Over the past 10 years, Columbia has positioned itself as a digital technology powerhouse. Rich in natural resources, exotic culture and tourism hotspots, it is Columbia's technology sector which is now capturing the attention and imagination of globally minded businesses in Canada and around the world. Columbia's dynamic and stable economy has driven the development of a world-class tech sector consisting of hundreds of companies with a highly skilled, collaborative and innovative workforce.
In the past six years, the IT industry in Columbia has doubled its sales, reaching over $9.5 billion in 2017, with the amount of international business skyrocketing over 60%. North America has been quick to get on board, accounting for 29% of Colombian exports of IT-related services. I was able to connect with two companies, and we're doing our first two projects together.
And not only did I find incredibly highly skilled people, but the work ethic and the quality of work is second to none. Here in Green SQA, we play a very specialized kind of testing and quality assurance services. We are a staff of 200 people, and we can grow easily as our customers demand. We follow international standards and we are certified with those standards, so we think we are a global company and ready to help our customers in Canada.
The free trade and co-production agreements between Canada and Colombia are an important part of each country's trade agendas. Market visits and trade missions organized by key Canadian and Colombian organizations are making for a very positive trade environment, enabling companies in both countries to flourish and grow. American studios is one of the leading companies on 2D and 3D animation in Canada.
We have seen a shortage of talent, and we have decided to open a business here in Colombia. We are looking to create a good ecosystem of animation studios here that can support the animation industry in Canada. This robust tech ecosystem is not just developing privately. It's being further supported by strong government investment and services provided by Colombia's trade promotion organization, ProColumbia.
We understand there is a shortage of talent, so Colombia has become that option in being a near shore partner. So that's an opportunity for us as Colombians to move to an international market, go to Canada and try to explore opportunities over there. Back home in Canada, from a national to local level, Canadian and Colombian governments are working together to support business development.
With the backing of national and local agencies, the Canadian-Columbian connection is growing at a record pace, with future partnerships looking bright. It's really exciting to see what is happening, finally happening between Canada and Colombia. We have the skills and people, we have the certification. We are excited and also ready to help our customers in Canada.
You really have to get on a plane and you have to come experience it. And I think it won't take you more than a few hours to figure out this is where you need to be doing business. Colombia. Innovative, collaborative, creative. Come see for yourself. Contact ProColumbia in Toronto or Montreal to find out about upcoming opportunities to connect.
The Gateway to Trade initiative was undertaken with the financial support of the governments of Canada and Colombia. It was implemented by TFO Canada and ProColumbia with a view to promoting trade, inclusiveness and economic development.
