Murillo's visit comes at the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China's foreign minister.
During his time in China, Murillo is expected to discuss economic, trade, and financial cooperation between the two nations, especially given the current global situation, according to Wang Youming, director of the Institute of Developing Countries at the China Institute of International Studies.
Both countries may also look to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors like mineral and agricultural trade to build on their existing economic relationship. Colombia has shown growing interest in emerging industries, such as the digital and green economies, and is undergoing an industrial transformation. It hopes to tap into China's expertise in electric vehicles, solar energy, and green technologies to deepen cooperation in these areas.
Colombian media outlet Colombia One reports that Murillo is expected to focus on strengthening trade and investment ties during his visit. Colombia's potential involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could also be on the agenda, said Wang Youming.
When Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited China in October 2023, he emphasized the importance of the BRI to Colombia and expressed readiness to align the country's geographical strengths and development strategies with the initiative.
Analysts pointed out that Latin American countries now favor balancing relationships with major global powers, avoiding taking sides to capitalize on opportunities offered by China's growth. Over the past decade, the BRI has brought tangible benefits like job creation and economic growth to participating countries, contrasting with the delayed implementation of the U.S.-led Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity.
Despite the U.S. maintaining considerable influence in some Latin American nations, the benefits of the BRI have prompted countries like Brazil to show increased interest in joining, according to analysts. Colombia, as a significant South American nation, has taken note of Brazil's potential involvement in the BRI and is showing a more open attitude toward the initiative.
Colombia has also shown growing interest in the BRICS group, drawn by its appeal to emerging economies. Analysts noted that the increasing interest from developing countries in joining BRICS underscores the rise of the Global South and their push for reforms in global governance.
Colombia One also mentioned that discussions during Murillo's visit might include Colombia’s potential membership in BRICS.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum.
Experts believe that Murillo's visit will further strengthen high-level exchanges between China and Latin American countries. They expect more interactions in the near future to expand cooperation and support Global South collaboration in tackling global challenges.
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