Colombia Aims to Reduce Dependence on U.S. Exports Amid Trade Tensions

Renowned author Salman Rushdie spoke at the Hay Festival in Cartagena, Colombia, on February 1, 2025, discussing themes from his memoir, "Knife," which recounts his near-fatal stabbing in 2022. Rushdie, 77, highlighted the importance of humor in his recovery process and his return to public events as a form of defiance against fear. Although he expressed a desire for normalcy, he acknowledged the need for security in large gatherings. In a conversation with EL PAÍS, Rushdie criticized Elon Musk, claiming that Musk's assertion of defending freedom of expression is a facade, stating that he "curates the discourse of the extreme right." Rushdie also commented on the cultural implications of immigration, urging Americans to recognize their nation’s foundational myth as a haven for immigrants, and warned against the repercussions of recent anti-immigration sentiment. He emphasized the historical significance of migration in shaping culture and cautioned that deportation policies could have detrimental effects on vital sectors of American society.

At the Hay Festival in Cartagena, Colombia, Salman Rushdie, 77, shared insights from his memoir "Knife," recounting his 2022 knife attack that left him with 15 stab wounds. Rushdie emphasized the importance of returning to public life as an act of resistance against fear, stating, "I don't want to spend the rest of my life being invisible." Though he once preferred to avoid bodyguards, he now acknowledges the need for precaution during large events. In a conversation with EL PAÍS, Rushdie criticized social media mogul Elon Musk for his claims about defending free expression, asserting that Musk “curates the discourse of the extreme right.” He also discussed the adaptation of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Netflix, noting that the essence of Gabriel García Márquez's work, particularly its language, was lost in the series. Reflecting on immigration, he cautioned against the erosion of cultural values in the U.S., warning that deportation could lead to significant social consequences.

Colombia is seeking to diversify its export markets in the wake of a recent diplomatic spat with the United States, where former President Donald Trump's threat to increase tariffs on Colombian products raised alarms about the country’s heavy reliance on its northern neighbor. According to experts, President Gustavo Petro’s government is now focusing on expanding trade relations with countries like China and those in Europe, although there are significant challenges ahead, including outdated customs processes and a lack of engagement from local businesses. During his inauguration of Finance Minister Diego Guevara, Petro emphasized the need for Colombia to market to a variety of countries rather than remaining reliant on one. Javier Díaz, president of the National Association of Foreign Trade, acknowledged the urgency for market diversification, stating that strong ties with the U.S. must continue. Recent conversations with China’s ambassador signal a potential for enhanced trade relations, as Colombia previously initiated a partnership within China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which could yield substantial investments in infrastructure.