2025 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Chile and China, 20 years since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and 10 editions of Chile Week China. This binational alliance, which has evolved to become a model of cooperation in Latin America, began when Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1970. Since then, it has been characterized by a long-term vision and a state policy that transcends ideologies.
China: Chile's main trading partner
China represents 39% of Chilean exports, being the main destination for iconic products such as wine, cherries and salmon. The Free Trade Agreement signed in 2005 has been fundamental in strengthening this alliance, as a result of which, in 2023, more than 1,000 Chilean companies exported to the Asian giant.
A decade of historic advances
Since 2015, Chile Week China has established itself as the most important promotional event between the two countries, being a key platform for deepening economic and cultural cooperation. During the nine years of its realization, bilateral trade has grown by 77%, and Chilean exports to China have increased by 129%, from US$16,351 million to US$37,401 million, according to figures from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This growth is also reflected in the confidence that Chinese capital places in Chile, with numerous examples of important investments. One of them is the installation of a lithium-based materials production plant in Mejillones, with an investment of US$233 million by Tsingshan Holding Group.
Towards market diversification
In the short term, the bet is to diversify the offer and strengthen new industries such as the creative economy. The latter was present at the last Chile Week China, with an audiovisual workshop and the presence of some of its representatives, such as Giancarlo Nasi from Quijote Films -the audiovisual producer behind Los Colonos, a film selected to represent Chile at the 2024 Oscars- and Simón Weinstein from Fractal Juegos, a board game company that exported "Dragones del Mar" to China.
ProChile also signed an agreement with the Economic Development Bureau of Hainan, an island province located in southern China, known for its tropical climate, paradisiacal beaches and rapidly growing economy, which has positioned itself as a strategic tourist and commercial destination. Through this cooperation agreement, the aim is to continue expanding the presence of Chilean products in China, jointly developing promotional activities.
"Year after year, Chile Week China reaffirms the strength of our ties. Bilateral exchange has grown steadily thanks to the joint efforts of public and private institutions and through which we demonstrate the constant commitment of Chilean foreign policy and the relevance of China for our country," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Alberto van Klaveren.
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