India, Chile Discuss CEPA, Trade Diversification to Boost Bilateral Ties

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar, "Delighted to meet FM Francisco Perez Mackenna of Chile this morning. Had a very good discussion on strengthening our bilateral cooperation to diversify markets and sourcing, promote export of priority items and facilitating the services economy."

"Agreed to work closely in plurilateral and multilateral formats," he added.

Mackenna arrived in India on May 9 for a seven-day official visit. "This visit will be a great opportunity to strengthen ties between Chile and India further. We look forward to deepening our partnership, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and advancing cooperation across a wide range of areas," he said in a post on X upon his arrival in New Delhi.

On Tuesday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions over breakfast with Chile's Foreign Minister and members of the Chilean delegation.

Following the meeting, Goyal said India and Chile reviewed the progress of negotiations for the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral trade, investment and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

"Held a delightful discussion over breakfast today with H.E. Francisco Perez Mackenna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, along with members of the Chilean delegation," he said.

"We reviewed the progress of CEPA negotiations and discussed ways to further deepen our trade, investment, and strategic partnership," Goyal mentioned.

The minister added that India values its longstanding partnership with Chile and remains committed to expanding economic engagement and people-to-people ties for shared growth and prosperity.

"India values its warm and longstanding partnership with Chile, and we remain committed to expanding our economic engagement and people-to-people ties for shared growth and prosperity," Goyal added.

The discussions come at a time when India is actively pursuing multiple trade agreements with key global partners to strengthen exports, attract investments and diversify supply chains amid global economic uncertainties.

Later, Mackenna also held a roundtable discussion alongside the Indian and Chilean business leaders, focusing on boosting trade and investment between the two nations.

- IANS