Colombian Commerce Minister Promotes Investment During Meeting with U.S. Trade Representative in Washington

On the last stop of an international tour to encourage foreign investment, Colombian Commerce Minister German Umaña Mendoza met with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Washington to discuss bilateral trade and strategies for the two countries to work together on global challenges.

In addition to strategic investment opportunities in Colombia, Mendoza and Tai discussed climate change, energy transition goals, sustainable investment opportunities, and the “need to safeguard the multilateral trading system,” according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT). The two officials also took time to prioritize reviewing policies created by technical committees in preparation for the next meeting with the U.S. Free Trade Commission.

“This visit confirms the need to think about a bold, renewed, and long-term agenda with the United States, which aims to generate greater investment with technology transfer in sectors associated with the energy transition, agro-industrialization and food sovereignty, health, defense, services, and sustainable tourism,” said Mendoza.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has committed to create a plan to invest in key sectors of Colombian business and industry that would encourage the growth of small- and medium-sized businesses in the country, create better digital and technological connectivity with the world, and push for a more sustainable energy transition for the country, according to MinCIT.

During his time in the United States, Mendoza met with José Fernández, an under secretary in the U.S. State Department, to discuss tourism and regional integration within the country. He also attended an event organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss Colombian investment opportunities, reindustrialization, and tourism, among other topics, with various investors and business owners.

The Colombian minister’s trip to Washington coincided with World Trade Week, a U.S. initiative aimed at recognizing “that trade is destined to be an engine of well-being for all, uplifting workers and the business community.”

Photo: Colombian Commerce Minister German Umaña Mendoza meets with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Washington. (Credit: MinCIT)