´One of our main objectives is to continue being part of the reactivation of the gambling sector in Colombia´

What expectations do you have for the GAT fair?

In 2022 GAT generates great expectations, it is a reflection of how the gaming sector in Colombia is returning to normal, after the reactivation of the sector after the pandemic, I would call it the reunion, it is the opportunity for manufacturers to become to meet with Colombian, Central and South American operators, among others, due to the international framework that Cartagena de Indias provides, it is the best scenario to strengthen new relationships, reinforce old ones, show their new products, developments, close big deals, share a dinner, have a good drink, enjoy the beauty that the city offers us and above all have that human contact that the pandemic stole from us and perhaps was not even valued, but that little by little we are recovering.

How do you see the current situation in the Colombian gaming market in particular, and in Latin America in general, and how does it affect the field of logistics and foreign trade?

In Colombia, the Gambling sector is becoming increasingly important in sustaining the economy, which is how its contributions to the country's health sector are becoming more significant. In addition, foreign trade has opened its policies in favor of the sector and many Colombian companies and foreign manufacturers are benefiting, one of the most important policies in 2021 was the approval of licenses for the importation of used gaming machines, this has given entrepreneurs (manufacturers, operators) a new business opportunity in Colombia, generating a revival in imports, and a new opportunity to open casinos or renew them at lower costs, this being a relief to weigh the increases in international freight rates resulting from changes in logistics, where shipping companies and airlines have reduced their supply to the market (decrease in frequencies, connections and containers worldwide) due to the effects generated by the pandemic.

It has been seen how this foreign trade policy has benefited not only Colombian entrepreneurs but also those of Latin America, since in certain countries of the region the restrictive policies on the sector of gambling have hardened, reaching the decrease of the sector or even the closure of many companies, which have seen in Colombia an opportunity to open their businesses or sell their assets, directly impacting the market in Colombia.

In the following graph you can see how January 2022 has had a significant increase compared to January 2021, and we are sure that foreign trade policies have influenced these results:

What are the main objectives of ASAP and what new challenges do you face this year?

One of our main objectives is to continue to be part of the reactivation of the gambling sector in Colombia, providing our clients with options to continue entering the Colombian market. This is how we enabled our industrial user for the assembly of gaming machines (several manufacturers are already taking this option), approval of import licenses for used machines in Colombia and the strengthening of logistics in the country, which gives more options and alternatives to our clients in Colombia.

Our challenge in 2022 is to continue at the forefront in taking advantage of Colombian regulations and placing them in favor of our clients by developing safe logistics. This is how we opened operations in the Tebaida Free Zone in Quindío Armenia, thus being an option for all operators located in this area or for those who want to benefit from the 0% income tax incentives that this city generates for the new companies that are created there.

Recognition as the city with the lowest tax burden and the second with the best facilities to start a business are just some of the factors that have contributed to its appreciation. The benefit of the 0% Tax Regulation may be requested until May 24, 2022.