Colombia has held preliminary technical discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about possible financing as the government confronts a deepening fiscal crisis. Three sources familiar with the private talks said officials are seeking alternative funding at more favorable rates while raising domestic and external borrowing targets. IMF staff are in Colombia for a scheduled institutional visit led by Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke, but any financing program would require a dedicated staff mission and further negotiations. Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella instructed his finance minister and economic team to pursue a negotiated solution, while Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo and officials raised the issue with business leaders and capital-markets investors in New York. The government has lifted its fiscal-deficit target to 7.2% of gross domestic product this year from 5.3%, and to 9.4% next year. Borrowing is set to increase by more than $10.5 billion this year and reach $71.66 billion in 2027, more than double the original plan.