Eastern Antioquia economic growth and export challenges

A recent study, 'Dinámica Laboral Oriente 2026', highlights Marinilla as a key economic driver in Eastern Antioquia, Colombia. The municipality accounts for approximately 9.3% of the subregion's value added and has seen significant population growth. Notably, Marinilla reports one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, with the accommodation and food services sector growing from 131 formal workers in 2018 to 1,070 in 2025.

In Rionegro, business leaders from the Corporación Empresarial del Oriente Antioqueño (CEO) and Analdex met to discuss expanding international trade. Discussions focused on the need to improve logistics and diversify markets to meet Colombia's goal of reaching $100 billion in exports within four years. The trade relationship with Venezuela was identified as a major opportunity, with bilateral trade increasing from $222 million in 2020 to $1.17 billion in 2025.