Phl, Chile advance talks on free trade deal

The Philippines and Chile are accelerating efforts toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), following a bilateral meeting between trade officials held in Jeju, South Korea.

In a statement released Friday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with Chilean Vice Minister of Trade Claudia Sanhueza on May 15 during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting. The two reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA).

This latest dialogue builds on Roque’s previous meeting with Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Alberto van Klaveren in December 2024, where both nations formally launched CEPA negotiations.

The CEPA aims to strengthen bilateral trade in goods and services while deepening overall economic ties. Once finalized, it would mark the Philippines’ first-ever FTA with a Latin American country.

In addition to CEPA, Roque and Sanhueza explored broader regional trade matters, including the Philippines’ intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Chile’s ongoing bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“We are grateful for the support that Chile expressed during our Joint Economic Committee meeting last November. We count on Chile’s continued engagement and encouragement throughout the accession process (of CPTPP),” Roque said.

She also expressed support for Chile’s RCEP application, describing its potential membership as a “valuable addition to the free trade deal.”

“Chile’s strong economic credentials and clear commitment to open trade make it a fitting partner,” she added.

Under the Marcos administration, the DTI is actively working to secure impactful trade agreements aimed at promoting inclusive growth, attracting foreign investments, and expanding global market access for Philippine exports.