Socio-Economic Lawyer – Pontifical Javeriana University
Comparative Law – University of Texas at Dallas
Export Promotion – Istituto per il Commerce Estero de Italia
Martín Gustavo Ibarra is the president of the firm and participated in the World Bank mission that created the special economic zones of China in 1983. He has also collaborated in the restructuring of foreign trade mechanisms and free trade zones in most Latin American countries and some countries in Asia and Africa. He is an advisor to several ports in concession contracts and promotion of port services.
He participated as a 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 world 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 Law on Free Trade Zones in 1983.
He has been recognized 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.
Economic Sciences – National University of Colombia
Master's Degree in Analysis of Contemporary Political, Economic and International Problems – Externado University of Colombia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Institute of Advanced Studies for Development Institute of Advanced Studies in Latin America (IHEAL) – Paris III
Partner – Director of the Trade Policy and Defense Unit, who has advised national and international companies in investigation processes for the adoption of safeguard measures and antidumping duties.
In addition, he represents numerous companies before the National Government in the application of trade policy instruments, promotion of foreign trade, especially free zones and the use of Free Trade Agreements.
In the public sector, she served as coordinator for Colombia in the negotiations for the Pacific Alliance and deputy negotiator of the Trade Defense table in the FTAs with the United States, Chile, the Northern Triangle, Canada and EFTA. She was also a Trade Policy advisor for the Colombian Federation of Cattle Ranchers.
Additionally, she has specialized studies in trade policy and foreign trade at the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and the Organization of American States. In 2019, she was recognized by the Legal500 international ranking as a “Rising Star” in the practice of International Trade.
Olga Lucía is currently the president of the Foreign Trade Committee of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce – AmCham Colombia.
Managing Partner Internationalization Strategies
Economist – Pontifical Javeriana University
Intensive course on export promotion and marketing – Center for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries, “CBI”, Rotterdam
Seminar on Socioeconomic Evaluation of Investment Projects – University of the Andes
Intensive course “A service center model for the internationalization of the company – Consortium for the Promotion of Trade in Catalonia (COPCA), Barcelona
Patricia Mendoza de Galofre has 40 years of experience in international trade. Her practice involves export promotion, market intelligence, socioeconomic feasibility studies, formulation of logistics plans, identification of products and services with potential in international markets and Foreign Direct Investment. In addition, Patricia has led trade missions in more than 20 countries.
Managing Partner Special International Trade Mechanisms
Anthropologist – University of the Andes
International Trade Specialist – Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
María Josefina Ibarra leads the Plan Vallejo unit and has extensive experience in the Special Import-Export Systems “Plan Vallejo”. Her practice involves advising on the application and administration of the Plan Vallejo in operations of Raw Materials, Supplies, Capital Goods and Spare Parts, as well as in Service programs for companies in various sectors, mainly mining-energy, manufacturing and transportation.
Consulting Partner specializing in negotiations of international agreements
Economist – University of the Andes
Bachelor of Philosophy and Arts – Pontifical Javeriana University
Master in Economic Development – Williams College
Jorge has been a professor of higher mathematics at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and during his career he has served as President and CEO of the National Association of Exporters (Analdex), Minister of Economic Development, Executive Director of the Colombian Automotive Company, permanent representative of Colombia to the International Coffee Organization in London, Head of Planning and Secretary of Education of Cundinamarca and General Director of the Colombian Savings Bank of the Caja Agraria. He has acted as a financial expert in several arbitration courts, such as Cerromatoso-Insurance Companies; Coviandes-Invías; Prosantana-UESP. He was General Coordinator of the Business Forum of the Americas, in Cartagena, in 1996, when more than fifteen hundred executives from across the Hemisphere met to formulate recommendations for the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). He is currently a consultant specializing in international trade and finance.
Lawyer – University of Rosario
Specialist in Commercial Law – Pontifical Javeriana University
Tax Law Specialist (Recognition of merit order): Pontifical Javeriana University
Lawyer from the Universidad del Rosario (Bogotá), with a Specialization in Commercial Law from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, who has experience in Law Firms and consulting in the area of Commercial Law, especially focused on corporate and M&A matters.
Lawyer – University of La Sabana
Speciprepares in Customs Law – Externado University of Colombia
Andrea is a lawyer with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, customs and foreign exchange law. She advises national and international clients from different sectors on matters related to planning and structuring customs operations, foreign trade and foreign exchange. She represents clients in customs and foreign exchange litigation before administrative and judicial authorities. She has the ability to plan, organize and control team activities with very good interpersonal relationships.
