• Alvaro Uribe emphasizes virtues and achievements of Colombia and ensures at the same time absolute respect for private investment.

In the framework of APEC CEO Summit 2008 final session, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, reiterated his interest in including Colombia as member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Fora. 

In his speech, Uribe remarked Colombia progress and achievements regarding Public Safety as well as government reform, aspects that he stated as crucial in order to provide all guarantees for investors in the Pacific Basin region who would like to visit Colombia to create employment and contribute to its development.

In relation to security, he enhanced that in recent years crime rate in Colombian cities has decreased, and highlighted good results that are being obtained regarding tax and administrative reform aspects, in order to overcome any bureaucratic obstacles and promote investment initiatives in various Colombian regions.

"Colombian government has been working several years in order to be seen by international community as a country that offers all investment facilities and as a nation that generates confidence above all" he asserted.

Finally, Uribe mentioned he is grateful for the invitation made by Peruvian leader, Alan Garcia Perez, which made his  participation in 2008 APEC Peru possible.

In 1995, Colombia introduced a formal application in order to be part of APEC. However, its admission can just, be taken into consideration in the Leaders Summit that will take place in Japan 2010.