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The Network of Municipalities in Mining Environments (Remem) made a proposal to leverage royalties’ resources. The Colombian Federation of Municipalities (FCM) supports these initiatives.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) and Equion spoke about the development of successful programs in departments like Casanare and Putumayo, among others. These and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stories in our periodic summary.

In recent years, the Coveñas Caño Limón pipeline has been the main target of illegal groups, especially the ELN. This year this important facility has suffered several attacks, affecting its normal operations and Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) is working to repair the damage.

Entrepreneurs and politicians from the Caribbean coast, such as Joseph Daccarett and César Lorduy, criticized Resolution 40646 of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) regarding last week’s emergency in Cusiana and Capiagua. However, the problem has been resolved.

On November 6^th, 2017, when Iván Duque was one of the presidential candidates for the Centro Democratico party, he signed an opinion column in ‘El Colombiano de Medellín’ titled “El Resurgir de Barrancabermeja” (literally: Barrancabermeja’s Resurrection), explaining the importance of the Refinery’s Modernization Plan.

The Works for Taxes program is one of the most interesting ideas by the Colombian Government that we have seen in a long time. This program began with several projects and a large budget approved by the Superior Council of Fiscal Policy (CONFIS).

Colombia wants to take advantage of the Magdalena River’s potential, especially in the transport sector. Authorities have started to promote the development of this important river, but some associations are showing their concerns about the slow progress.

Ecopetrol (NYSE: ECP) announced the construction of a new refined-products pipeline in the western region of Colombia. The company highlighted the benefits of this important project for the region and the environment.

The Mayor of Barrancabermeja complained about the current situation of the refinery in that region. Local authorities are concerned about possible effects on locals’ health and demanded the presence of regulatory entities.

The development of offshore projects generates high expectations in the Colombian Caribbean and there have been positive results in a short period. The Zona Franca Palermo (ZFP) started operations and had a good 2017.