The relationship between Colombia and Venezuela has historically oscillated between collaboration and tension, shaped by the political contexts of each country

The recent signing of the agreement to establish the Special Economic Zone of Peace (ZEEP) marks a turning point in border management, opening new expectations for development, integration, and reconciliation for border communities.

Historical Context and Background

Colombia and Venezuela share a common legacy inherited from Gran Colombia, following independence in the 1800s, and have experienced periods of intense cooperation interspersed with times of high tension.

Following the dissolution of Gran Colombia, both countries resolved border disputes through bilateral agreements, achieving periods of economic dynamism, particularly in the 1990s, thanks to the doubling of trade, reciprocal investments, and increased citizen mobility.

However, the rise of ideologically opposed governments exacerbated differences. The administrations of Álvaro Uribe, Juan Manuel Santos, and Iván Duque in Colombia coincided with the peak of Bolivarian socialism in Venezuela, leading to confrontational rhetoric, border closures, and trade restrictions.

Venezuela’s economic crisis and institutional conflicts, such as the recognition of Juan Guaidó, resulted in a temporary breakdown of diplomatic relations, worsening migration and smuggling along the border.

A New Scenario with the Presidency of Gustavo Petro

With Gustavo Petro’s inauguration in Colombia in 2022, a period of reestablishing diplomatic and trade relations began, focused on rebuilding cooperation in security, energy, and post-pandemic development.

In 2024, trade between the two countries exceeded $2.2 billion, according to statements by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, reflecting a strategic revitalization in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry.

The Agreement for the Special Economic Zone of Peace (ZEEP)

On July 17, 2025, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Colombian Minister of Trade Diana Marcela Morales formalized a memorandum of understanding that lays the foundation for the ZEEP: a Zone of Peace, Union, and Binational Development.

Areas of Impact:

• Norte de Santander Department (Colombia)
• Táchira and Zulia States (Venezuela)

These territories have historically been the most affected by border conflicts and, at the same time, stand to benefit the most from the integration dynamics proposed by the ZEEP.

Core Objectives of the Agreement

• Promote economic and productive development in the border region.
• Diversify local economies by fostering sectors such as energy, agribusiness, technology, trade, tourism, and transportation.
• Reactivate and strengthen bilateral trade.
• Generate formal employment and improve the quality of life for residents.
• Facilitate the transfer of technology, knowledge, and productive best practices.
• Encourage national and foreign investment.
• Create conditions for peace and civic coexistence.

Tangible Benefits of the ZEEP

The creation of a special economic zone will bring concrete advantages for communities in both countries:
• Increased exchange of goods and services.
• Attraction of investments in industrial, energy, commercial, and tourism sectors.
• Generation of foreign exchange and new sources of formal employment.
• Improved coexistence and harmony among border communities.
• Implementation of customs, fiscal, and regulatory incentives to attract businesses and capital.
• Reduction of conflict and organized crime in the border area by creating real economic alternatives.

Essential Peace Component

The ZEEP goes beyond economics: it seeks to pacify a border marked by decades of violence, presence of illegal armed groups, drug trafficking, and smuggling.

Presidents Gustavo Petro and Nicolás Maduro have emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous border is vital for regional stability.

Through the formalization of productive development and state presence, the goal is to eradicate illicit economies and establish a safe environment for integration and trade.

Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones (ZEE) are areas with regulations distinct from the rest of the national territory. They offer:
• Special regulatory and fiscal frameworks (reduced taxes, customs advantages, competitive tariffs, flexible labor protections).
• Privileged access to key infrastructure.
• Flexibility for importing raw materials and exporting finished products.
• Incentive policies for national and foreign investment.

Over 70 countries, primarily emerging economies, have implemented the ZEE model to stimulate growth, job creation, and capital attraction.

Legal Framework for the ZEEP

In Venezuela:
The Organic Law of Special Economic Zones (LOZEE),  approved in 2022, regulates the creation and operation of these areas, granting incentives for businesses and defining the management framework.

In Colombia:
Laws such as the 1955 (Development Plan), 677 (Special Export Economic Zones), and Article 337 of the Political Constitution establish special tax regimes, primarily in border regions.

The existence of these legal frameworks in both countries is essential to harmonize the tax, customs, labor, and migration regulations required for the ZEEP’s success.

Challenges and Next Steps

• Effective binational coordination for joint planning and execution.
• Modernization of customs and trade processes.
• Strengthening security through coordinated actions to eradicate illegal economies.
• Promotion of public and private investment in infrastructure, energy, tourism, gas, and oil projects.
• Establishment of a governance body and a dispute resolution mechanism.

A binational working group is expected to be formed to define the action plan and oversee the implementation of strategic projects.

Conclusion

The creation of the Special Economic Zone of Peace represents much more than an economic alliance: it is a commitment to reconciliation, trust-building, and overcoming decades of conflict and disintegration along the Colombia-Venezuela border.

This project paves the way to transform one of the historically most affected regions into an engine of sustainable development, civic coexistence, and regional security.

In the long term, the ZEEP could become a model of integration and progress for Latin America.

The political will and cooperation of both governments will be decisive in turning this memorandum into a tangible reality for the border populations.

If implementation is successful, this agreement will positively impact the lives of millions and set a precedent, legality, and shared prosperity in the region.

IN THIS ARTICLE