Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? 

• BRI is an international strategy aimed at improving global connectivity and cooperation.
• Launched in:  2013, it connects Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Gulf region through land and sea routes.
• Known as: Originally called ‘One Belt, One Road’, later renamed Belt and Road Initiative to reflect inclusivity.
• Consists of two major components: Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road.
• • Silk Road Economic Belt: Focuses on developing roads, railways, and trade routes across Eurasia.
  • Maritime Silk Road: Strengthens port infrastructure, shipping routes, and maritime cooperation, linking South China Sea, Indo-China, South-East Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Europe.

About Colombia

• Capital: Bogotá
• Location: Northwestern part of the South American continent
• Political Borders
  • Northwest: Panama
  • South: Ecuador and Peru
  • East: Venezuela
  • Southeast: Brazil
• Maritime Boundaries
  • North: Bounded by the Caribbean Sea
  • West: Bounded by the Pacific Ocean
• Major Geographical Features: Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, etc
• Natural Resources: Colombia is endowed with a variety of natural resources, which play a vital role in its economy:
  • Fossil Fuels: Petroleum, natural gas, coal
  • Minerals: Iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds (Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers)