On March 21, a delegation from the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) visited Tulcán, Ecuador, in conjunction with inspecting the Rumichaca international bridge and holding a meeting with local freight transport and international trade representatives. The gathering took place in the afternoon at ECU 911 and included key stakeholders from Tulcán and Ipiales, who came together to address pressing trade issues affecting their operations across the Colombia-Ecuador border. During the meeting, attendees raised concerns over the recent implementation of a 50% security fee and a 30% reciprocal tariff applied to imports between Ecuador and Colombia. They expressed these concerns to Byron Borja, the governor of Carchi, who represented the Ecuadorian government at the meeting. The discussion highlights the growing frustration among local trade representatives, who believe these fees unnecessarily complicate cross-border commerce and affect their ability to operate effectively. This gathering comes in the context of heightened tensions between Ecuador and Colombia, particularly following Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa's complaints regarding Colombia’s lack of cooperation in border security management. These measures, which began on February 1, have raised alarm among local businesses that depend on smooth border operations for their livelihoods. The meeting with the CAN delegation sought to address these issues and foster dialogue aimed at easing trade restrictions and improving border security cooperation between the two nations.