Former Ministers of Ecuador and Colombia Ask to Dismantle 50% Tariffs and Reactivate Bilateral Dialogue
Bilateral trade borders on US$3 billion annually between both countries. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- Former trade ministers from Ecuador and Colombia are requesting the removal of recent trade restrictions and the resumption of diplomatic dialogue.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at around US$3 billion and supports 200,000 jobs.
- Ecuador's measures include a 50% security tax and increased crude oil pipeline transport fees.
- Colombia's measures involve 50% tariffs, import bans on certain products via land, and a prohibition on private electricity sales.
- The former ministers argue that these trade conflicts do not improve border security and that political will is needed for resolution.
- They propose joint actions between authorities, security forces, and intelligence entities to combat transnational criminal groups.
- Regional integration is presented as a tool to face global uncertainty.
- The ministers recommend using the Andean Community of Nations framework to resolve trade disputes.
- A call is made to urgently re-establish high-level diplomatic dialogue to define security actions and a long-term binational agenda.