In a recent interview with GDToday, Guillermo Puyana, President of the Colombia-China Friendship Association, expressed his aspiration for Colombia to officially join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2025. As the two nations approach the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Puyana envisions the BRI as a transformative opportunity to enhance Colombia's infrastructure, strengthen its economy, and foster closer ties with China.
A lifelong bond with China
Puyana's connection to China is deeply personal. "My relationship with China began before I was born," he said, recalling that his father first visited China in 1964 and later became one of the founders of the Colombia-China Friendship Association.
China and its achievements have been a constant presence in his life. Puyana himself lived in China in 1991, which left a lasting impression of the country's commitment to improving quality of life and promoting common prosperity.
"What amazes me most about China," he noted, "is the high quality of life in its modern cities. The entire Chinese population enjoys free access to essential public goods, such as culture, infrastructure, citizen safety, and public spaces."
The BRI: Colombia's opportunity to infrastructure transformation
In Puyana's view, Colombia could benefit from adopting similar values to boost its own development. The Belt and Road Initiative, he believes, could be the key to addressing Colombia's severe infrastructure gaps.
"The Belt and Road Initiative has been one of the unrealized dreams of the friends of China in Colombia," Puyana explained, expressing hope that Colombia will join this global initiative in the coming year.
China's involvement in building Bogotá's metro is a prime example of how the BRI could transform Colombia. "The Chinese are fulfilling a 60-year dream by constructing Metro Bogotá," he observed.
For Puyana, the partnership with China represents a "very beautiful cycle," where Chinese technology and expertise can be combined with Colombian resources to produce goods attractive to both markets.
Beyond infrastructure, Colombia and China are expanding cooperation in healthcare. Puyana highlighted Sinovac's recent investment in a vaccine production facility in Colombia as a step towards reviving the country's vaccine manufacturing capabilities, which went to oblivion decades ago.
"We will take that back with help from Chinese companies and the government," he said, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration.
Responding to reports that the United States might have concerns over Colombia joining the BRI, Puyana was candid: "The solution is simple—come and compete. But they're not building airports, roads, or ports outside the U.S., or even within their own country," he remarked.
Criticisms that China depletes local economies, he added, do not withstand objective analysis.
The special relationship with Guangdong Province
Puyana also shared a personal connection with Guangdong Province, China's economic powerhouse with strong ties to Colombia.
Reflecting on his 2023 visit, where he received a painting from Guangdong officials, he noted that "the first proposal for cooperation between regions of Colombia and China is always Guangdong."
Huawei, a Guangdong-based tech company, is particularly cherished in Colombia, especially among young people. "Huawei's programs here are very popular with young people," he pointed out, seeing this as a symbol of the strong future for Colombia-China relations.
Being optimistic for Colombia's future in the BRI, Puyana looks forward to a new era of mutual growth and collaboration between the two countries.
Reporter | Lydia, Xachary
Script | Xachary
Cameramen | Wiingheng, Axin
Video | Nanying
Poster | Mia
Editor | Nina, Steven, James
