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I was at the ANH/Semana Forum on offshore exploration last week. It was worth attending although more directed at the general public than the industry.

The USO continues with its preparation in different regions ahead of a planned general strike of its large base of affiliates employed by Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC).

In an article last week on the new Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) strategic plan for 2020, we remarked on the NOC’s pessimism. The same picture appears when looking at reserves.

There is great uncertainty on many levels about the near and midterm future for the industry but the government still has three lifelines that it could offer to the industry to foster activity and investment.

The State Council ordered the halt of a citizen referendum on mining activity planned for Ibagué on October 30^th, following an injunction filed by a representative of the Mining and Hydrocarbons Association of Tolima.

In a week of big headlines, including the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Juan Manuel Santos, we highlight another substantial development: the peace talks with the ELN guerrilla will start on October 27^th in Ecuador.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) president Juan Carlos Echeverry is optimistic both on the future of the peace agreements and the Colombian economy. And he believes that reality will be kind to the NOC when it comes to growing its reserves.

The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) launched a new program as part of its Hydrocarbons Territorial Strategy (ETH) called “Transformational Leader” which looks to establish a new model of conflict management and peace building.

Following the announcement of a formal start to peace talks with the ELN guerilla, the Vice Minister of Mines and Energy Carlos Andrés Cante said this is a particularly good development for the oil and mining industries.

As Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC starts up a new drilling campaign in the Rubiales field, it also looks to leave its mark on the nearby community of Puerto Gaitán and has been meeting with residents and authorities to convince them of the benefits for the local economy. This and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stories in our periodic summary.