Since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Chile and South Korea in 2004, the commercial exchange grew exponentially, from 1,58 billion dollars in 2004 to 8,82 billion in 2023. In current negotiations, which began in 2018, there is a discussion on the inclusion of a chapter about supplies which are strategic for some supply chains of the Korean industry such as: copper and lithium, which are fundamental for the sustainable technologies and electric vehicles. Chile, owner of the largest lithium reserves, seeks strategic partners like South Korea in order to develop its supply chains of minerals.
Other innovative aspect is the inclusion of a chapter on gender and trade, in accordance with the Chilean efforts to empower women in the international trade. This revised agreement could become a model for future treaties, since it entails economic growth and social responsibility.
Prof. Dr. Shino Watanabe Analyzed the Geopolitical Challenges of East Asia in Montevideo
Invited by the Embassy of Japan in Uruguay, the specialist from Sophia University (Tokyo) examined the evolution of relations among Japan, China, the United States, and South Korea, as well as the implications of recent political changes for the international order.
