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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 44460, member: 636"] Colombia became the first South American country to join a Chinese-backed bank called the New Development Bank. President Gustavo Petro wants to find new ways to pay for major building projects without depending on Western lenders. The government promised to invest 512 million dollars to become a member of this financial group. Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia said the decision helps Colombia build stronger relationships with different countries around the world. The bank was created by BRICS nations like China, Russia, India, South Africa and Brazil back in 2015. These countries wanted to offer loans with fewer restrictions than traditional banks like the World Bank or International Monetary Fund. Colombia hopes to use this money for a huge railroad project that would connect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Government officials believe this railway could make Colombia an important shipping center between Asia and the Caribbean region. Many Colombians have mixed feelings about joining this bank. Some lawmakers praise the move as smart financial planning that gives the country more choices for funding. Others worry about working closely with authoritarian governments like China and Russia. Conservative Senator Enrique Gomez questioned whether Colombia should trust banks controlled by these types of regimes. The United States has been Colombia's closest partner for decades, especially fighting drug cartels and promoting free market economics. American officials oppose Latin American countries participating in Chinese investment programs. Colombian finance leaders insist they will keep working with American banks and organizations despite this new partnership with BRICS nations. [/QUOTE]

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