"Closure of Colmotores Reveals the Challenges of Reindustrialization in Colombia"

In the last two years, President Gustavo Petro's discourse on the reindustrialization of Colombia has collided with a harsh reality. Despite promises to transform Colombia into a country less dependent on raw materials and more oriented towards the production of goods, recent figures and events reflect a discouraging landscape. One of the latest victims of this situation has been Colmotores, an iconic company in the automotive sector that has closed its doors, leaving hundreds of workers in uncertainty. The closure of Colmotores, argued to be necessary for optimizing production in larger capacity plants, exposes a deeper problem. In a world transitioning towards electric mobility, the lack of concrete proposals from the government to promote local production of electric vehicles raises serious doubts about the viability of reindustrialization. Was there really an effort to find an alternative for General Motors to adapt its plant towards a more sustainable future, or was the company's fate simply left to the inertia of the market? Reindustrialization is not limited to the mere creation of industries; it involves an ecosystem where entrepreneurs willing to invest coexist, a clear fiscal framework that incentivizes production, and, above all, a commitment to innovation. However, these elements seem absent from the current government's agenda. Entrepreneurs, often seen as adversaries in the official narrative, are a key piece that cannot be ignored if a solid industrial economy is to be built. Meanwhile, the steel sector is on the brink of collapse. The arrival of imported steel from China at exorbitantly low prices has put local companies at risk, struggling to survive in an environment marked by unfair competition. This situation not only threatens factories and their workers but also affects entire regions that depend on the steel industry for their economic dynamism. Instead of implementing policies that protect and promote national industry, the government's response has been alarmingly ineffective. It is suggested that Colombian steelmakers seek to diversify into other products rather than protect what already exists. This approach is not only perplexing but also highlights a lack of understanding regarding the importance of maintaining and developing existing industries. The contrast with countries like China, where subsidies and government aid are common tools to nourish industrial growth, underscores the absurdity of the Colombian situation. Here, there is talk of reindustrialization while witnessing an industrial slaughter in times of crisis. The promise of an industrial future increasingly appears to be an illusion rather than a tangible reality. The Petro government has focused its efforts on the popular economy, an approach that, while having its merits, cannot be the only strategy. Job creation and economic stability require a balanced approach that encompasses both the popular economy and the strengthening of industry. Without a boost to this sector, the dream of reindustrializing the country fades. Innovation, another fundamental pillar of reindustrialization, seems relegated to minor initiatives and isolated projects that fail to make a significant impact. Proposals from the Ministry of Science and Technology that promote the development of products like honey and coffee are commendable but are insufficient to sustain a vigorous industrial economy. The lingering question is whether the government truly has a clear plan to reverse this trend. The lack of a comprehensive approach and the absence of effective policies have led to a loss of confidence on the path to reindustrialization. Time will tell if Colombia can transform this reality or if, on the contrary, it will find itself trapped in a cycle of industrial decline that threatens its economic future.