Opinions & Interviews

Benitez: Chile seeks long-term cooperation with Belarus

MINSK, 10 October (BelTA) – Chile is interested in long-term cooperation with Belarus, Deputy Minister for International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, Rodrigo Yanez Benitez told BelTA during his visit to Minsk.

The deputy minister said that the main goal of the visit is to explore the potential of cooperation with Belarus. “It is very important to exchange opinions on our capabilities and determine prospects for development of economic ties between the two countries,” he said.

Rodrigo Yanez Benitez met with Belarus’ First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Yeudachenka. They discussed the issues related to trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Chile and regional economic integration, including the cooperation of Chile with the Eurasian Economic Union. Belarus' accession to the World Trade Organization was also raised during the discussion. The Chilean delegation is scheduled to visit the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Belarus’ Hi-Tech Park and the Belarusian automobile engineering company BelAZ.

“It is important for Chile that Belarus views it as a promising strategic partner, especially in the framework of cooperation with the EAEU. For us, growing contacts with Belarusian partners is also an opportunity to enter the markets of the EAEU member states. We, in turn, are ready to become a gateway for Belarusian goods to other states of our region,” the deputy foreign minister noted. Chile imports a lot of foreign goods, but, unfortunately, there are very few Belarusian ones among them, he said.

BelAZ vehicles, which are used in the mining industry, has been well known in Chile since Soviet times. “Belarus has great prospects on the Chilean dairy market,” Rodrigo Yanez Benitez said. For its part, Chile is ready to build up deliveries of salmon, wine, dried fruits to Belarus.

At the same time, Rodrigo Yanez Benitez said that there are some problems with the duties, which are still significantly higher for Belarusian goods than for other foreign products coming to Chile. Chile is set to resolve the matter.

“The Belarusian-Chilean trade is modest, about $10 million, with Chile exports accounting for 90%. We are interested in increasing mutual supplies and are thinking on joint projects and programs that will increase the mutual trade,” the Chilean guest noted.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks