EFTA and Chile meet to discuss market access for goods and geographical indications

EFTA and Chile Heads of delegation meet

In the framework of the ongoing modernisation process of the EFTA-Chile free trade agreement, EFTA Heads led by EFTA spokesperson Mr Erik Andreas Underland, Specialist Director at the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries met Mr Felipe Lopeandia, General Director of Bilateral Economic Affairs at the Chilean Undersecretariat of International Economic Affairs on 4 May 2021 through videoconference. Accompanied by relevant experts, discussions focussed on geographical indications and market access for goods. Further exchanges will take place at the next round scheduled before the summer break.

Bilateral trade between EFTA and Chile has grown strongly since the agreement entered into force in 2004. Excluding gold, EFTA’s imports from Chile have more than doubled from EUR 88 million in 2004 to 194 million in 2019 while exports increased from 142 to 416 million over the same period. In total, trade has increased by 16 percent in the 16 years since the entry into force. EFTA’s main exports to Chile in 2020 included pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical instruments, and ships, while fruits, inorganic chemicals, wine, and fish oil were important imports.

Read more about merchandise trade between EFTA and Chile here.