.
Rossell is a Business Administration professional and holds a technical degree in International Trade. She has built her career in import and export operations, consulting various public and private foreign trade databases for statistical studies, and managing registrations for UAP and ALTEX programs. She has extensive experience assisting companies in obtaining and managing Special Import-Export Systems, specifically under the “Plan Vallejo” framework.
She currently serves as a Senior Analyst in the Foreign Trade Mechanisms Unit.
Partner - Director of Strategies
of Internationalization
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: A strategic vision and solid experience turn the challenges of international trade into real opportunities for our clients.
Patricia Mendoza is an economist with over XNUMX years of experience in international trade. She has specialized in competitiveness analysis, market diversification, socioeconomic impact analysis of regional projects, foreign investment, and logistics, assisting governments, organizations, and companies in the design of studies, expansion strategies, and the development of new export destinations.
Currently, at Araújo Ibarra, she serves as Managing Partner of the Internationalization Strategies Unit, where she leads research, sectoral plans, and projects to boost Colombia's integration into global markets. Her work has been key in identifying potential products and markets for Colombia and other countries, as well as regional and sectoral plans to increase per capita exports, identifying weak and strong links in production chains, and proposing action plans to promote investment attraction.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Anticipating market dynamics is key to driving the internationalization of companies, sectors, and regions.
He currently serves as Manager of the Internationalization Strategies area at Araújo Ibarra, where he leads market intelligence projects, strategic positioning, trade missions, and the design of promotional agendas for regions and sectors.
His work has been key in structuring internationalization strategies for companies such as Ramo Products, Harinera del Valle and Tecnoquímicas; as well as the strengthening of promotion agencies such as Invest in Manizales, Invest in Pereira and Invest Pacific. He has also led programs with national and international reach for entities such as CAF, Bancóldex, ProColombia and chambers of commerce.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Understanding the complexity of international trade and turning it into opportunities is key to enhancing our clients' competitiveness.
Juan Pablo Gamba holds a degree in Finance and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia, with an emphasis in international economics. He has experience in market research, data analysis, and the design of internationalization strategies. He has specialized in foreign trade mechanisms, value chains, nearshoring, and competitiveness, supporting governments, industry associations, and companies in market access processes, international expansion, and the organization of business events.
He currently serves as a Consultant in Internationalization Strategies at Araújo Ibarra, where he coordinates applied research and assists clients in designing pathways to seize new market opportunities and improve their international competitiveness.
Nicolás Gómez Ortiz is a lawyer with over XNUMX years of experience in corporate law, commercial law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), estate planning, foreign trade, and foreign investment. He has advised national and international companies on the structuring of corporate transactions, business reorganizations, and both domestic and international contracting. He has also supported the entry and expansion of foreign investment in Colombia. His practice has focused on sectors such as manufacturing, mining, energy, infrastructure, and services, providing comprehensive legal solutions aimed at business development and consolidation.
Currently, at Araújo Ibarra, he serves as Partner and Director of the Corporate Law area, where he leads legal structuring processes, advises on transactions, and designs efficient corporate models.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Strategic legal vision makes the difference in complex business scenarios.
Samuel is an attorney with over XNUMX years of experience in corporate, contractual, tax, and M&A law. He specializes in M&A negotiations, estate planning, and advising national and international investors across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, education, and services. He also has experience in investment banking, which complements his legal practice with a strong financial perspective.
At Araújo Ibarra, he serves as a Senior Associate in the Corporate and Transactional Law Unit, where he leads negotiations, contract drafting, risk assessments, and the structuring of complex legal transactions.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Sound corporate legal design is a strategic component for making well-informed and sustainable business decisions.
Andrea Lizeth Rojas Gil is a lawyer with experience in real estate, corporate, and public procurement law, with a focus on the management, promotion, and execution of real estate projects, including their structuring through fiduciary instruments. She has worked with companies in the construction sector and in law firms, participating in the drafting and management of consultancy, design, engineering, supervision, and infrastructure construction contracts.
She is currently part of the legal team at Araújo Ibarra, where she has worked on matters related to corporate, commercial, and contract law, addressing issues such as business structuring and reorganization, analysis of relationships between affiliated entities, corporate compliance, and the design of contractual frameworks for domestic and international operations. Her experience also includes legal support in commercial relationships with both private and public entities, taking into account the regulatory and strategic aspects of each transaction.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Tax planning and corporate law are key to business success.
Sebastián is a lawyer with a specialization in Private Law and over two years of experience in national and international commercial, corporate, and tax law. His work focuses on corporate structuring, contract drafting and review, and tax planning strategies with both domestic and international scope.
He has supported companies and multilateral organizations in legal compliance processes and corporate reform initiatives. Currently, he serves as a Junior Lawyer in the Corporate and M&A Law Unit at Araújo Ibarra, where he conducts legal research and assists in the preparation and review of legal documentation.
Currently, he works as a Junior Attorney in the Corporate and M&A Law Unit at Araújo Ibarra, where she leads research, drafting, and review of legal documents.
Languages
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Specialized foreign trade consulting not only minimizes risks but also streamlines operations and ensures full regulatory compliance.
