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Santander Free Trade Zone
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The Santander Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Santander) is located in Floridablanca, near the city of Bucaramanga, in northeastern Colombia. It differs from traditional industrial zones by its focus on services, high technology, and healthcare. As the home of the renowned International Health Center (FOSCAL), it has developed into a cluster for medical tourism and specialized health services. The zone also hosts companies in software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), and engineering. With modern, ecologically sustainable infrastructure, it provides a top-tier environment for knowledge-based industries. Its strategic location in the heart of the Santander region allows access to a highly skilled labor pool supplied by local universities. The zone is a major driver of innovation and economic modernization in one of the country's most stable departments.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: Antenas Aeropuerto · Iglesia Mayor · Capilla Saint Michel
- Nearby: Floridablanca (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 54 | 110 | 126 | 145 | 97 | 97 | 105 | 100 | 161 | 137 | 72 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This free trade zone in Santander focuses on business process outsourcing (BPO) and healthcare services, along with light manufacturing. It is a growing economic driver for the Bucaramanga region.
Visiting
The zone is a modern business park with restricted access. Visitors can drive through the main roads and see the office buildings, but entry to individual companies is not permitted.
Where to view it
From the Avenida 45, the modern buildings are visible. The intersection with the Bucaramanga ring road provides a wide panorama of the zone.
Local products
The zone itself has services rather than physical products. However, nearby Bucaramanga markets sell local leather goods, artisanal baskets, and 'hormigas culonas' (big-bottom ants) as a delicacy.
Active season
The zone operates standard business hours, with peak activity during weekdays. BPO services run around the clock, so there is constant movement of employees, particularly during shift changes.
Nearby
Combine with a tour of Bucaramanga's historic center and the Chicamocha Canyon for adventure. The city's many parks offer relaxation after visiting the zone.
Geography
Facts
- The zone was inaugurated in 2009 as a permanent service free trade zone.
- It features LEED-certified buildings to meet high environmental standards.
- The FOSCAL hospital within the zone is among the most modern in Latin America.
- Businesses benefit from a reduced corporate income tax rate of 15%.
- The zone is optimized for IT services through modern fiber-optic networks.
- It is located in one of the regions with the highest quality of life in Colombia.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Santander Free Trade Zone (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Santander free trade zone?
It focuses heavily on technology, outsourcing, and healthcare services.
Where is it located?
In Floridablanca, near Bucaramanga, in eastern Colombia.
Is it attractive for start-ups?
Yes, due to modern infrastructure and tax incentives for IT companies.
Can you visit the buildings?
The architecture is modern, but access to offices is private.
What is worth seeing nearby?
The Chicamocha Canyon is a spectacular natural destination in the region.
Santander Free Trade Zone: where is it located?
Santander Free Trade Zone is located in Colombia.
Santander Free Trade Zone: what is there to see?
Highlights include Antenas Aeropuerto, Iglesia Mayor, Capilla Saint Michel.
Santander Free Trade Zone: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Santander Free Trade Zone: why is it worth visiting?
The Santander Free Trade Zone (Zona Franca de Santander) is located in Floridablanca, near the city of Bucaramanga, in northeastern Colombia.
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