Colombia seeks to boost agricultural and border economic potential

Colombia faces significant challenges in maximizing its agricultural and border potential despite possessing vast unused farmland and substantial freshwater reserves. Currently, the agricultural sector accounts for only 6% of the national GDP, a stark contrast to Brazil, where the agro-industry represents 25%. This gap is attributed to a lack of long-term state policies, high industrial energy costs, and high corporate tax rates, which discourage long-term investment.

To improve competitiveness, experts suggest a shift toward agro-industrial transformation—processing raw materials into higher-value products—and improving logistics infrastructure. Additionally, there is a call to reform border management by transforming border cities from neglected peripheries into strategic logistical hubs.

Proposed developments for the Venezuelan border include establishing a Binational Special Economic Zone in the Cúcuta-Ureña area and creating multimodal ports in Arauca and Puerto Carreño. Such initiatives aim to formalize cross-border trade, improve irrigation for crops like rice and cocoa, and establish river connections to the Orinoco, potentially offering a fluvial alternative to the port of Buenaventura.