Lawyer –University of the Andes
Leadership Program – Yale University, USA.
Financial Data Analysis Program – University of California Berkeley, USA.
Private equity and venture capital program – IE Business School, Spain.
Certificate of Excellence in Global Business – Yale University, USA.
Andrés works as director of IR Family Office, where he develops a family and business management system within the Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Pages ecosystem.
He actively contributes to the development of the IR Foundation, which represents Family Office Exchange, a global leader in the family office industry, within the CARICOL chapter, covering Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean.
Andrés leads the strategic planning and execution of family businesses, guiding them towards compliance with the highest corporate standards. From the operational management, he provides a systemic organizational vision and uses technology to enhance decision-making processes that increase productivity and precision.
Lawyer – Javeriana University
Master in Environmental Management – University of the Andes
Management – London School of Economics.
Lawyer from the Universidad Javeriana, degree homologation from the University of the Basque Country, Master's in Environmental Management from the Universidad de los Andes and Management from the London School of Economics. 16 years of experience providing companies with structure and organization based on their purpose.
Economist – Pontifical Javeriana University.
Master in International Studies – Pontifical Javeriana University.
juliana Villegas has accumulated solid experience in the field of International Trade and Export Management, as well as in social and humanitarian initiatives. Her career includes prominent roles at ProColombia, where she has held key positions as Vice President of Exports and Manager of Exports of Manufacturing and Inputs, as well as Director of the Colombian Commercial Office for Peru and Bolivia, with the position of Commercial Attaché in Peru.
She has also worked in the private sector as Purchasing Manager at DAABON ORGANIC AUSTRALIA PTY. Her commitment to social development is evident in her work as Advisor to the Presidential Program for Comprehensive Action against Antipersonnel Mines and in the Antipersonnel Mines Observatory, where she contributed to the socioeconomic inclusion of victims of these devices in social, educational and productive life.
This extensive experience reflects her interest in the permanent coordination between the public and private sectors inside and outside Colombia, her versatility, leadership and commitment both in the business field and in social development, which makes her a well-rounded professional capable of turning challenges into opportunities in different contexts.
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with Economics – Brigham Young University
Master in International Public Policy – Johns Hopkins University
Comprehensive National Defense Course – Higher School of War, Colombia
During 2021 and 2022, she served as Colombia's Ambassador to India with visits to Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Previously, she held, for the second time, the important position at the Embassy of Colombia to the United States of America as Deputy Head of Mission. In addition, she led the Colombian Trade Office in Washington during the launch of the FTA with the United States.
She has extensive experience in the public and private sectors, including senior executive positions at Postobón, in the offices of the Ardila Lule Organization, as Director of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs; at Coltabaco - Philip Morris International, as Manager of Government Affairs, and in the United States at the customs and trade law firm of Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg as Director for Latin America and the Caribbean during the negotiations of the CAFTA-DR, Colombia and Panama FTAs. She also worked on programs to consolidate and support vulnerable communities with Chemonics International, and as an advisor to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States.
Lawyer - Universidad de los Andes
Tax Law Specialist - Universidad del Rosario
Felipe has more than 8 years of professional experience providing consulting to national and international companies in customs, foreign exchange and tax matters.
As part of his professional practice, he has participated in numerous projects such as declarations of free trade zones, optimization of customs legislation in several countries and implementation of projects for the use of tax and customs benefits. In addition, Felipe has acted as legal representative before administrative and judicial authorities in several successful proceedings.
Economist and International Negotiator – Icesi University
Master in Administration – University of Valle
Marcela is an economist, international negotiator and master in administration, with more than 10 years of experience in market intelligence for identifying trade opportunities, market access conditions and investment opportunities. Additionally, she has experience in preparing international and sectoral economic studies, trend analysis and the use of free trade agreements. She has participated in various internationalization projects for companies in different sectors, identification of potential markets, as well as in regional and sectoral development projects to attract investment. Likewise, she has supported strategic support projects for companies using ideation and innovation methodologies.
International Trade Professional – Cooperative University
Specialist in Project Management and Formulation – Cooperative University of Colombia
Anibal is an expert in the management of Special Import-Export Systems (Plan Vallejo), Permanent Customs Users – UAP, Highly Exporting Users – ALTEX, Free Trade Zones, International Marketing and Economic Integration and has extensive business experience in matters related to imports and exports, customs legislation, logistics and international physical distribution, customs procedures and market studies.
