Colombia`s free trade agreement on telecommunications with canada, the united states and the european union.

EAFIT University

School of Businesses Administration

Department of International Businesses

Colombia`s Free trade agreement on Telecommunications with Canada, the United States and the European Union.

Presented to
Andrés Vélez Calle
By
Daniel Francisco Montoya
November 5, 2010


Table of Contents
1. Abstract……………………………………………………………………….3

2.Introduction…………………………………………………………………..4

3. Target country cultural background……………………………………..4

4. Similarities and differences with Colombia…………………………….5

5. Business idea and implementation………………………………………7

6. Conclusions……………………………………………………………….....9

7. References …………………………………………………………………...10

8. Annexes……………………………………………………………………….11


1. Abstract
The following is a written Project introducing a new product to the Colombian market, speciallyto the city of Medellín: the possible entrance and market adaptation of CAMELPAK.inc and the possible effects it might carry with it. CAMELPAK.inc is a United States company whose main products are hands-free hydration systems offering really complex-high tech products, including back packs, clothing and accessories which enable its users to hydrate themselves as they perform active outdoor orindoor activities, giving at the same time comfort, convenience and security as their lifetime is really extensive. (CamelBak Inc, 2010)
The innovation that the company offers can be very attractive to the Colombian market because it has the added value of implementing new technology offering a gamma of accessories and products that enhance the persons` outdoor performance and give more facility tothe daily living. The idea seems suitable for the Colombian market due to people`s lifestyles and also similarities on target markets. In Colombia there are many kinds of sports being the most representative ones soccer, cycling, car racing and tennis ( but also having an Olympic committee and a great variety of other sports taking an advantage of the great environmental field of the country)(TurisColombia , 2010)
CamelBak products target mainly military forces and athletes in sports such as mountain biking and motocross, running, hiking, cycling and pretty much every outdoor activity. (CamelBak Inc, 2010)

2. Introduction
Camelbak is a company headquartered in Petaluma, California in the United States. For this very reason the product would begin its rapid spread in the Colombianmarket, due to the previous consumer`s preference towards American products. Other reasons that affect directly the positive perception of the product are its direct relation and aiming towards the country`s culture as detailed in the countries` cultural dimensions by Geert Hofstede and Edward T. Hall.
3. Target country cultural background
In order to go deeper and to have a better grasp of ourtarget market, being Colombia, to have a more rounded and complete knowledge of what is going to be done with the product inside of it, we have to have a clear cultural background of the market that hosts the product that we want to bring onto the Colombian market.
The United States is considered one of the world`s largest melting pots where many cultures not only collide but combine theirpreferences and likes to form a Nation.
After the independence war, the Spanish war and many others, the American culture was set as a culture open to the word (as long as the world does not intervene on its sovereignty)
According to the dimensions of Geert Hofstede, the United States of America Ranks:
• Low on Uncertainty Avoidance (of 46), which indicates that the society has fewer rules and doesnot attempt to control all outcomes and results. Since it is a melting pot, the country also has high tolerance for different ideas and beliefs.
• The country ranks high on Individualism (of 91); where the society has individualistic attitudes. Every person looks after him or herself.
• In terms of Power Distance, (at 40), the country has a good level...