Australia and Chile hold Preliminary Discussions on Free Trade Agreement

The next round of discussions will be held in the second half of April in Chile. Australia and Chile also held a second round of discussions on a possible Double Taxation Agreement in Canberra.

Australia and Chile held initial discussions in Santiago on 22 February on a possible Free Trade Agreement. The Australian team, led by Virginia Greville of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, also held a series of consultations with Australian business in Chile.

Both countries will consult with their respective private sectors over the next two months with a view to conducting the next round of discussions in the second half of April in Chile.

The Director-General of the International Economic Relations Department in Chile’s Foreign Ministry, Carlos Furche, has said that Chile is seeking a comprehensive agreement, similar to those that Chile and Australia have with the United States covering goods, services and investment.

The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Doug Chester, who also visited Chile at the end of February, said in an interview with Diario La Tercera that “an FTA would certainly provide extra support to the Australian companies investing in Chile”. He added that although sectors such as automobiles, textiles and shoes, and horticulture could be considered as sensitive sectors by Australia, “we do not expect to exclude any sector from the negotiations”.

For Australia, progress on a Double Taxation Agreement is also a key priority. Australia and Chile held a second round of discussions on a possible DTA in Canberra in February 2007.

Business or other interested parties who would like to make a submission on a possible Australia-Chile FTA, are encouraged to do so. For further information please contact [email protected], or telephone 612 62612844.