Video: Colombia's 2014 Economic and Political Outlook

Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Luis Carlos Villegas gave an overview of Colombia's economic and social landscape, touching on the changes the country has undergone in the last decade. Colombia's GDP rose from $90 billion in 2000 to $400 billion in 2013, with poverty decreasing from 60 percent to 30 percent over the same period, explained Villegas. But challenges remain. Starting "other engines of growth" will be one of those challenges facing Colombia, Fitch Ratings Director Erich Arispe noted. He said that the country's infrastructure improvement plans will be an important development to improve competitiveness.

Panelists:

• Luis Carlos Villegas, Colombian Ambassador to the U.S.
• Cynthia J. Arnson, Director, Latin American Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
• Erich Arispe, Director, Sovereigns Group, Fitch Ratings
• Adriana la Rotta, Director, Media Relations, Americas Society and Council of the Americas (Moderator)