At a ceremony on September 15 in Bogota, the Mexican embassy awarded CEMEX in Colombia with its Bicentennial Award for its work in improving the lives of Colombians and its role in strengthening the bonds between Colombia and Mexico.

CEMEX in Colombia President Cesar Constain was on hand to receive the recognition from Florencio Salazar Adame, Mexican Ambassador for Colombia, before a group of attendees that included important representatives of the national government, private industry, the diplomatic corps, and pro-cooperation agencies from both countries. Former Colombian President Belisario Betancur was among the night's distinguished guests.

During the ceremony, special mention was made of the sustainability and corporate social responsibility agenda that CEMEX has pushed forward since its arrival in the country. CEMEX's strategy has focused on generating growth and development opportunities in the areas of housing, the environment and education through programs such as: Patrimonio Hoy, Bloqueras Solidarias, Community Centers, Planting the Future, Sport Academies, and Starting Point as well as the implementation of United Nations-approved Clean Development Mechanisms and the rehabilitation of quarries and mining areas.

"On behalf of CEMEX and all our partners in Colombia, I want to express my most sincere gratitude to Ambassador Salazar for this recognition. I accept it on behalf of all of the employees of CEMEX in Colombia and their families. We are very pleased to be able to help strengthen the bonds between Colombia and Mexico, and act as an agent of positive change" said Mr. Constain during his acceptance speech.

The award is part of the celebration for the bicentennial of Mexico's Independence and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and seeks to honor organizations or people from different fields that have been agents of social change and promoters of development.