Ambassador Excited to Be Serving Country in World's Second-largest Economy

Colombia's ambassador to China Carmenza Jaramillo. [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Colombia and China established political relations on February 8, 1980; later that year, the countries opened diplomatic missions in each other's capital. Since relations have been formalized, there have been high-level meetings between officials of China and Colombia, and friendly relations, in different areas, have been strengthened. Also, there has been multilateral technical cooperation and education, cultural, military, economic and trade-related exchanges between the countries throughout the years. Carmenza Jaramillo, Colombia's ambassador to China, has been involved in some of those exchanges. She recently sat down with Women of China to discuss her experiences and objectives as her country's top diplomat in China.

"Living in Hong Kong, between 1991 and 1993, as consul-general … gave me the opportunity to travel to China's mainland for the first time … I had the first touch of the real Chinese culture," Jaramillo recalls.

"I was really fascinated by the culture and, at that time, the country was (beginning its) rapid economic growth. So, my first impression was very positive. I knew that China was going to become a relevant country, on the international scene, very soon, because of the opening and reform policy that China's late leader Deng Xiaoping started implementing in the late 1970s.

"When I came back in December last year, I noticed a lot of changes in the country, and a real evolution in the cities. I love how Beijing mixes both modern and traditional architecture to make a perfect balance," Jaramillo says.

"What China has (achieved) in just 33 years is a lesson that many countries need to learn. Even if there are some challenges that the country still needs to face, the great accomplishment of the economic growth for the Chinese people is admirable," she continues.

Jaramillo was appointed Colombia's ambassador to India in 1997. After she had completed her assignment, Jaramillo had no doubt that she would one day be given another posting in Asia. She did not hesitate to accept when she was offered the newly created post of ambassador in the newly established embassy in China.

"I accepted happily … because being ambassador serving in the country with the second most important economy in the world was an honor, and a real challenge. The dynamism of the Asia-Pacific region is very important for the global economy, and China has a relevant role in promoting trade and investment," Jaramillo says.

"In 2012, the president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, paid an official visit to China, along with eight ministers of his cabinet. During the visit, high-level meetings were held and nine agreements, in different areas, were signed. Colombia and China have carried out eight economic and trade cooperation joint commissions, three scientific and technical cooperation joint commissions, and some bilateral educational and cultural working plans.

"Within the commercial scope, bilateral trade has increased in recent years. China has become the second most important commercial partner of Colombia, and the results of … Chinese investments in Colombia are visible. Colombia is looking to promote national products in the Chinese market, and both countries are studying the possibility of establishing a free-trade agreement in the near future," Jaramillo says.

Jaramillo would like Chinese to be able to find Colombia on the map and recognize the country's heritage. For that reason, she has made it a priority to visit — and promote Colombia — in most of China's provinces.

"The embassy has undertaken several activities to achieve this goal. In the cultural arena, we organized the visit of Colombian artists to participate in some events, such as "Meet in Beijing" at the Third Beijing International Film Festival. They were giving a taste of Colombian multiculturalism, by offering a painting exhibition and dance performances.

"Promoting Spanish among universities is part of our action plan. The embassy just donated 300 books to universities in China that have a strong Spanish-language department. Every year, students from China and Colombia receive scholarships to study Spanish and Mandarin, respectively," Jaramillo notes.

"There are some important initiatives that (are intended to give) Chinese and foreigners a deeper understanding of Colombian culture, through innovative talks, such as our monthly 'Colombian coffee happy hour' and the 'Embassy Newsletter.'

"The embassy supports the trade council, Proexport, in promoting investment, tourism and Colombian products in the Chinese market," Jaramillo says.

She suggests in China, the second-largest economy in the world, learning Mandarin is essential to learning about the country and understanding its culture. "I am taking Chinese lessons with a private tutor, who has introduced me to this ancient language full of richness. Even though the embassy has excellent translators, I think interpretation can sometimes change the real meaning of the idea, or give a different perspective of what is translated Communication is (important) to maintaining a good … relationship … and this has been one of my challenges.

"Since I have been working overseas … I have noticed that every country in the world has its own culture, customs and ways in the workplace. For example, one of the positive aspects that I have encountered in China has been the commitment of the Chinese staff at the embassy," Jaramillo says.

She has three very fond memories of her stay in China. "Talking with former Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People, during the presentation of my (letters of credence) … was one of the most remarkable moments … I took that opportunity to express to President Hu my sincere congratulations for his birthday … and we exchanged some ideas about the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and continuing to promote trade and investment.

"Another event, which was very important, was the closing ceremony of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), where (newly elected) President Xi Jinping delivered his first speech as head of state. Being a witness to the political power transition in China was a very fruitful experience, because it gave me a better understanding of the complex political structure in China," Jaramillo says.

"Meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, and all of the members of the government and diplomatic corps, was in the interest of strengthening relations between Colombia and China.

"China is the place to be, right now, not only because of its political and economic influence in international affairs, but also because of its innovative and assertive (approach to) economic and social development. My main goal is to be an outstanding ambassador of Colombia to China … and I want to put all of my energy into achieving this goal. I love working for my country, and I am happy to continue doing this," Jaramillo says.

(Source:Women of China English Monthly 2013 May Issue)