Metal is a term used to describe a class of chemical elements that exhibit certain properties and characteristics. Metals are excellent conductors of electricity. Metals have attracted human attention for centuries because people were able to use metals to make high-performance tools that they used in both warfare and logistics. In the 20th century, the discovery and extraction of oil in the Middle East transformed the region's economy. West Asia has a geologically diverse landscape that has undergone complex geological processes over millions of years. Colombia's economy is classified as a middle-income, emerging market economy that has seen steady growth over the past decades. Its key sectors include oil, mining (notably coal and gold), agriculture (with coffee, bananas, and flowers being major exports), manufacturing, and services. Colombia has adopted open-market policies, implementing free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous countries and regions, including the U. S. , the EU, and countries in Latin America. Colombia's fiscal policy is geared towards encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting exports, and diversifying its economy beyond dependence on natural resources.
