Colombian president to visit China, Japan
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe will start an official visit to China and Japan on April 6 to seek financing for major infrastructure works and open new markets for his country, a senior official said Friday.

Foreign Minister Carolina Barco said Colombia is lagging behind in its relations with nations of the Pacific Rim.

He said because of Colombia's geographic situation, the country could become a "joining point" between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Barco said Asia is of "an enormous economic and political dynamics." He admitted that to Asia "Colombia is an enigma, and, we all know that our image is difficult to understand."

Under the schedule of Uribe, he will hold talks with Chinese and Japanese leaders during his trip to the two countries.

The president also has plans to meet businessmen of China and visit industrial complexes and historical sites.

In Tokyo, the president is expected to sign an agreement of understanding for an eventual Japanese financing for the construction of a tunnel which links the middle of the country to the coffee-producing area in the west.

There will also be negotiations to involve the Japanese in projects for environment through the mechanisms offered by the Kyoto Protocol.