 Thanks to recent free trade agreements with Canada, the United States of America and many European countries, the municipality has been included in Barranquilla's metropolitan area and its port has undergone large-scale redevelopment.The focus of important public-private partnerships, Puerto Colombia is expected to regain its prominent role as the main sea port of Colombia within a decade.Carlos Altahona, Puerto Colombia's Past Mayor, was recognized in December 2012 as the best municipal leader in Colombia for his efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.