Prime Minister Stephen Harper's tour of Latin America continues in Colombia on Wednesday, where he is due to meet with business leaders and President Juan Maunel Santos.
A free-trade agreement between Canada and Colombia comes into effect next week, which could bring new opportunities for the two countries which did nearly $1.4 billion in two-way trade last year. Some of the major goods Canada imports from Colombia include mineral fuels and oils, coffee and sugar.
Harper spoke at a press conference on Wednesday of the importance of the agreement between the two countries.
"Already, Canada-Columbia trade has blossomed," he said. "Last year, two-way merchandise trade between us reached nearly $1.4 billion."
Canada has more than 70 companies in Colombia creating jobs in sectors such as, education, oil, gas and mining, Harper said.
But the move to build closer trade ties with Bogota has drawn criticism in Ottawa because of Colombia's poor human rights record.
"Free trade will basically be the agenda here today and I'm sure the prime minister will be asked about the safeguards to make sure that Colombia improves its human rights record," CTV's Roger Smith told 麻豆影视 Channel from Bogota.
Colombia has faced allegations that its government holds links to violent paramilitary squads, which have subsequently been linked to the deaths of labour leaders, journalists, indigenous peoples and rebel forces.
Armed groups have also caused general security issues in Colombia, exemplified by an attack that occurred only a day before Harper arrived in Bogota.
"There was an attack yesterday by the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces, also known as FARC, on a Canadian oilfield near the Venezuela border -- that's been a hotbed of guerilla activity," Smith said.
"A big oil drum was blown up and some other damage was done by two gunmen dressed as policemen. So that underlines the difficulty of doing business here."
Harper left Ottawa last weekend for his six-day working trip to Latin America and the Caribbean. His first stop was Brazil, followed by his current visit to Colombia.
The prime minister will also visit Costa Rica and Honduras.
With files from The Canadian Press
