NIPPON KOEI LAC: 15 YEARS DRIVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COLOMBIA
- cámara colombo japonesa
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Written by: Angelly Triana, Intern in International Relations and Political Science
In commemoration of Nippon Koei LAC’s 15th anniversary in Colombia, one of Japan’s most prestigious firms, the Colombian-Japanese Chamber of Commerce hosted a dialogue session. The session featured Masanobu Shimosaka, president of Nippon Koei LAC for Latin America and the Caribbean; Martha Alzate, the company's general manager in Colombia; and Angelly Triana, an intern in the Chamber's international relations department. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the company's achievements across the region, particularly in Colombia, and to reflect on the impact of engineering when used to serve society. Beyond a corporate trajectory, these 15 years represent a story of commitment to sustainable development, knowledge transfer, and territorial transformation.
Angelly Triana began the discussion by emphasizing the significance of Latin America within the company. Masanobu Shimosaka explained that the region accounts for 4 to 5 percent of the company’s global share and operates in 13 countries. "We aim to maintain and increase that percentage," he noted.
He emphasized that Colombia is a priority due to its population size and growing infrastructure needs, making it a key market for the company’s expansion and commitment to territorial transformation. "We are strongly committed to contributing to the country's development," he stated.
Martha Alzate emphasized that the company's success in the region is largely due to local managers who help bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. She discussed the cultural and methodological challenges that both countries face due to their differing business environments. This has enabled the Japanese model to adapt to Latin American business practices. "We are the ones who understand the local environment and how business is conducted," she explained.
Regarding strategic sectors, Alzate noted that Nippon Koei LAC operates across five main areas: infrastructure, drinking water and sanitation, energy, urban and regional development, and agricultural and rural development. She specified that in Colombia, the company has placed a greater emphasis on drinking water, sanitation, and energy generation.
However, Masanobu Shimosaka and Martha Alzate both pointed out a significant obstacle in the public infrastructure sector: the absence of an agreement like the Economic Partnership Agreement between Colombia and Japan. In projects funded with national resources, Nippon Koei is treated as a foreign company despite employing 100% Colombian staff, which limits its competitiveness. "It is a challenge that we are working to advance together with the Colombian-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Japan in Colombia, but it has taken considerable time," stated Martha Alzate.
Regarding factors Colombian companies should consider when expanding to Japan, Masanobu Shimosaka highlighted two key concepts: understanding idiosyncrasies and identifying real needs. He explained that just as Japan must "tropicalize" its technology to make it work in Latin America, Colombian companies must adapt their products and services to the Japanese market's customs and demands.
Angelly Triana emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer as a complementary dynamic that is key to the development of both countries. In response, Alzate explained that the company maintains a permanent connection with its Tokyo headquarters and its Panama City regional hub. This allows them to implement continuous training programs and management systems that adhere to international standards, ensuring traceability from project identification to execution. Masanobu Shimosaka added to this idea, explaining that Colombian professionals have been sent to Japan for annual training programs and research stays, thereby strengthening the transfer of technological knowledge to the region.
The next question looked ahead to the global infrastructure trends that will shape Colombia’s agenda. Martha Alzate noted that the country faces significant infrastructure challenges, especially regarding the development of its railway system. This system once existed, but it is now reemerging as a key priority to be restored by 2050. She also mentioned the need to strengthen water-related sectors, such as the Canoas Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bogotá, as well as the energy sector, particularly in terms of electricity transmission and distribution. "In Colombia, everything is still to be done," she stated, emphasizing that these challenges represent a significant opportunity to drive social and territorial transformation across the country.
"A company's success also lies in the human value that defines it," affirmed Angelly Triana. Martha Alzate then shared an emotional reflection on her experience in San Andrés during the 2020 pandemic. There, the Nippon Koei LAC team provided supervision services for the island’s vital drinking water networks. In La Guajira, the company supervised the departmental water plan across eight municipalities. "When people write to you saying, 'Thank you for bringing us this vital resource because now we have 24 hours of drinking water,' it is truly rewarding because we are contributing to the transformation of the territory," she noted.
The discussion also addressed the current rise of artificial intelligence. Masanobu Shimosaka explained that the company has begun incorporating AI and data analytics tools into its projects. He highlighted pilot initiatives in Colombia, such as the automation of vehicle and passenger counting for the Medellín Metro using AI, a task that would otherwise require significant time and human resources if done manually. He also mentioned the detection of pavement surface failures through video capture that is subsequently processed with AI.
After discussing the global outlook, current challenges, and future prospects, Angelly Triana asked about the company's core values and what sets it apart. Masanobu Shimosaka quoted the company’s founder, Yutaka Kubota: "Act with integrity and contribute to society through technology and engineering." He noted that this philosophy remains fully relevant today and is shared by all professionals within the firm.
Martha Alzate added that Nippon Koei LAC is a true partner to its clients, providing technical and financial support, as well as working collaboratively as a team. "Our mission is not only to win projects but also to ensure they are implemented and the work is carried out," she stated.
Finally, the president added that Nippon Koei LAC has been part of the insurance group, Tokio Marine Holdings, since last year. This combination has strengthened Nippon Koei LAC's purpose of "making the world a better place to live through technology and engineering." Alzate concluded the session by expressing her gratitude and emphasizing that: "There is an excellent human team that gives its best every day with commitment, responsibility, and ethics."
The Colombian-Japanese Chamber of Commerce recognizes and celebrates Nippon Koei LAC's journey in Colombia over the past 15 years, as well as its commitment to knowledge transfer, strengthening local talent, and the country's sustainable development.
These experiences undoubtedly reaffirm the value of cooperation between Colombia and Japan, demonstrating that the integration of cultures, technical capacities, and long-term visions can have a tangible impact on communities.
The Colombian-Japanese Chamber of Commerce will continue to promote dialogue, collaboration, and exchange to strengthen these bilateral ties and foster initiatives that contribute to shared growth and a more sustainable future for Colombia and Japan.
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