According to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, of the total in value, 95 percent corresponded to non-mining energy goods, or 640.2 million dollars, for a growth of 6.3 percent compared to 2022.

Through all borders, airports and ports, 370,090 tons were dispatched, a growth of 8.4 percent in volume of goods, the statement added.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Germán Umaña emphasized that we are moving forward in a purposeful and positive way in the process of reestablishing our relationship with Venezuela.

“We have the deepening of the Partial Scope Trade Agreement that has undoubtedly boosted this relationship,” he pointed out.

He added that there is still an important space to increase trade, “and that is why we are working together to promote the construction of supply chains that allow us to take advantage of economic complementarities.”

He explained that an Investment Protection Agreement was negotiated with Venezuela and it is being processed in the Congress of the Republic and the last debate is pending.

In addition, he added, events such as the Binational Macro-Roundtable are taking place and there is constant analysis between the two countries.

“Our work continues. We seek the welfare of citizens on both sides of the border and to advance in economic justice,” Umaña said.

In 2023, the export basket to Venezuela was made up of a varied supply of products, according to the statement.

Chocolates, candies and confectionery, for example, represented 7.1 percent of Colombia’s total supply and exports grew 21.9 percent compared to 2022.

The process of reestablishing economic and trade relations between Colombia and Venezuela began in September 2022.

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