Resource information
The efficiency and productivity of
Colombia's urban system will be a key determinant in
the ability of the country to transition from a middle
income to a higher-income economy. Colombia, as with most
Latin American countries, has experienced positive growth
rates in the past few years, mitigating the potential
adverse impacts of the global financial crisis. High
commodity prices as well as improvements in macroeconomic
and financial management, diversification of trading
partners (particularly through stronger links with China),
and the safe integration into international financial
markets are the main drivers for recent success in Colombia
and the Latin American region (World Bank 2011). This book
is organized as follows: chapter two concentrates on
establishing patterns and trends of the spatial and urban
transformation in Colombia. Key policy issues for
Colombia's urbanization process are highlighted and
policy alternatives considered. It also attempts to identify
areas where further in-depth analysis would be valuable.
Three of these areas are further developed in chapters three
through five. The remainder of this chapter will highlight
key messages from each of the three crosscutting themes of
connectivity, coordination, and finance. The chapter will
conclude with a discussion on the World Bank's
strategic engagement strategy for sustainable cities.
