The political economy of Colombia’s integration in the Pacific Rim

In this chapter, the authors explore the main internal and external determinants of Colombian economic relations with the Asia-Pacific, with emphasis on the domestic political economy. After sketching the political economy features of Colombian trade and regional integration policies more in general, the political economy of Colombian trade and investment relations with South Korea, Japan and PR China are looked at more in detail. Likewise, the new Colombian strategy to broaden and deepen its economic relations and regional integration with the Asia-Pacific region via the Pacific Alliance is also addressed from a political economy perspective. Through their analysis, the authors explain trends, changes, and inconsistencies in Colombia’s approach to the Pacific Rim.