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The oil industry has contributed to the country’s development, but also provokes rejection by some. Juan Carlos Echeverry, CEO of Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC), referred to this situation and said that the country must make a decision.

During the National Congress of Municipalities, mayors asked the National Planning Department (DNP) to eliminate the Collegiate Organs of Administration and Decision (OCAD).

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in oil sector reported an increase in 4Q16. However, these figures remain very small compared to previous years. The sector’s contribution went up in the quarter but still down on an annual basis and it is too soon to tell if this is a reversal of trend or a blip.

Prospects for this year are positive in the gas sector. Colombia will reactivate exploration especially in offshore fields. The industry will make large investments in E&P and infrastructure.

Comptroller General, Edgardo Maya gave new details on the opening of a chicken broiler and a spa with royalties destined for the Cauca Science, Technology and Innovation Fund, and projects financed with the General System of Royalties’ (SGR) budget were approved in Meta, Putumayo and Guajira. These and other stories in our Royalties periodic summary.

The Colombian government already identified 43 blocks apt for using unconventional techniques. This has caused major controversy among environmentalists in the country.

The government decided to liquidate the energy distributor Electricaribe and its owner, Gas Natural Fenosa has sued Colombia. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) will be the judge.

The idea of allocating a portion of the royalties budget to finance the post-conflict process has been controversial in the country. Not only has the Inspector General said it will “check the initiative with a magnifying glass”, but President Santos announcement of allocating science and technology resources to build tertiary roads caused a major discord in the country.

Gas supply has been one of the main issues in the country. The government has identified the main investments that the natural gas industry needs to guarantee self-sufficiency in Colombia. .