The Japanese ambassador says that food and fruit can be a niche business. "If only a FTA could be signed soon," he said.
The Japanese government on Monday in Cali raised the need for the bilateral trade with Colombia to increase in the coming years, and within that target, Valle del Cauca could play a key role because of its connectivity to the Pacific.
To seek more trade, the ambassador of that country, Kazumi Suzuki, met with a group of entrepreneurs who presented the advantages of the region.
"It was an interesting opportunity and a good start to drive that growth. And above all because the Valle del Cauca is an area of great potential and has a harbour, Buenaventura, which is a gateway for business with Pacific and Asia," he stated.
The diplomat said, "Our intention is that there is soon a Free Trade Agreement, because it is viable, feasible and promising."
He said that they have already advanced three bilateral meetings to start formal negotiations. As a first step, both countries have in place an agreement on investment protection.
Mr. Suzuki emphasized that "the Valle is an attractive region for trade and investment," after noting that a niche business could be the export of fruit and vegetables, as well as other foods to their country.
Source: Elpaís