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Zona Franca
La Candelaria

Zona Franca La Candelaria is located in the heart of Cartagena’s Industrial Zone, one of the most important business and logistics areas in Colombia’s Caribbean region. Designed to promote international trade, productive linkages, exports, investment, and job creation, ZFLC provides companies with a strategic environment to operate, grow, and connect with national and international markets under Colombia’s Free Trade Zone regime. With more than 83 companies established within the zone, Zona Franca La Candelaria is recognized as one of the leading logistics hubs in the Colombian Caribbean and a pioneer in sustainability leadership, with national and international recognition.

Located on Vía Mamonal, ZFLC offers direct access to the Port of Cartagena and connects businesses to Colombia’s main logistics corridors.

Port of Cartagena
Minutes away from one of Latin America’s leading multimodal port hubs
 
International Airport
Convenient access to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
 
Mamonal Industrial Corridor
Part of the most important industrial cluster in Colombia’s Caribbean region.
 
1993
Establishment

Zona Franca La Candelaria S.A., as Free Trade Zone Operator, was officially authorized under Resolution 0095 of February 10, 1993, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, covering an area of 728,163 square meters.

2005
First Expansion

The first expansion of the Free Trade Zone was registered on October 12, 2005. It was authorized under Resolution 1531 of July 19, 2005, issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, covering an area of 33,751.29 square meters.

2006
Second Expansion

The second expansion was authorized under Resolution 14538 of December 1, 2006, issued by DIAN, covering an area of 420,759 square meters, with a reduction of 21,115.8 square meters.

2005 – 2014
Industrial Expansion and Positioning

Following its area expansions and the strengthening of Cartagena’s petrochemical and logistics cluster, ZFLC began to consolidate its position as a strategic platform for industrial and port-related companies.

2015 – 2020
Regional Leader

ZFLC established itself as one of the most efficient Free Trade Zones in the Colombian Caribbean, driven by:

  • Strategic location within the logistics and port corridor
  • Strong road infrastructure and connectivity
  • A diversified business ecosystem beyond the petrochemical sector
  • Growth in industrial and logistics operations
2023
Carbon Neutral Certification

ZFLC became the first Free Trade Zone in Colombia to be certified as carbon neutral, following a rigorous process of measuring, reducing, and offsetting its environmental footprint.

2023
“Inspiring Company” Award

Recognition granted by ANDI, Fundación ANDI, USAID, and Portafolio, highlighting the social impact of ZFLC’s “Popular Entrepreneurship” program.

2024
Recognition for Sustainable Development Best Practices

Award granted by Global Compact Network Colombia and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce for ZFLC’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2024
Community Social Impact Certificate

Recognition granted by the Membrillal Community Action Board, highlighting ZFLC’s social and community contribution within its area of influence.

2026
National Police Recognition

Recognition granted to companies with a strong commitment to social responsibility and community development, strengthening ZFLC’s institutional reputation in the region.

2026
New Investments and Infrastructure

Launch of innovative industrial projects that reaffirm ZFLC’s role as a strategic platform for business expansion in Cartagena.