Latest News

Trump Calls Colombia’s Petro an “Illegal Drug Leader,” Halts U.S. Aid

By The City Paper Staff - October 19, 2025

In an extraordinary escalation that threatens to end decades of strategic partnership, U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sunday labeled Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader” and announced the immediate suspension of U.S. financial aid to Colombia. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused […]

First Metro Train for Bogotá Arrives in Colombia

By Richard Emblin - September 2, 2025

Bogotá’s first metro train has arrived in Colombia after a 30-day journey from China, marking a historic milestone for the long-delayed project. The six-car train will undergo testing in the capital, with Line 1 expected to begin passenger service in March 2028.

Colombia Bets Big on Instant Payments With Central Bank’s BRE-B

By Richard Emblin - July 17, 2025

Colombia has launched BRE-B, a real-time payments system developed by its central bank to unify digital transactions across banks and wallets. The free platform allows instant money transfers nationwide and aims to boost financial inclusion, mirroring Brazil’s Pix model while addressing high fees and limited interoperability in the country.

Bogotá and Avianca Launch South America’s First Official “Stopover” Program

By Richard Emblin - July 16, 2025

Bogotá and Avianca have launched StopOver Bogotá, South America’s first official stopover program, allowing international transit passengers to explore the city for up to 24 hours. The initiative aims to attract 472,000 additional visitors and boost tourism revenue for key attractions.

At the Crossroads of Global Trade, Singapore Redefines the Power of the Port

By Richard Emblin - June 24, 2025

PSA Singapore, the world’s largest container transshipment hub, handled a record 40.9 million TEUs in 2024. From its colonial origins in 1819, Singapore has become a global logistics powerhouse, with Tuas Port leading in automation, sustainability, and connectivity to over 600 ports worldwide.

How Singapore Turned Necessity into Sustainability and Global Influence

By Richard Emblin - June 13, 2025

Singapore has engineered a vision for green living. From desalinated water, smart housing, eco transportion, and integrated planning, this island nation blends innovation, multicultural harmony, and climate resilience to shape a future-ready city.

Avianca Expands Fleet in Strategic Deal with Singapore’s BOC Aviation

By Richard Emblin - June 6, 2025

Colombia’s flagship Avianca airlines has signed a lease agreement with Singapore-based BOC for nine Airbus A320neo aircraft, reinforcing its fleet expansion plans. The deal highlights Singapore’s growing aviation influence and global reference as a logitics hub for emerging markets.

South is the new East: Stories shaping China – Latin America relations

By Cui Xingyu - May 14, 2025

China and Latin America are strengthening ties through infrastructure, education, and cultural exchange. From port construction in Peru to traditional medicine in Argentina, personal stories highlight how deepening cooperation is building bridges across continents.

Canada’s Cordoba Minerals sells Colombia stake in Alacrán to Chinese Consortium

By The City Paper Staff - May 12, 2025

Canada’s Cordoba Minerals has sold its remaining 50% stake in Colombia’s Alacrán copper project to China’s JCHX-led consortium, marking its exit from the country after a decade of operations.

Colombia’s Petro pivots to Beijing with intent to join Belt and Road

By The City Paper Staff - May 8, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans to sign a letter of intent to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative during a May visit to Beijing, signaling a major geopolitical shift that could strain ties with the U.S. and alarm business leaders as trade tariffs loom.

Heavy rainfall in Antioquia triggers emergencies and Red Alerts across department

By The City Paper Staff - May 7, 2025

Heavy rains across Colombia’s Antioquia department have triggered over 1,000 emergencies, with 87 municipalities under red or orange alert. Medellín and surrounding areas face flooding, landslides, and hospital overcrowding, as La Niña conditions continue to worsen throughout May.

Canada’s Mark Carney leads Liberals to fourth term in historic vote

By The Conversation - April 29, 2025

Mark Carney secured a fourth term for Canada’s Liberal Party after winning a historic election on April 28. The election has polarized Canada’s political landscape after months of threats from U.S President Donald Trump to declare Canada as a 51st States.

IMF Suspends Colombia’s $9.8bn Credit Line over fiscal concerns

By The City Paper Staff - April 28, 2025

The IMF has suspended Colombia’s $9.8bn credit line, citing rising public debt and fiscal risk. President Petro responded with a personal attack on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, sparking political backlash. Analysts warn the move could hurt investor confidence and raise borrowing costs amid global financial uncertainty.

Colombia’s peso struggles with Wall Street turmoil and oil slump

By The City Paper Staff - April 8, 2025

The Colombian peso slumped amid Wall Street’s sell-off and falling oil prices, but has steadied near COP$4,400 to the USD. The currency remains volatile as global markets rebound on hopes of tariff negotiations.

Bogotá in Top Three of Latin America for Foreign Direct Investment

By Richard Emblin - April 4, 2025

With 105 foreign investment projects in 2024, the Colombian capital stands out as a magnet for expansion in services, retail, and technology. Great connectivity for the business community, world-class cultural events and a highly-skilled workforce has secured Bogotá as a trusted destination for investors.

Colombia to replace Kfirs with Sweden’s SAAB Gripen fighter jet

By The City Paper Staff - April 3, 2025

Colombia has signed a letter of intent to purchase between 16 and 24 modern fighter jets from Sweden. The deal with aircraft manufacturer SAAB would replace the country’s ageing Israeli Kfirs with the JAS39 Gripen.