Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Receives Award from Japanese Ambassador in Recognition of Bilateral Cooperation

When Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Diana Marcela Morales Rojas, accepted an award in Japan this week for becoming the first Latin American nation to win a prestigious international tourism accolade, the news rippled far beyond Bogotá’s presidential palace. It landed with particular resonance in communities across the United States where Colombian diaspora networks are deeply woven into the local fabric—none more so than in Jackson Heights, Queens. This vibrant neighborhood, stretching from Roosevelt Avenue to Northern Boulevard and anchored by the historic 74th Street-Broadway station, has long served as a cultural and economic hub for Colombians in New York City. The minister’s recognition isn’t just a diplomatic milestone; it’s a potential catalyst for renewed economic engagement that could directly influence compact businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations operating along the bustling commercial corridors of this diverse Queens enclave.

Morales Rojas, a political scientist from Arauca who earned her meritorious thesis at Universidad del Rosario researching the armed conflict in her home region, brings a nuanced perspective to her role as Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism—a position she has held since June 5, 2025, under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Her background in victim reparations work with Colombia’s Unit for the Victims, where she coordinated national and international implementation of victim policies and led collective and individual reparations processes for displaced communities, informs her current focus on inclusive economic development. The award she received in Japan, presented by the Japanese ambassador, underscores Colombia’s growing prominence in sustainable tourism—a sector that has become increasingly vital to the nation’s post-conflict economic strategy. For Jackson Heights, where Colombian-owned bakeries line 37th Avenue, travel agencies specializing in Andean itineraries operate near 82nd Street, and cultural festivals celebrate Barranquilla’s Carnival every spring, this international validation could translate into tangible opportunities: increased tourism interest, potential partnerships with Colombian trade offices, and renewed attention to the neighborhood’s role as a transnational cultural bridge.

The implications extend beyond symbolism. As Colombia positions itself as a leader in responsible tourism—a model emphasizing community-based initiatives, environmental stewardship, and peacebuilding through travel—Jackson Heights stands to benefit from heightened awareness of these values. Local entrepreneurs might locate new avenues for collaboration with Colombian cooperatives promoting eco-tourism in regions like the Coffee Axis or the Amazonian foothills. Cultural organizations such as the Queens Museum, which has hosted exhibitions on Andean textiles and indigenous storytelling, could explore joint programming with Colombian cultural institutes. Even practical services—like immigration consultancies near the intersection of 74th Street and Roosevelt Avenue that assist Colombians navigating visa processes—may observe shifts in demand as travel and investment patterns evolve. This moment reflects a broader trend: global recognition of Colombia’s transformation is no longer confined to diplomatic circles but is increasingly felt in the everyday economic rhythms of immigrant communities worldwide.

Given my background in analyzing how international policy shifts manifest at the neighborhood level, if this trend impacts you in Jackson Heights—whether you run a small business on 37th Avenue, volunteer with a cultural group in Corona, or work in community development near Flushing Meadows—here are three types of local professionals you should consider connecting with:

• International Trade Liaisons: Look for professionals or firms with verifiable experience facilitating U.S.-Colombia business partnerships, particularly those familiar with ProColombia’s programs or the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Prioritize those who understand sector-specific opportunities in tourism, light manufacturing, or agro-industrial goods, and who can provide references from past binational projects.
• Cultural Program Coordinators: Seek individuals with demonstrated success in designing cross-cultural initiatives—especially those who have collaborated with Colombian consulates, cultural ministries, or diaspora organizations. Ideal candidates will have experience organizing events around Colombian heritage (such as Bambuco festivals or coffee culture showcases) and realize how to navigate funding sources from both local arts councils and international cultural exchange programs.
• Community Development Specialists Focused on Immigrant Economies: Engage experts who specialize in strengthening ethnic commercial districts, with a track record of supporting small business resilience in areas like Jackson Heights. Look for those who understand the nuances of informal economies, remittance flows, and language access barriers, and who can aid align local initiatives with broader economic development goals from entities like the NYC Department of Small Business Services or the Queens Economic Development Corporation.

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