Deputy Minister Lee Tae-ho Holds Face-to-Face Meeting with Chilean International Economic Deputy Minister... Discusses Economic and Integration Cooperation Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Lee Tae-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting on the 26th with Rodrigo Ya?ez Benitez, Chile’s Deputy Minister of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Korea, exchanging views on △ cooperation in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) △ practical cooperation measures in economic and trade fields between the two countries after COVID-19.

Vice Minister Lee welcomed the visit, saying, “I welcome your visit to Korea to revitalize exchanges and economic investment between the two countries amid the unprecedented situation of COVID-19,” and highly evaluated that the two countries have maintained a friendly cooperative relationship in various fields since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962 and setting up a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2004.

Furthermore, Vice Minister Lee said, “The number of confirmed cases is gradually decreasing thanks to the recent efforts of the Chilean government and people,” adding, “Korea will continue to share our quarantine experience with the international community, including Chile, in the spirit of ‘solidarity and cooperation.’”

In response, Deputy Minister Ya?ez said, “I underwent a COVID-19 test at Incheon Airport to actively cooperate with quarantine efforts in Korea,” confirming that the Korean government is exemplary in responding to COVID-19.

Deputy Minister Ya?ez expressed gratitude for the Korean government’s cooperation in COVID-19 response through △ humanitarian support of quarantine supplies worth approximately 500,000 USD to Chile, △ holding video conferences on quarantine between the two countries’ health ministries, and hoped to actively cooperate with Korea in the development of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

Additionally, Vice Minister Lee expressed appreciation for the Chilean government’s support for Korea’s associate membership in the Pacific Alliance and requested continued support from Chile, the current chair country of the Pacific Alliance. Deputy Minister Ya?ez responded that the Chilean government will unwaveringly support Korea’s associate membership process to expand economic and trade relations between Korea and Pacific Alliance countries.

Deputy Minister Ya?ez hoped for the prompt resumption of the Korea-Chile FTA improvement negotiations, which were suspended due to the COVID-19 situation, and Vice Minister Lee expressed expectations that the negotiations will proceed in a way that harmonizes mutual interests.

In particular, Vice Minister Lee requested support for expanding the participation of Korean companies in infrastructure projects promoted by the Chilean government to revitalize the economy after COVID-19. He expressed gratitude for the recent exceptional entry permission granted by the Chilean government for essential Korean personnel needed for the Chile Chacao Bridge construction project carried out by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and asked for continued attention and support from the Chilean government to ensure smooth project progress.

Deputy Minister Ya?ez explained that the Chacao Bridge construction project is a significant national project for the Chilean government and responded that they will cooperate to ensure the project is completed without delay.

The agenda of the Korean New Deal comprehensive plan was also brought to the discussion table. Vice Minister Lee mentioned that President Moon Jae-in recently announced the ‘Korean New Deal Comprehensive Plan’ for economic recovery and structural transformation in the post-COVID era, and suggested exploring ways to cooperate by linking the four key cooperation projects agreed upon during President Pi?era’s state visit to Korea last April (4th Industrial Revolution, e-Government, Cybersecurity, Climate Change) with the ‘Korean New Deal Comprehensive Plan.’

Deputy Minister Ya?ez expressed agreement and added that the Chilean government is also actively promoting the 4th Industrial Revolution and eco-friendly projects, hoping for close cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Lee introduced Yoo Myung-hee, the head of the Trade Negotiations Headquarters and candidate for the WTO Director-General election, as a suitable candidate who possesses △ experience and expertise, △ determination to uphold the multilateral system, and △ the ability to serve as a bridge between developing and developed countries for WTO reform and strengthening, requesting Chile’s support.

A Foreign Ministry official explained, “Rodrigo Ya?ez Benitez’s visit to Korea is highly meaningful in that it sought ways to strengthen cooperation in various fields between the two countries for post-COVID economic revitalization, including cooperation between our government’s ‘Korean New Deal Comprehensive Plan’ and Chile’s strategies for the 4th Industrial Revolution and eco-friendly industry promotion, as well as entry into the infrastructure sector.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.