Jorge Enrique Robledo classified Gustavo Petro as a “charlatan” for the plans for agriculture and industry in the country

The national government’s plans for a new economic model include a shift from fossil extractivism to manufacturing, a position that has drawn criticism from various political sectors, with even President Gustavo Petr’s announcement being considered “quackery”.

On September 23, 2024, the President announced the topics discussed at a meeting held between the national government and businessmen of the United States, in which clarified the importance of agriculture and industry.

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In this regard, President Petro assured that agriculture in Colombia is growing by 10% per year and therefore agrarian reform is necessary; while he emphasized the importance of a rapid transition to clean energy for industry.

This announcement by Gustavo Petro caused former presidential candidate Jorge Enrique Robledo to classify him as a “charlatan” on issues such as agricultural and industrial development, through a publication on his X account, given that It keeps Colombia “the prey” of free trade agreements (FTAs) and other neoliberal policies associated with globalization.

“He continues to charlatan @petrogustavo about agricultural and industrial development, while persisting in keeping Colombia a prisoner of free trade agreements and other policies of neoliberal globalization contrary to the real growth of national production.”

For example, one of the criticisms that Robledo raised in his message is related to the contracts for the import of Russian and Chinese steel, which according to the candidate “They threaten the stability of the steel plants installed in Colombia”because these are countries with which Colombia has not signed any free trade agreement.

On the other hand, on the issue of milk, Robledo added that the national government maintains its position in favor of the arrival of food from foreign countries, a relationship governed by free trade agreements.

Finally, the former presidential candidate assured that President Petro is taking advantage of the fact that many Colombians are not knowledgeable about issues such as free trade agreements, although he later disrespects them.

“Tweets like this one Petro exploits the fact that he knows there are many Colombians who do not have enough knowledge about these issues and does not respect the current situation.”

On September 25, 2024, it was learned that Gustavo Petro and his government were evaluating the possibility of imposing restrictions on steel imports from China to protect the national industry.

This measure was created after various meetings between the government and actors of the steel sector in Colombia, with the aim of finding solutions that will strengthen the competitiveness of the local market in the face of international competition.

Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla announced that the first concrete action in this direction is to support the introduction of an insurance policy against the Chinese market in order to provide greater protection to the country’s steel production.

In addition, Bonilla mentioned that a more ambitious initiative that includes construction of a flat steel milla project that would combine public and private investment to further strengthen Colombia’s industrial capacity.

In early September, the government announced the creation of this plant in conjunction with the private sector with the intention of reactivating and energizing the nation’s steel industry, thus contributing to the country’s economic development.

In this context, President Gustavo Petro met with Valle del Cauca businessman and former Cali Mayor Maurice Armitage to discuss the future of the steel industry in Colombia.

During the press conference, Armitage expressed that he sometimes thought Petro “was crazy”but after the meeting he acknowledged his commitment to the sector: “I told the president that sometimes I think he’s crazy, but today I have to say he’s not that crazy and he’s really helping us,” Armitage said. .

The businessman also expressed his concern over the current situation of the steel industry, warning that unless clear measures are taken, it is “on the brink of extinction” as he pointed out that steel imports from countries such as China, Turkey and Peru are seriously affecting the local industry, and therefore, there is an urgent need to implement policies that protect and promote national production.