Andrea is a lawyer with XNUMX years of experience in foreign trade, customs, and exchange law. She has advised both national and international clients on the planning and structuring of foreign trade operations, offering strategic legal counsel and representing them in both administrative and judicial proceedings.
She currently leads the Customs and Exchange Law Unit at Araújo Ibarra as Director, where she is responsible for designing and executing legal planning strategies and compliance frameworks tailored to the complexities of foreign trade regulation.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Seeking expert advice before executing foreign trade operations generates efficiencies and mitigates risks.
Felipe is a lawyer with over XNUMX years of experience in customs, exchange, and tax law. He specializes in structuring import and export operations, applying trade promotion mechanisms, and advising clients through legal consulting, litigation, and project design.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Technical and legal knowledge is key for strategic decisions, risk mitigation, and opportunity generation.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Strengthening customs operations through specialized legal advice enhances our clients’ competitiveness.
Carolina is a lawyer with a Master’s in Criminal Law and over five years of experience integrating criminal and customs law to provide strategic legal solutions. Her background includes work in the Judicial Branch and private litigation, giving her a comprehensive perspective to advise clients in sectors such as hydrocarbons, finance, and automotive.
She currently serves as a Senior Lawyer in the Customs and Exchange Law Unit at Araújo Ibarra, where she leads the Customs and Tax Criminal Law segment. Her work focuses on prevention and legal defense in administrative and criminal investigations, risk mitigation, and ensuring full regulatory compliance for clients engaged in foreign trade operations.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Well-managed tax, exchange, and customs challenges create opportunities for secure growth.
Juan Martín is a lawyer with over XNUMX years of experience in customs, tax, and exchange law. He specializes in consulting and litigation in these areas and has advised both public and private companies.
Currently, he works as a Lawyer in the Customs and Exchange Law Unit at Araújo Ibarra, where he leads the development of legal concepts and judicial processes.
Lawyer – Universidad del Rosario
Specialization in Tax Law – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: It is essential to transform trade regulation into a driver for international expansion.
Salome is Lawyer in training. Currently works as Junior Consultant in the Customs and Foreign Exchange Law Unit of Araújo Ibarra International Business Consultants, where it supports processes related to customs, tax, and foreign trade regulations.
Consulting Partner Specialized in Negotiations of International Agreements
Jorge has been a professor of advanced mathematics at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and has held several high-level positions throughout his career, including President and CEO of the National Exporters Association (Analdex), Minister of Economic Development, Executive Director of the Colombian Automotive Company, and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the International Coffee Organization in London. He has also served as Head of Planning and Secretary of Education for the Department of Cundinamarca, and General Director of the Colombian Savings Fund of Caja Agraria.
He has acted as a financial expert in several arbitration tribunals, including cases such as Cerromatoso–Insurance Companies; Coviandes–Invías; and Prosantana–UESP. In XNUMX, he served as General Coordinator of the Business Forum of the Americas held in Cartagena, where more than XNUMX business leaders from across the Hemisphere gathered to formulate recommendations for the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). He currently works as a consultant specializing in international trade and finance.
In XNUMX and XNUMX, she served as Colombia’s Ambassador to India with concurrent accreditation to Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Prior to that, she held the key post of Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Colombia in the United States for a second time. She also led the Colombian Trade Office in Washington, D.C., during the launch of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. In the private sector, she held senior executive positions at Postobón and in the offices of Organización Ardila Lülle as Director of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs; at Coltabaco–Philip Morris International as Government Affairs Manager; and in the United States, at the customs and trade law firm Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, where she served as Director for Latin America and the Caribbean during the FTA negotiations with CAFTA-DR, Colombia, and Panama. Additionally, she worked with Chemonics International on stabilization and support programs for vulnerable communities, and as advisor to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS).
María Ángela is a business administrator with extensive experience in foreign trade, commercial development, and brand positioning in private sector companies, both nationally and internationally. Her career has focused on leading expansion strategies, customer loyalty, and market intelligence studies, with a focus on meeting quality standards and operational efficiency.
She has worked primarily in the automotive sector, where she designed and implemented sales, sales training, and brand building programs. She currently serves as a strategic partner in Ecuador, leading trade promotion processes and forging alliances between local companies and specialized services in logistics, customs, and internationalization.
His profile is distinguished by a strategic vision, a strong commercial focus, and a deep understanding of the business environment between Colombia and Ecuador, adding value to regional expansion processes and the development of new markets.
At Araújo Ibarra we know it: Internationalization is the way to strengthen competitiveness and project our companies into global markets.
Álvaro Concha is an executive with more than 22 years of experience in development of international Business, leading strategic operations in Europe, North America y Central America.
For the past 12 years, he served as Director of ProColombia's Trade Office in Canada, leading the North American Hub, driving exports, corporate tourism and foreign investment towards Colombia, and generating strategic alliances with key international players. His experience includes the design and implementation of strategies that strengthen the internalization of enterprises, expanding its participation in global markets and promoting the regional economic growth.
Currently, Álvaro directs the Internationalization Unit of Antioquia (ProAntioquia), where he leads the structuring of programs and services that connect regional companies with international opportunities, facilitating their expansion into new markets and access to financing alternatives to boost their growth. Under his leadership, strategic agreements have been established with partners such as CAF and KPMG, consolidating pilot programs that strengthen business internationalization and support the region's sustainable economic development.
