Doctor in Law and Socio-economist (Javeriana University, 1976). He studied  Comparative Law at the University of Texas and Exports Promotion at the Istituto per il Commercio Estero ICE, in Italy.

Martin Ibarra has participated in the promotion of free trade zones and special economics zones in different countries in Asia, Africa and America Latina, including the World Bank mission to advise de Chinese Government on the creation of the first economic free zone in Shenzhen in 1983 and advised several Governnments, some of them supported by multilateral entities (World Bank, Interamerican Bank, International Trade Center) including Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Republica Dominicana, Tanzania, Costa Rica and Mexico, among others.

Martin Ibarra has been highlighted by several rankings as one of the best lawyers in International Trade Law in Colombia and Latin America, including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Best Lawyers International. Also has obtenied recognition from the Government of India for the contribution of the firm in the promotion of the regimen of free trade zones and special economics zones around the world.

Martin Ibarra was the founder President of the Association of Free Zones of the Americas (AZFA) in 1997, promoting trade integration in the hemisphere throughout free zones. At present he is its Honorary President.​​