The commercial exchange between Colombia and Venezuela could reach $1,200 million dollars by the end of the year if the reopening of the border in Táchira is confirmed, which would mean a revival of economic activity in the region
The panorama of binational relations between Colombia and Venezuela looks more optimistic now that Gustavo Petro won the Colombian presidential elections. Everything seems to indicate that he will come to an understanding with Chavismo to resume relations and reopen the border crossing that connects Táchira with Norte de Santander.
This reopening has been expected since 2015 by the border population, both in Cúcuta on the Colombian side, and in Táchira from Venezuela, since the permanent connection between both regions has characterized the dynamics of life of these populations.
Now that it seems to be close to materializing, estimates of the economic impact it will have are encouraging. The tourism sector alone expects to be able to recover 4,000 direct jobs and 8,000 indirect jobs with the reconnection.
This was stated by the treasurer of Fedecamaras Táchira and president of the Chamber of Tourism of that entity, Gispy Pineda, under the argument that Táchira depends on border trade and this need has not ceased to exist, but now the relationship is managed from the informality, with commercial exchanges carried out through irregular steps known as “trails”.
In this sense, Pineda hopes that the legal and natural reconnection that both countries have will materialize, since they have requested to normalize relations with Colombia for more than five years.
“We are waiting for this new news and this new advance regarding this reopening to continue to evolve to achieve what we have been fighting so hard for from Fedecamaras Táchira and the Colombian unions imploring, this reopening that both nations need so much,” he stressed. in statements reported by Fedecamaras Radio.
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One of the main axes in this future reconnection will be the tourism sector, which has always had considerable weight for Táchira, since Colombia used to be the second market for Venezuelan tourism after the United States, largely due to regional receptive tourism in Tachira.
This Venezuelan entity used to receive the Colombian population for different reasons. Colombians crossed the border to study or access the Venezuelan health service, which meant accommodation and consumption in Venezuela.
The possibility of reactivating these exchanges excites the tachirenses businessmen, since they believe this reality is necessary to re-boost the economy of the state.
“Without a doubt, what we need is the reopening of the border so that in Táchira it has that revival and that great transformation. That border must become a magnet where people come from the interior of the country to carry out commercial tourism where their interest in learning more about the state of Táchira and its potential is aroused,” said Pineda.
According to estimates by the Venezuelan-Colombian Economic Integration (Cavecol), this economic revival could unleash a binational trade relationship that will reach some $1.2 billion in trade (imports and exports) by the end of 2022. That is, triple what was traded in 2021.
*Also read: Trade between Colombia and Venezuela could triple in 2022 after Petro’s victory
Reopening at the Táchira border
Since his presidential campaign, Petro has raised the possibility of resuming consular, diplomatic and commercial relations with the administration of Nicolás Maduro, a change from the last three years in which Colombia had recognized Juan Guaidó as a legitimate authority in the country.
Although uncertainty reigned over how the Chavista government would respond, expectations were positive regarding a possible understanding between the two leaders. This scenario was confirmed in the last few hours.
The Colombian president-elect reported through his Twitter account that maintained communications with the Venezuelan government in order to “open the borders and restore the full exercise of human rights at the border.”
I have communicated with the Venezuelan government to open the borders and restore the full exercise of human rights on the border.
– Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) June 22, 2022
At the same time, the Venezuelan president confirmed the existence of this conversation and noted that he had started the dialogue to “restore normality at the borders.” Similarly, “various issues about peace and the prosperous future of both peoples” were addressed.
I spoke with the elected president of Colombia @petrogustavo, and on behalf of the Venezuelan people, I congratulated him on his victory. We discussed the willingness to restore normality on the borders, various issues about Peace and the prosperous future of both peoples. pic.twitter.com/ZK3cBE8JdO
– Nicolas Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) June 22, 2022
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