According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, Colombia has never ranked among the top 50 countries, which makes this thesis unsurprising—because rather than an achievement, this is a historical accident. Amid the trade war declared by Mr. Trump and China’s giant strides, like it or not, Colombia is undergoing an economic transformation that positions it as an attractive investment destination. This interest stems from a convergence of external and internal factors creating unique and exploitable opportunities—provided the Colombian business sector rises to the occasion.
Geostrategic Importance
First, global geopolitical shifts have reshaped trade dynamics. Tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with Trump-era protectionist policies, have forced many nations to diversify their markets—Colombia included. In fact, the 23% growth in non-traditional exports in Q1 2025 reflects this adaptation.
Moreover, the country must capitalize on its long-underutilized strategic geographic position. Serving as a bridge between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and backed by a network of trade agreements, Colombia has potential as a logistics hub for companies accessing multiple markets. This advantage has been reinforced by new commercial partnerships, particularly with China, which has shown interest in infrastructure and technology projects.
New Global Paradigms
Meanwhile, the energy transition represents another major opportunity. Colombia boasts exceptional natural resources for renewable energy development, especially in regions like La Guajira, home to some of the region’s highest wind potential. Government policies, including the 2014 Law 1715 and energy auctions, have created a stable regulatory framework attracting investment.
Yet these advances must be weighed against persistent challenges. Extractive industries still account for 48% of total exports, while infrastructure gaps and potential regulatory shifts remain risks for investors.
Converging Strategies
This trade war comes at a pivotal moment, just as Colombia is governed by its first progressive, left-wing, and popularly elected administration in history. Policies promoting reindustrialization and energy transition—aimed at shifting from raw material and commodity exports to a knowledge-based, climate-conscious economy—align perfectly with Beijing’s multipolar, anti-hegemonic vision and its strategy of soft-power expansion.
The Opportunity is Real—But So Are the Risks
The opportunity is real, but so is the risk of wasting it. While export figures are encouraging, they also serve as a reminder of Colombia’s heavy reliance on raw materials and commodities. Decades of infrastructure neglect remain the country’s biggest challenge—yet paradoxically, they also present an opportunity to forge alliances with global powers while advancing reindustrialization.
Internal disputes pose perhaps the greatest threat to this project, which requires consensus across all sectors of society—especially among political, industrial, financial, and media elites, many of whom openly and fiercely oppose Petro’s government. Like it or not, however, his administration has managed to position Colombia as a relevant player on the international stage.
Let us hope that, at this negotiating table, the country can prove that after 100 years of solitude, it has finally learned from its mistakes.
If you’d like more information about Colombia’s current affairs, softlanding support, or how to invest in the country, contact us on quiero@corinto.co
