Vietnam, Chile Join Efforts to Enhance Trade and Investment Cooperation

On August 27, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), met with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren to discuss boosting trade and investment and supporting the business communities of both countries.

VCCI President Pham Tan Cong poses for a group photo with the Chilean delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren affirmed that the Chilean government always wishes to strengthen its relations with Vietnam as part of its foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific region.

Minister Alberto Van Klaveren highly appreciated the significant progress in the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam. Notably, the trade turnover between the two countries has increased rapidly over the past decade, making Chile Vietnam's fourth-largest trading partner in Latin America, while Vietnam has become Chile's largest trading partner within ASEAN.

Mr. Alberto Van Klaveren emphasized that foreign trade is a vital pillar of Chile's economy. As a result, Chile has signed many global trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The country is also actively negotiating to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Minister Klaveren highlighted that Chile's active participation in these trade agreements has opened up opportunities for Chilean businesses to explore potential markets like Vietnam.

He further affirmed that the Chilean market is always open to key Vietnamese products. Additionally, he expressed a strong intention to increase the export of high-quality Chilean agricultural products to Vietnam, including wine, apples, peaches and grapes, and to introduce kiwi and meat products into the Vietnamese market.

In response to Chile's remarks, VCCI President Pham Tan Cong affirmed that Vietnam always values its traditional friendship with Chile. He underscored that economic, trade and investment cooperation are increasingly becoming key pillars of the bilateral relationship. Owing to the complementary nature of their economic structures, both countries have actively promoted the exchange of goods and services, with many Chilean products already present in the Vietnamese market. As APEC members and  CPTPP signatories, Vietnam and Chile have opportunities to enhance cooperation in business connectivity, consumer goods exports, and tourism development.

Cong also expressed his hope that both sides would work together to support businesses, organize trade promotion forums, and conduct market surveys, thereby facilitating market access for each other's products, addressing consumer demands and fostering rapid economic growth.

Vietnam and Chile, as gateways to ASEAN and Latin America, have a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation. By leveraging their positions, they aim to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties, offering businesses easier access to these expansive markets.

By Huong Ly, Vietnam Business Forum