Brazil-Colombia alliance: a world of trade and investment opportunities

Stretching over 1,600 kilometers, the shared border between Colombia and Brazil in the Amazon region has long fostered cultural and economic exchanges. Strengthening this connection, the Colombian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Integration has, for 46 years, worked to deepen bilateral relations by facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.

“We collaborate with both public and private entities to enhance business opportunities in goods and services, foreign investment, tourism, and cultural integration. To achieve this, we organize and participate in events that keep the business community informed, identify common challenges in key industries, and promote initiatives to strengthen the ‘Brazil’ and ‘Colombia’ brands among governments and the public,” explains Francisco Solano, president of the Colombian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Integration.

In 2024, Colombia exported USD$1.885 billion worth of goods to Brazil, based on free-on-board (FOB) values, which reflect the cost of goods at the point of shipment. Key exports included coke of coal, coal, polymers of vinyl chloride, polymers of propylene, and palm oil. Meanwhile, Colombia imports from Brazil totaled USD$4.045 billion, the most abundant products like automobiles, cane sugar, coffee, tractor parts, and iron and steel intermediates.

Brazilian investment in Colombia reached USD$121 million in 2023, primarily in the financial, chemical, pharmaceutical, construction, and power generation sectors. Colombian investment in Brazil, though significantly lower at USD$5.6 million, focused mainly on the electric power transmission sector.

“The initial numbers reveal a trade deficit of USD$2.16 billion for Colombia,” Solano notes. “However, strengthening bilateral ties could help bridge this gap. Sectors like agriculture, agro-industry, and tourism show strong potential for growth in both countries.”

Brazil remains a top destination for Colombian travelers, ranking sixth among their international preferences. In 2023, 109,773 Colombians visited Brazil, with Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo as their favorite destinations. On the other hand, Colombia saw an even greater influx of Brazilian tourists, welcoming 147,528 visitors, who were particularly drawn to Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and San Andrés.

“These figures confirm the vast investment opportunities in tourism, especially in themed and specialized hotels,” says Solano. “Colombia also boasts untapped regions with immense potential, such as the Orinoco and Pacific areas, which offer unique ecotourism experiences, birdwatching, and opportunities for community engagement.”

With strong growth projections, expanding air connectivity and encouraging companies to explore internationalization opportunities will be crucial. In line with this, the Colombian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Integration is planning business and academic exchange missions between the two countries. These missions will not only foster professional and commercial collaboration but also allow participants to experience the rich cultural and natural attractions each nation has to offer.