Colombia wants to sign a partial scope trade agreement with the DR, which would be similar to the agreement the DR has with Panama, allowing for specific items to enter the country duty-free.
The aim is to increase investments and trade, currently at US$232.5 million per year. Colombia also wants to sign an agreement to protect investment and is asking the Dominican authorities to activate talks.
ProExport Colombia Caribbean director Carlos Gonzalez points out that the Dominican Republic is the main destination for Colombian exports in the Caribbean, second in investment and the second favorite travel destination for Colombian tourists in the region.
Colombian exports to the DR in 2013 totaled US$188.7 million, and imports are worth US$43.8 million. A total of 39,890 Colombian tourists visited the country. Investments were estimated at US$113.1 million from 2000 to 2013.