MIAMI, Fla. – Close to 500 people gathered at the first Expo Conference regarding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Colombia and the United States, which was successfully held in Miami on March 2^nd, 2013.

MIRA USA organized the event, which was held at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami’s downtown, with the academic support of the Sergio Arboleda University’s Prime Business School from Bogota, Colombia.

The Expo’s opening act gathered sponsors and special guests. Among them, Colombian Senator, Alexandra Moreno Piraquive, author of the book “A look at the FTA”, provided a look at the FTA from the legislative standpoint.

Also present were Maria Clara Mur, MIRA USA CEO; Jeisson Rodriguez, the organization’s spokesman; and Jorge Munoz, MIRA USA’s nationwide director of Community Services. Munoz defined the FTA as “an open door filled with commerce opportunities for Colombia.”

Miami Mayor, Tomas Regalado, also addressed the attendees, saying that the Colombian community is one of the most relevant in Miami, and with a FTA, Colombia becomes the city’s main business partner.

The attendees ranged from experts in international commerce, to entrepreneurs, exporters, importers, students interested in establishing commercial connections with Colombia.

Among the keynote speakers was Carlos Roderos, Colombia’s former Minister of Commerce, former president of the World Trade Center and member of the New York World Trade Center Association’s Board of Directors.

Ronderos provided a broader insight at the Agreement and presented the most relevant aspects of the FTA from the business standpoint.

Other keynote speakers were Professor Ramon Eduardo Guacaneme, director of the International Business Master’s degree program at the Segio Arboleda University, and Juan Carlos Rondon, member of the FTA negotiation team.

Juan Pablo Ruiz, director of the Leadership and Mountain-climb program, Epopeya Colombia, closed the Expo by sharing his experience as leader of three expeditions who have successfully climbed Mount Everest.

Today Ruiz uses the knowledge acquired during his expeditions to motivate executives and business owners to reach their goals.

At the end of the Expo, the attendees had the opportunity to make contacts and share experiences during a networking activity.