Colombia is set to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), President Gustavo Petro announced on Monday upon his arrival in Beijing. Attending the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Petro highlighted the global expansion of the BRI and expressed confidence in its potential to drive a new wave of industrial development in Colombia.
“The Belt and Road Initiative has now expanded globally, and we believe it can usher in a new era of industrialization,” Petro stated. “Colombia is eager to be part of this transformative project.”
The BRI, proposed by China in 2013, aims to enhance global trade and infrastructure connectivity across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Colombia’s participation marks a significant step in strengthening ties between China and Latin American nations, opening doors for collaboration in infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development.
Young people and entrepreneurs in the Global South are watching closely, hopeful that this partnership will bring new opportunities for innovation, education, and economic growth. The initiative is expected to create jobs, improve transportation networks, and foster cultural exchanges.
Colombia’s move aligns with a broader trend of Latin American countries engaging more deeply with global economic initiatives, seeking to boost development and provide brighter futures for their populations.
