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Written question asked by Baroness Kennedy of Cradley (Non-affiliated) on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 February 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Columbia: Politics and Government

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) political, and (2) economic, situation in Columbia.

Answer

Significant progress has been made in Colombia since its 2016 Peace Accords, and supporting the Colombian government in implementing them fully remains a UK Government priority. Challenges remain, however, particularly related to security in some areas, and the threats faced by human rights defenders and social leaders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Its economy has shrunk for the first time in over 20 years. However, the IMF emphasises that the Colombian economy has "strong underlying fundamentals," and the government has ambitious plans to support economic recovery. The UK Government considers Colombia an attractive opportunity for British business. Our continuity Free Trade Agreement has been ratified by the Colombian Congress, and is now being considered by the Constitutional Court.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12600
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Economic situation Politics and government Colombia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk