The department of Córdoba has experienced stagnation in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over recent decades, which has generated concern among departmental authorities.
In a comparison, Governor Erasmo Zuleta said that, while other departments in the Caribbean region, such as Atlántico and Bolívar, have achieved significant growth, Córdoba has maintained a GDP of around 1.8% since 1980, without showing signs of improvement.
In this sense, he expressed his concern about this situation and highlighted the need to implement effective strategies to boost the competitiveness of the department.
At the moment, Córdoba occupies 123rd place in the national competitiveness ranking, a position that the governor seeks to improve, with the objective of placing the department among the top 10 positions.
One of Córdoba’s main sources of income comes from the mining-energy sector, which generates 12% of the country’s gas reserves. However, despite this wealth, more than 40% of the Córdoba population still cooks with firewood, which shows an unequal distribution of the benefits generated by this sector, explained Zuleta Bechara.
“Despite generating more than three or four times the energy it consumes, Córdoba faces high electricity rates, which affects the competitiveness of companies and the quality of life of its inhabitants,” he added.
To face these challenges, the departmental government has proposed various strategies. One of them is the commitment to renewable energies, with the aim of taking advantage of Córdoba’s solar potential and generating more affordable energy for the population and companies. In addition, it seeks to encourage the participation of the people of Córdoba in these projects, to guarantee a more equitable distribution of benefits.
Another key strategy is the strengthening of the agricultural sector, which represents a significant part of the departmental economy.
With 2.5 million hectares and 90% of them agricultural, Córdoba has enormous potential in this area. The “El Campo Cambia” program seeks to transform 10,000 hectares through the implementation of regenerative livestock practices, with the aim of increasing the productivity and sustainability of the sector.
Likewise, the departmental leader maintained that he is working on improving road infrastructure and basic services, as well as attracting investments and promoting entrepreneurship.
