Eight officials stand together for a group photograph with Colombian and Singaporean flags behind them.

Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan ³ÂÊ¥»Ô

Singapore and Colombia discussed trade, investment and market access initiatives in Bogot¨¢.

Singapore held a series of meetings with Colombian officials in Bogot¨¢, including Vice President Jos¨¦ Manuel Restrepo Abondano, Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Trade Minister Mauricio G¨®mez. The discussions focused on Colombia¡¯s priorities for engagement with Asia and initiatives to expand trade and investment links between Singapore and Colombia.

During a morning meeting with Vice President Restrepo and Foreign Minister Bula Escobar, Singapore discussed the priorities of Colombia¡¯s new administration, including its focus on Asia. The sides also discussed progress on the ratification of the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, avoidance of double taxation and collaboration on carbon credits.

The discussions took place in the context of growing trade between Colombia and Singapore. Advancing the initiatives discussed during the meeting was identified as a way to improve investor confidence and develop bilateral trade and investment links.

Five officials pose together with their hands joined in front of the Colombian and Singaporean flags.

Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan ³ÂÊ¥»Ô

The Singapore delegation also noted that President Abelardo de la Espriella¡¯s administration was one month old and had been managing the aftermath of an earthquake that struck parts of Colombia. Singapore described Colombia as a resilient country recovering steadily and seeking opportunities for growth that would benefit its people.

In the afternoon, Singapore held a first meeting with Trade Minister Mauricio G¨®mez at his office in Bogot¨¢. The meeting followed up on the discussions held earlier in the day with Vice President Restrepo and Foreign Minister Bula Escobar.

Singapore and Colombian officials sit opposite each other at a conference table with both countries¡¯ flags in the centre.

Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan ³ÂÊ¥»Ô

The meeting with Minister G¨®mez covered the same areas, including ratification of the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, avoidance of double taxation and cooperation on carbon credits. The sides also discussed Colombia¡¯s potential to leverage Singapore as a launchpad to Southeast Asia.

Singapore said it looked forward to advancing these initiatives as the two countries develop their trade and investment links.

Two officials shake hands across a conference table with Colombian and Singaporean flags between them.

Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan ³ÂÊ¥»Ô

The visit was described as the third visit to Colombia by the Singapore representative. Colombia was also described as a partner in Singapore¡¯s expanding links with Latin America.

Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan ³ÂÊ¥»Ô