Company administrator – Pontifical Javeriana University
a – EAE Business School
He has developed a solid career in the field of international trade and the internationalization of companies, accumulating more than 8 years of experience in key roles in both the public and private sectors. His focus is on the development and adaptation of exporting companies, with a deep knowledge of international market trade, market trends, distribution channels, and export procedures. In his professional experience, he participated in the design and implementation of ProColombia's Colombia at a Click strategy.
Economist – National University of Colombia
Specialist in Negotiation and International Relations – University of the 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.
Law School – University of Rosario
Specialist in Administrative Law – University of Rosario
Nathalia is a lawyer, specializing in administrative law from the Universidad del Rosario. She has 6 years of professional experience in administrative law and free-trade regime matters. In recent years she worked as a lawyer in the Free Trade Zone Group of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, where she provided legal advice regarding the different free trade zone projects and participated in the structuring and development of mechanisms for the simplification and digitalization of procedures and improvements to the regime.
In addition, he has worked in firms advising public and private entities on administrative law matters and representing them before administrative and judicial authorities.
Lawyer – Catholic University of Colombia
Specialist in Tax and Customs Law – Catholic University of Colombia
Diploma in State Contracting – Sergio Arboleda University.
Attorney with extensive experience in real estate law, with an emphasis on the management, promotion and execution of real estate projects and their development through fiduciary products.
He has experience in companies in the construction sector and in law firms in the area of corporate law and state contracting in the development of consulting, design and engineering, supervision and construction contracts for works and infrastructure.
Diploma in SARLAFT- SAGRILAFT: Risk Management of L/A and F/T – Awarded by Sergio Arboleda University
Master of Criminal Law – National University of Colombia
Lawyer – National University of Colombia
Carolina is a lawyer from the National University of Colombia and a candidate for a Master's degree in Criminal Law from the same university. She has worked as an official in the Judicial Branch and as a litigating attorney and advisor in criminal and customs matters.
She also has knowledge of SARLAFT and SAGRILAFT, which she has applied in foreign trade operations for adequate management of customs and criminal risks in companies. She also has experience as an academic researcher at the National University of Colombia and the Sergio Arboleda University.
Lawyer – University of Rosario
Law teory – University of Rosario
Lawyer from the Universidad del Rosario, with a major in Legal Theory and Humanities. In his legal office he belonged to the Opción Legal corporation, in the area of refugees, where he gained experience in dealing with administration and international law. He belonged to the Center for Internet and Society of the Universidad del Rosario where he conducted assisted research as a degree option.
Lawyer – Catholic University of the East (UCO)
Specialist in Probatics and Evidentiary Law– Catholic University of the East (UCO)
diplomat – in Extrajudicial Conciliation in Law
A lawyer from the Catholic University of the East (UCO), she completed the last semester of the legal clinic at the Second Civil Circuit Court, in Rionegro, Antioquia; gaining experience especially in civil law and family law. On the other hand, she was also a research assistant at the University in a project carried out jointly with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Antioquia (CCOA) on commercial customs.
Lawyer (recognition of academic merit) – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with emphasis on International Commercial Law and Tort Law.
Lawyer with an emphasis on International Commercial Law and Tort Law from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, graduated with the Order of Academic Merit for her outstanding academic performance during her studies. He has more than two years of experience in national and international commercial law, and corporate law.
Hhas written legal articles related to commercial and contractual issues for the magazine University and the Legal Affairs column.
During his work in the corporate law and M&A area of Araujo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales SAS he has acquired extensive experience in issues related to national and international commercial contracting, corporate law, drafting of legal documents, national and international tax planning, national arbitration, among other things.
Professional in Finance and International Trade – University of Rosario
During his university career he acquired knowledge in micro and macroeconomics, international trade theory and policy, data analysis and econometrics, giving him a broad understanding of the dynamics of foreign trade in a quantitative and qualitative way.
As a junior consultant at Araujo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales, she has assisted in the research, creation and analysis of sector-focused databases. Prior to joining Araujo Ibarra, Amena worked on various issues related to Free Trade Agreements and international cooperation with multiple countries at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Colombia.
Economist – University of Rosario
Professional in Finance and International Trade – University of Rosario
Master in Public Policy Economics – Externado University of Colombia
His career has focused on data analysis and visualization, market research and consulting, demonstrating skills in handling complex data and implementing innovative solutions for the management and presentation of information.
Prior to joining the firm, she worked as an Internationalization Analyst at the Chancellery of the Universidad del Rosario, where she led data analysis and processing projects, indicator management, and validation of strategic partner profiles.
Internationalist - Universidad del Rosario with emphasis on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Internationalist with work experience as a research assistant at the Universidad del Rosario, summer intern at Bancóldex and intern at the Vice Presidency of Exports at ProColombia. Young researcher and project manager related to experiential pedagogy and research on global politics, co-creation and innovation, foreign trade, strategic communications, and business development.
