Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and 30 business leaders chart a path for economic reactivation in Valle after the earthquake: they evaluate a day without VAT

NewsVice President José Manuel Restrepo and the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau. Photo: Cali Chamber of CommerceJOURNALIST02.10.2026 15:32 Updated: 02.10.2026 15:32 High-impact proposals such as the implementation of a VAT-free day, the reduction of the industry and commerce tax (ICA), and the urgency of unblocking the Mulaló–Loboguerrero road marked the agenda of the economic reactivation discussed in Cali this week. Vice President Restrepo and the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau. Photo: Cali Chamber of CommerceThe high-level meeting brought together the Vice President of the Republic, José Manuel Restrepo, with the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau, and a group of about 30 businesspeople from the region. During the meeting, which lasted about two hours, the proposal to turn Valle del Cauca into a national pilot for reducing bureaucratic procedures for companies was also raised. Likewise, the management of the port of Buenaventura and its strategic importance for regional competitiveness were addressed as a priority. At the end of the session, Vice President José Manuel Restrepo gave a positive assessment of the coordination with the private sector following the effects of the earthquake."We are here at the Cali Chamber of Commerce, leaving, talking with productive sectors affected by the earthquake, but also with the conviction that in times of crisis great opportunities can also be achieved, how investment is strengthened, how progress is generated," said the vice president. Vice President Restrepo and the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau. Photo: Cali Chamber of Commerce"We found some topics that we will take into the discussion of what we are leading in terms of coordination in the country; investment attraction, simplification of obstacles and procedures, modernization of the State, progress in training those young people who neither study nor work in new technologies and, naturally, all the additional efforts we are making to generate new energy projects and long-term bets for the country," Restrepo indicated."But I see a business sector eager to build with hope and knowing that, by defending private initiative and working together, we will move forward," he emphasized. For her part, the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau, highlighted the value of this direct dialogue and the commitment of guild leaders to the growth of the department:"Today we had the honor of having our Vice President of the Republic, José Manuel Restrepo, at the Cali Chamber of Commerce, the home of the protagonists of progress," said the executive. Vice President Restrepo and the president of the Cali Chamber of Commerce, María del Mar Palau. Photo: Cali Chamber of CommerceShe added that in this space, the 30 businesspeople from Cali from different industries and sizes were convened to present the challenges of Valle del Cauca and the region's very high potential."Because we are a territory where everything can grow. So José Manuel came and told us, gentlemen, we have to grow this miraculous homeland in an extraordinary way and I trust that you are the main engine for this to happen," she stated. "In this way he spoke about his mandates, his four engines, about what must be done so that this country truly grows in an extraordinary way, and he called on us businesspeople to commit to three fundamental elements," expressed the guild executive."More investment, fewer procedures to connect with investment and with growth opportunities and the generation of confidence for a hopeful future, because we are all the Colombian Pacific," she expressed. The meeting closed with optimism and an atmosphere of resilience. It is hoped to continue counting on the National Government and that it remains willing to listen to the regional problems arising from the earthquake and to propose rapid solution alternatives so that Valle del Cauca continues to stand up for Colombia. CAROLINA BOHÓRQUEZEL TIEMPO CorrespondentCaliSee more newsChrista Pike, sentenced to death, survived the execution. Photo: Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITALEDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.