China-Colombia Business Relations: Exports to China grow & more industries enter China's market

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We continue our special series on 40 years of China's reform and opening up. As China becomes one of Colombia's top trading partners, Colombians are getting better at doing business in the world's second-largest economy. Our correspondent Michelle Begue has this story from Bogota.

Colombian Juan Manuel Gutierrez sold roses in more than 20 different countries before embarking on his biggest challenge, exporting to China.

JUAN MANUEL GUTIERREZ OWNER, WAYUU FLOWERS & PQR ROSES "It takes six days to get the product from the farm to the final consumer, so there is a lot happening in six days."

There were logistical challenges, not to mention language and cultural barriers.

JUAN MANUEL GUTIERREZ OWNER, WAYUU FLOWERS & PQR ROSES "It took us one year to get started, and after that quite a few months to get it going smoothly, you really need to get local support to help you out."

MICHELLE BEGUE BOGOTA "For Colombia doing business with China is of utmost interest in recent years. In fact, just last year exports to China grew more than 70%. After the United States and Panama, China was the third top trading partner of Colombia's export sales in 2017."

While 90 percent of Colombian exports to China is crude oil, the Colombian Chinese Chamber of Commerce, has been helping more industries enter the market. Chocolate, Coffee, flowers and dehydrated fruits are among them.

JAIME SUAREZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COLOMBIAN CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "It is key to get closer to the Chinese businessman, establish a relationship of trust, this isn't a relationship of just client with client, where you simply meet at the negotiating table, you have to go the extra mile, you have to try their gastronomy, accept their invitation to eat and get to know their setting."

For Juan Manuel Gutierrez, persistence was worth it. Three years later Wayuu Flowers and Prime Quality Roses distributes roses in seven Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

JUAN MANUEL GUTIERREZ OWNER, WAYUU FLOWERS & PQR ROSES "It is the market, the size of China. It is something that is very interesting and desirable for any business person, in any business."

And it seems like more and more Colombians believe the benefits of doing business in China is worth the effort. Michelle Begue, CGTN, Bogota.