Samuel Bluman Levy Assumes Key Role at ProColombia: A Strategic Move to Enhance Colombia’s Global Image
In an announcement made last Friday, President Abelardo De La Espriella declared the appointment of Samuel Bluman Levy as the new director of ProColombia, the organization responsible for promoting international tourism, non-mining energy exports, and foreign investment in Colombia. “I just appointed Samuel Bluman as the new director of ProColombia. He takes on a clear mission: to transform the entity and strengthen Colombia’s presence in the world,” said the president in a formal statement.
Who is Samuel Bluman, the New Director of ProColombia?
Bluman Levy brings over four decades of experience in the private sector, primarily focused on the textile and apparel industries. Together with his brother, Israel Bluman, he founded C.I. Iblu, a company that became a benchmark in assembly and manufacturing for both national and international brands. This extensive network of external markets offers a valuable background as he now takes on the commercial promotion of the country.
His appointment comes after the initially expected arrival of Jaime Andrés Uribe did not materialize. Uribe eventually assumed the role of manager for the Fondo Milagro, a body established to coordinate relief and resource allocation for those affected by the August 10 earthquake. With the path cleared, Bluman steps in to lead ProColombia amidst heightened expectations given his export-oriented profile.
The Roadmap for ProColombia Under Bluman’s Leadership
Determined to make operational changes, Bluman has prioritized reducing the size of ProColombia’s international presence, considering relocating offices to embassies. “We will align ProColombia with those ambassadors to achieve sales with the best costs possible,” he explained in a meeting with the president and Commerce Minister, Mauricio Gómez Amín. This signifies a shift towards a more streamlined and diplomatic-oriented structure.
Reactions to Samuel Bluman’s Appointment
The tourism sector expressed immediate support. The Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo (Anato) congratulated Bluman on social media and reiterated its commitment to “continue working in partnership to strengthen Colombia as a tourist destination, showcasing the richness of our regions, culture, and diverse experiences to the world.”
From the business sector, María Claudia Lacouture, director of the Cámara de Comercio Colombo Americana (AmCham), welcomed the nomination. She anticipated “a new phase to enhance a vital entity in Colombia’s global promotion, with the challenge of attracting investment, opening markets, boosting tourism, and transforming opportunities into growth and employment.”
Now at the helm of ProColombia, Bluman’s experience in manufacturing and exportations will be crucial as he navigates the transition from private enterprise to public management. His intention to restructure ProColombia’s international presence and integrate it with the embassy network marks a pivotal moment in his leadership as the government seeks to leverage the national brand, attract foreign investments, and boost incoming tourism to Colombia.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
