Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 31: The India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations have officially begun, marking a significant step toward deepening economic collaboration and enhancing global value chains between the two countries, the Indian government announced.
The CEPA is designed to fully unlock the trade and commercial potential between India and Chile, aiming to boost bilateral trade, generate employment opportunities, and accelerate economic growth for both nations.
The Commerce Ministry stated that the negotiation process will be shaped by consultations with stakeholders and industry feedback, with both sides committed to a constructive and explorative dialogue to ensure the agreement’s success and meaningful impact.
Earlier this month, the terms of reference for the CEPA negotiations were signed, fulfilling commitments made during the high-level India-Chile dialogue.
The first round of negotiations commenced on May 26, inaugurated by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal alongside Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo. The next round is scheduled for July or August, with preliminary virtual meetings planned to resolve key outstanding issues ahead of the in-person talks.
This diplomatic progress follows Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font’s state visit to India in April, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, President Boric emphasized India’s status as a priority partner for Chile and stressed the importance of exploring strategies for expanded and diversified bilateral trade.
Both leaders expressed their support for a balanced, ambitious, and comprehensive CEPA aimed at fostering deeper economic integration.
The Chilean delegation, comprising 17 members, and the Indian team, led by Chief Negotiator Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, conducted detailed discussions covering 17 key areas. These included Trade in Goods and Services, Movement of Natural Persons, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures, Dispute Settlement, MSME development, and Women’s Economic Empowerment, among others.
The talks signal a promising future for stronger India-Chile economic relations and enhanced cooperation on multiple fronts.