PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA VISITS CHINA: CONTEXT OF HIS VISIT IN THE EASTERN COUNTRY

The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, began an official visit to China, the first by a Colombian president in 13 years. Petro's visit is part of his government's interest in strengthening commercial and economic relations with China, Colombia's second trading partner.

Relations between Colombia and China

Relations between Colombia and China date back to the 1950s, but intensified in the 2000s. In 2008, China became Colombia's second largest trading partner, after the United States.

Bilateral trade between Colombia and China has grown steadily in recent years. In 2022, bilateral trade reached $24 billion, an increase of 30%20 compared to the previous year.

China is a major buyer of Colombian products, such as coffee, oil and coal. Colombia, for its part, imports Chinese products, such as technology and electronic equipment.

Petro interest in China

President Petro has expressed interest in strengthening trade and economic relations with China. In his election campaign, Petro proposed increasing bilateral trade with China and attracting Chinese investment to Colombia.

Petro's visit to China is an opportunity to advance the Colombian government's objectives of strengthening relations with China.

Visit agenda

The agenda for Petro's visit to China includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese officials. Petro will also participate in a series of business and cultural events.

Petro and Xi Jinping are expected to sign a series of cooperation agreements in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy and culture.

Possible results of the visit

Petro's visit to China could have the following results:

An increase in bilateral trade between Colombia and China.
Greater Chinese investment in Colombia.
A strengthening of cooperation between Colombia and China in areas such as technology, energy and culture.

Conclusions

President Petro's visit to China is an important event for relations between the two countries. The visit could lead to increased bilateral trade, Chinese investment and cooperation between Colombia and China.