Colombia is one of the most advanced economies in South America. Local GDP has grown at an annual average of 4.6% over the past five years, according to the World Bank. The economy depends on two fundamental sectors: minerals - oil and gas, among others - and agriculture: coffee and flowers are among the most important economic products in the country. best online casino Colombia is the world's second largest exporter of flowers after the Netherlands. Its flower exports to the US have grown rapidly since initial shipments 50 years ago. Currently, the American market is by far the main market for Colombian flowers, accounting for 75% of its exports. Russia is the second largest customer, albeit far behind, with 5% of exports. Colombia's flower trade is considered a model of economic cooperation between Latin America and the USA. Several initial factors contributed to the long-term viability and success of this industry. In August 1961, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, launched the Alliance for Progress, which aimed to increase economic cooperation between Latin America and the United States with a specific focus on agriculture. nät casino In 1967, John Cheever, a horticulture student at the University of Colorado, identified the appeal of the flower industry in his master's thesis "Bogotá, exporter of cut flowers to world markets". He noted in his research that the region around Bogotá was ideal for growing flowers and its proximity to the international airport and the United States made Colombia an ideal exporter. Cheever opened a business in 1969 that was so successful that nine competitors had entered the industry within five years. However, the American market also has its challenges, especially due to the change in consumer taste. Take Passion Growers, one of the largest flower producers in Bogotá. slots på nätet The company has been operating in the sector for 13 years and, through a well-developed network, dispatches the roses seven days after harvesting. Moisés Croitoru, the company's director of operations, said that the three main markets in Colombia's flower industry are the USA, Russia and Japan. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas account for more than 50% of demand American market. It is not easy to plan to meet this demand in specific periods of the year, especially with regard to hiring and training temporary workers. According to Croitoru, Colombian flower producers have also had to adapt to the particular tastes of American consumers, who do not like large inflorescences [the part of the plant where the flowers are located], unlike, therefore, Russians and Japanese. As a consequence, Colombian producers have developed shorter cultivation cycles that facilitate rapid and mass production. In addition, the American consumer tends to be more susceptible to the influence of fashion in choosing the style of the flowers, which forces Colombian flower producers to frequently adjust their production taking into account types and colors. Croitoru said, for example, that he changes his rose planting every four to five years, although the plants can produce flowers for up to 12 years. kostenlose automatenspiele He added that Colombia's flower industry has been looking for ways to expand its global opportunities. Several producers are exporting their flowers to new markets, as is the case in Japan, despite higher transport costs. This requires producers to adjust their cultivation and packaging processes to meet the Japanese's strict quality standards.