配资软件开发 Why Colombia should join the Belt and Road Initiative

A staff member makes Colombian coffee for the visitors at the 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Nov. 5, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo recently completed his four-day visit to China, where the two nations established a joint working group to discuss Colombia's accession to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Murillo described this development as the most important outcome of his visit.

Colombia and China elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership last October. Despite some challenges, joining the BRI could bring substantial benefits. Colombia's participation in the initiative could boost long-term development, enhance competitiveness and expand international cooperation.

The relationship between China and Colombia has witnessed remarkable growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1980. Bilateral trade reached $18.79 billion in 2023, underscoring the strong economic bonds between the two nations. As Chinese investment in South America grows, Colombia stands to benefit from expanding economic partnerships.

However, Colombia faces several challenges in deepening this partnership.

A key priority is establishing an information-sharing platform to address concerns among Colombian businesspeople about international agreements with other countries. Creating opportunities for Colombians to deepen their understanding of China, including its people, businesses, culture, and government, remains essential for fostering productive dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations.

From Colombia's perspective, China has transformed dramatically in recent decades to become a global power through its distinctive political system and market-oriented economic approach. This complex development path sets China apart from traditional models of growth.

The diversification of Colombia's international relations requires more attention. While past governments focused on trade and cooperation with developed nations, recent years have seen growing emphasis on strengthening ties with neighboring countries, particularly in the Pacific region. Expanded market access would help Colombian businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, diversify exports and forge international partnerships with a wider range of countries.

Colombia urgently needs infrastructure investment to boost international trade capacity, particularly in its coastal regions where long-term development has been hindered by poor planning, economic stagnation and security challenges.

Colombia's infrastructure priorities include developing rural areas, expanding industrial facilities and building a modern logistics network. The country also aims to upgrade its telecommunications systems, advance energy transition projects and implement measures to diversify trade for long-term economic growth.

The BRI's focus on infrastructure development aligns with Colombia's modernization needs. Through BRI participation, Colombia could attract investment to improve its roads, bridges, ports and other critical infrastructure. These improvements would benefit everyone by facilitating internal trade, creating jobs and enhancing Colombians' quality of life.

Joining the BRI offers Colombia an opportunity to broaden its international partnerships. During his visit, Foreign Minister Murillo emphasized this approach: "The new progressive foreign policy is an independent, autonomous, and sovereign policy. It looks to the north but also to the south; it looks to the west but also to the east," highlighting Colombia's commitment to balanced diplomacy.

【#诺辉健康疑财务造假#】9月9日，诺辉健康发布公告称，德勤•关黄陈方会计师行已辞去本公司核数师的职务。同日，诺辉健康首席财务官（CFO）高煜和联席秘书莫明慧亦宣布从公司离职。今年3月28日，诺辉健康短暂停牌，同时宣布公司延迟发布2023年年报，并就公司财务数据等展开调查。头顶“癌症早筛第一股”光环登陆港股，诺辉健康身陷财务造假风波。财报显示，2020年至2022年，德勤均担任诺辉健康的核数师，期间累计的核数师薪酬为1688.6万元。身为长期合作伙伴，为何在调查尚未结束时离开，让市场人士不解。#诺辉健康核数师3年薪酬1688万#（时代财经）

Colombia stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to leverage the BRI for substantial economic and diplomatic gains. By examining other nations' BRI experiences, Colombia can develop effective strategies while managing risks. Clear communication channels will ensure productive dialogue among all parties. The BRI offers Colombia opportunities for investment, collaboration and sustainable growth, potentially establishing the nation as a key player in the global economy.

Catherine Marquez is a Ph.D. candidate in Global Studies at Shanghai University.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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withtradeChinaandits发布于：北京市声明：该文观点仅代表作者本人，搜狐号系信息发布平台，搜狐仅提供信息存储空间服务。

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