Economy

Delcy Rodríguez stated that the proposal of zero tariffs with Colombia 'cannot be done'

After a week of dialogues between the governments of Colombia and Venezuela, several proposals have been heard, all focused on improving relations for border security and strengthening binational trade.

INATEC Boosts Productive Training in San Francisco Libre

With an investment of 1,399,965 córdobas, the National Technological Institute (INATEC) delivered materials and texts this Saturday to an educational center in the municipality of San Francisco Libre, with the aim of strengthening the productive vocation of rural youth.

The rise in crude oil threatens to halt rate cuts in Latin America

The rise in oil prices, with Brent above $100, threatens to spread to fuels, transportation, food, and flights

Fracking, austerity, and wealth redistribution: these are the economic proposals of the candidates

The next president of Colombia will not only receive the keys to the Casa de Nariño, but also the administration of a fiscal crisis of historical proportions...

Cartagena's Shoe Shiners at El Palito de Caucho Don't Want to Be Forgotten

Julio Erazo Cásseres's days in the shade of El Palito de Caucho are often very similar. Every day he leaves his home in the Olaya Herrera neighborhood and arrives punctually at 7 a.m. at the iconic tree in Cartagena's Historic Center to set up his workspace. He prepares his box, brushes, and polishes, and sits down to wait for a customer to appear, but it's rare for that to happen. Hours pass, and suddenly it's 6 p.m., and he has to go home with no money. This has been his reality and that of many of his colleagues in recent years, who have witnessed firsthand, and with pain, the decline of the trade that once allowed them to live without worries: shining shoes.

Fuel Prices on the Rise

As recalled, in October 2022, the Government decided to eliminate fuel subsidies, starting with gasoline, gradually increasing prices until they matched international prices. This decision, led by then-Minister of Finance, José Antonio Ocampo, was sensible and brave, given the enormous accumulated deficit that the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund had been carrying.

Caribbean Economy Fourth Quarter

At the close of 2025, the Colombian Caribbean economy continued to grow, but at a slower pace. In the fourth quarter, economic activity advanced 2.8% annually, according to the Monthly Economic Activity Indicator (IMAE), down from the 3.2% recorded in the previous period. Domestic demand continued to drive the results, although the environment was marked by a rebound in inflation and weaknesses in some productive sectors.

Venezuela and the oil price rebound: can this country capitalize on the perfect storm?

While the war in the Middle East has driven international oil prices to historic levels due to fears of supply shortages, Venezuela has the largest crude reserves in the world, but with an old and sometimes obsolete infrastructure that does not allow it to produce the necessary quantities of oil for highly dependent continents such as Europe and Asia. The world today consumes 100 million barrels of oil per day and global powers are beginning to look to the Caribbean country as a profitable option to cushion the crisis. Francisco Marín, market analyst, stated that the main challenge for the industry is to strengthen electricity generation. "Despite migration, it will not be possible to supply 100% of the demand. To reach 3 million, it must advance in the reconstruction of electricity. That is the basis of the real problem. It has many opportunities. Yes or yes, it will need Colombia, Brazil... alone, at this point in history, it will not be able to." He indicated that the country has taken steps with the approval of the hydrocarbons law to attract investment and boost the sector.

'Trasnochón' by FNA: Housing loans up to 100% to buy a house in Colombia

The National Savings Fund (FNA) will hold an all-nighter event between March 17 and 19 with the aim of facilitating access to housing loans. The special event will allow citizens to receive financial advice and guidance to buy their own home in Colombia during night hours, between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Gasoline distribution schedule from March 16 to 22

The subsidized gasoline schedule in Venezuela continues to operate under the plate-ending distribution scheme

Closure with containers at the border with Ecuador is sinking tourism in Ipiales

Merchants and unions are warning that billions of pesos are being lost every day with the situation, while different productive sectors begin to feel the consequences of the closure of vehicular traffic.

Fenoge and Afinia Start Appliance Replacement in Cartagena

The "Caribe cambia tu energía" program has begun in Cartagena, promoted by Fenoge and Afinia, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The initiative aims to replace old appliances with low-consumption ones in households of strata 1, 2, and 3.