Rosarista who excelled in multiple extracurricular projects such as president of the Superior Student Council, vice president of the Student Council of International Relations, UR Diplomat, and member of the Talent Seedbed for Studies Abroad in alliance with Colfuturo.
Finance and International Relations – Externado University of Colombia
Diploma in Economics and Geopolitics in Asia – Externado University of Colombia
Introduction to Financial Concepts in Python – DataCamp
Intermediate Python for Finance – DataCamp
Professional in Finance and International Relations from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, with an emphasis on international economics. He participated in the research groups of the Universidad Externado, providing support in the development of a public policy for the internationalization of science and scientific diplomacy for Colombia.
He completed his internship at the Maritime and Port Chambers and the Chamber of Users of Free Trade Zones of ANDI, performing tasks such as monitoring and legislative analysis of projects with an impact on the sectors of interest, as well as managing relations between the Government and the private sector. He participated in the construction of the Sixth Integrated Congress of Logistics, Free Trade Zones and Ports of ANDI. He is currently a Junior Consultant at Araújo Ibarra Consultores in International Business and performs market research tasks, focused on data analysis, market trends and distribution channels.
Circular – University of Cartagena
As a junior consultant at Araújo Ibarra Consultores Internacionales, he has participated in the development and construction of research processes for the adoption of trade defense measures (Antidumping, Subsidies and Safeguard Rights) and other trade policy instruments.
In the private sector, she completed her internship at Tenaris TuboCaribe in the Economic Planning Department, where she developed and automated the macroeconomic indicators report for the Andean and Caribbean regions in the Power Bi program. Additionally, she worked as a Human Resources Analyst.
Internationalist – Universidad del Rosario with emphasis on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy and Academic Mention in Global Affairs
Academic exchange 2020 – ULB – Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
He worked as an Analyst at the American multinational Brinks INC under the US Contracts division.
She completed her internship at the Economic Advisory Office of the Vice Presidency of the Republic of Colombia. She worked on the development and logistics of the Colombian Internationalization Mission project.
International Trade Professional – Jorge Tadeo Lozano University
Technologist in Export and Import Management – Jorge Tadeo Lozano University.
He has extensive experience in international trade as well as in the administration of Vallejo plans and regulations in these matters.
Danny is an expert in the review and analysis of import and export documents of the Plan Vallejo program, preparation of input-output tables for each of the raw materials exported and aircraft repaired by third parties, as well as the preparation of communications and presentation of compliance studies to the MinCit, management of the 21st century import system in support of the customs agency, management of the Muisca system.
Analyst
Metallurgical Engineer – Free University of Colombia
Diego Geary is a Metallurgical Engineer and expert in tariff technique and nomenclature, customs valuation, customs policies, designation and coding of goods and rules of origin of goods.
Technician with Specialty in Business Management – José de San Martín Commercial Technical Institute
International Business Professional – Santo Tomas University
International Seminar «Russia in the International Context» – Santo Tomas University – Tula State Pedagogical University LN Tolstoy, Russia.
International Business Professional with experience in the administration and control of Plan Vallejo programs, Creation of Input-Output Tables (CIP), Review of Import and Export Declarations, with basic knowledge and experience in accounting.
Professional in International Relations and Political Studies – New Granada Military University
Diploma in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law – New Granada Military University
She has extensive experience in conducting market intelligence studies and socioeconomic feasibility studies. Miriam is an expert in analyzing information for the correct implementation and monitoring of special import systems such as the Vallejo Plan.
Secretary and Accounting Assistant – Inesco University.
Sonia has extensive experience as an Assistant of the Vallejo Plan Program in the management of import and completion databases before the DIAN and the MINCIT.
He has assisted the Directors of the different areas in everything related to the management of information and the development of concepts and studies for the firm's clients. He has participated in research for the development of projects and market intelligence for the promotion of exports, such as the ATPACOL – ATPACOST – ATPA'95 and ATPABOL programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Proexport and Incomex. He assists in the Plan Vallejo BS-1413 Program of Avianca.
Business administrator – College of Cundinamarca University
Foreign Trade Technician – SENA
He has 15 years of experience in assistance in obtaining and managing Special Import-Export Systems “Plan Vallejo” in raw materials, capital goods and services programs; including 6 months of experience as an intern at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Yeimmi works in operational processes of Import and Export, registration for UAP and ALTEX, in companies in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector; and consults in different public and private foreign trade databases for use in statistical studies.
