AMBASSADOR BROWNFIELD'S OCTOBER 25-26 VISIT TO

UNCLAS BOGOTA 007990 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD EAID PGOV ASEC CO SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR BROWNFIELD'S OCTOBER 25-26 VISIT TO CARTAGENA -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. The Ambassador visited Cartagena, capital of the Department of Bolivar for meetings with government, private sector, educational and religious leaders. His interlocutors underscored that improved security had opened the door for economic growth and expressed interest in deepening the U.S.-Colombia relationship. Bolivar Governor Simancas stressed the positive affect the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) would have on Bolivar given the department's strong manufacturing and shipping infrastructure. End Summary. -------------- Improved Security Fuels Economic Growth -------------- ¶2. Bolivar Governor Libardo Simancas told the Ambassador that improved security created the potential for greater economic growth in Bolivar department. He noted that in 2002 most of Bolivar's mayors were not able to live in the towns they governed, and many municipalities lacked a police presence. Today all mayors reside in their towns, and all municipalities have a police presence creating the fundamental conditions for increased private sector activity. ¶3. Governor Simancas noted the significant positive influence on tourism after the USG adjusted the language of the travel warning regarding Cartagena. He said the CTPA would have a positive economic affect on Bolivar given the department's strong manufacturing and shipping infrastructure. Simancas also highlighted Bolivar's solid financial condition, having paid off its debt of USD 91 million during his administration. Ambassador Brownfield said he first visited Cartagena in 1980 and he could see the many important improvements since that time. ¶4. Ambassador Brownfield then met students and faculty of the Los Robles school (a former USAID project) and donated 125 books and other educational materials to the school. Los Robles school serves the Nelson Mandela barrio, home to thousands of displaced families. The Ambassador used the event to showcase the USG's commitment to assisting displaced and vulnerable populations through education, health and job training programs. The Ambassador emphasized that improved security permitted these programs to exist in areas where they previously could not. ¶5. The Ambassador toured the port of Cartagena where officials pointed to security as the reason for the port's economic success. Jorge Cadena, president of the Caribbean Shipping Agency, and Richard Rivadeneira, Princess Cruise Fleet Inspector, explained that improved security will lead to an anticipated quadrupling of cruise ships visits in 2007, from about 50 to close to 200. Port General Manager Alfonso Salas Trujillo expects the number of containers moving through the port to also grow, from just under one million to 4 million, in the next few years. Salas said better security, particularly through programs established in close cooperation with the USG such as the Port Security Program and the Container Security Initiative, facilitates this increased port activity. ¶6. Lieutenant Colonel Hector Angarita Moncaleano, head of the GOC's anti-narcotics police for airports and seaports, briefed the Ambassador on the Port Security Program. Angarita said police seized almost 8,000 kilos of cocaine at the port this year. The Ambassador noted the increased challenge of conducting thorough inspections without impeding the flow of goods. Anti-narcotics police officials briefed the Ambassador on the newly implemented Container Security Initiative to detect and stop weapons of mass destruction from reaching the U.S. -------------- Broadening the U.S.-Colombian Relationship -------------- ¶7. In remarks to 200 invitees to the Cartagena American Chamber of Commerce's 25th anniversary celebration, Ambassador Brownfield highlighted the important role that the Chamber plays in the U.S.-Colombia relationship. He reiterated the USG's commitment to securing approval of the CTPA as soon as possible, and emphasized his vision of broadening the bilateral relationship beyond counternarcotics and security to include deeper economic and social cooperation. AmCham guests welcomed the prospect of strengthened economic relations and the Chamber's leadership underscored their willingness to work closely with the Embassy. ¶8. In a meeting with Cartagena's Archbishop, Monsignor Jorge Enrique Jimenez Carvajal, the Ambassador discussed strengthening church social programs through three mechanisms: involving U.S. business in church social programs, finding ways to partner with USAID programs where appropriate, and building connections with U.S. churches. Monsignor Jimenez expressed interest, and mentioned that the Archbishop of Atlanta had recently traveled to Colombia and might wish to participate. He confirmed that the Colombia Catholic Church was watching carefully what was happening across the border, and was prepared to help the Venezuelan Church if necessary. ¶9. Ambassador Brownfield met with Vice Minister of Communications Daniel Medina and Manuel Martinez, Executive Director of the Center for Telecommunications Research (CINTEL),to discuss telecommunications priorities in Colombia. Medina emphasized President Uribe's priority in increasing access to the Internet in rural schools and institutions. Director Martinez highlighted the potential for Internet access to revolutionize educational and healthcare opportunities in Colombia at a relatively low cost. Ambassador Brownfield encouraged the GOC and CINTEL to seek out partnerships in these areas with U.S. technology firms engaged in corporate social responsibility. ¶10. Ambassador Brownfield visited the Universidad Tecnologica de Bolivar, Bolivar's largest and most prestigious private university to discuss how the Embassy could help develop links with U.S. schools. The Ambassador held a roundtable discussion with 50 students and faculty and outlined his vision of ways to increase ties between the U.S. and Colombia through economic, educational, and cultural relationships. Students queried the Ambassador on issues ranging from the future of Latin America to the prospects for the CTPA. Ambassador Brownfield hosted breakfast for over one dozen current and former Fulbrighters and proposed the idea of resurrecting a Fulbright alumni association. The Ambassador said Fulbrighters can serve as "cultural bridges" between the U.S. and Colombia, and help support new candidates for education in the U.S. The Fulbrighters enthusiastically agreed and said they would begin developing ideas to this end. Brownfield