Chile-PH trade pact still on amid leadership change
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon—Chile has assured the Philippines that negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) will conclude “as soon as possible,” despite a recent change in leadership in Santiago.
Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty expressed hope that discussions on the FTA with the South American country will wrap up this month, adding that the new administration in Chile is “very supportive” of this endeavor.
“We’re hoping [this will be done] by April, because there was a new government in Chile. But of course, I would say that we’re fortunate that the new administration of Chile is very supportive of this FTA. We will work on the conclusion of that,” Gepty told the Inquirer.
José Antonio Kast took office as Chile’s new president last month.
Paula Estévez Weinstein, vice minister of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, made this assurance to Gepty during their meeting at the recently concluded 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization here.
According to Gepty, the Chilean official guaranteed that “we’ll have to really conclude this Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) as soon as possible.”
No major roadblocks
Gepty declined to disclose the issues being fleshed out in Cepa, although they see no major roadblocks. An FTA with Chile would be the Philippines’ first with a Latin American country.
Philippine exports to Chile amounted to $45.4 million in 2025. Imports were pegged at $115 million.
The Chile FTA is part of a broader push to expand trade ties beyond traditional partners. Manila is pursuing similar agreements with the European Union (EU), India and Canada.
Gepty said the free trade talks with the EU are targeted to conclude by June, with the next round of negotiations scheduled for May 18 to May 22.
As for Canada, the bilateral trade accord is also targeted to conclude this year.
The Philippines and India are planning to meet this June to further tackle their preferential trade agreement.
