Needs must: Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe has strived to create the right environment for investment in Colombia
Colombia steps out of the shadows
Colombia has earned the respect of the oil industry through its determination to provide a pragmatic environment for investment, and has been rewarded with a record inflow of exploration money.
Under the government of President Alvaro Uribe, Colombian authorities have worked hard to meet the industry's needs, spearheaded by the efforts of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).
Despite Uribe's war of attrition on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) and other insurgent groups arousing controversy, the majority of Colombians and business leaders agree that public security has improved.
ANH director general Armando Zamora has outlined figures during visits to Houston and London to promote the country's current licensing push, with 151 exploration blocks on offer this year alone.
Read the full story in today's edition of Hardcopy.