Latest News

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.

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.

What Indonesia’s Floating Solar Project can teach Colombia about a clean energy future

By Richard Emblin - May 26, 2025

The Cirata Reservoir project in Indonesia’s West Java offers a blueprint for Colombia’s renewable transition and regional cooperation with Southeast Asia. As the largest floating solar project in SouthEast Asia, Cirata is driving Indonesia toward a greener and sustainable future.

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.

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.

Petro orders Ecopetrol to source natural gas from Qatar

By The City Paper Staff - March 11, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for diversifying natural gas imports, ordering state-owned Ecopetrol to source from Qatar in order to reduce costs and end reliance on the U.S. His proposal comes with rising gas prices, inflation concerns, and a significant new gas discovery off Colombia’s coast.

Trump Tariffs: A looming crisis for Colombian farmers and women workers

By Richard Emblin - March 4, 2025

U.S. tariffs on Colombian agricultural exports, including coffee and flowers, threaten thousands of jobs, particularly for women in rural areas. The peso faces devaluation, and China may seize the opportunity to expand its influence as Colombia seeks alternative trade partners.

Aguardiente Amarillo: A legendary Colombian spirit takes on “Goliath” and wins

By Richard Emblin - February 5, 2025

Colombia’s iconic Aguardiente Amarillo will now be available nationwide after a historic ruling by the Constitutional Court, allowing the spirit to reach new markets beyond its coffee region origins, boosting the country’s rich liquor heritage.

Colombia’s business sector gloomy of economic outlook under Petro

By Richard Emblin - September 30, 2024

Over 60% of Colombian business owners are contemplating relocating abroad due to economic instability under President Gustavo Petro, a Fenalco survey reveals. High interest rates, rising inflation, and security concerns have worsened the business climate, with leaders urging clearer economic policies for recovery.

Bogotá leads Colombia’s Startup funding with 97% of capital raised by mid-2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 17, 2024

Bogotá has solidified its position as the leading hub for startup investment in Colombia, capturing the largest portion of direct foreign capital by mid-2024, according to the latest report from Invest in Bogotá.

Colombian Court halts Uchuva-2 gas well raising concerns over energy security

By The City Paper Staff - September 16, 2024

A Colombian court has ordered the suspension of operations at the Uchuva-2 offshore natural gas well in the Caribbean. The Uchuva-2, part of the Tayrona block, is critical for Colombia’s energy security.

Global uncertainty is affecting the emerging markets.

Foreign Direct Investment in Colombia plunges 28% in the first half of 2024

By The City Paper Staff - September 4, 2024

Colombia’s foreign direct investment fell by 28% to USD 6.7 billion in the first half of 2024. The decline reflects growing economic and security challenges, including recent attacks on energy infrastructure. The data was released by the Central Bank.