UK Minister for Latin America, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has visited Chile to strengthen bilateral and UK-Chile trade ties between the two countries.
Baroness Chapman’s Visit to Chile: A Commitment to Enhanced Trade Relations
Baroness Jenny Chapman, the UK Minister for Latin America, has made her first visit to Chile since her appointment in July 2024.
During her trip to Santiago and Punta Arenas, she met with Chilean leaders to discuss and reinforce the bilateral and trade relationships between the UK and Chile.
Discussions and Agreements
The visit included significant discussions on trade cooperation, economic growth, and security. Baroness Chapman participated in the 21st annual UK-Chile Defence dialogue, where she met with Chilean Undersecretary of Defence Ricardo Montero Allende.
These talks focused on strengthening defence cooperation, the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, and global security issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
Economic and Trade Implications
The strengthened trade ties are expected to have a positive impact on both economies. The UK is set to benefit from increased trade opportunities, particularly with its imminent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
This partnership is anticipated to open new avenues for businesses in both the UK and Latin America.
Statistics
- The combined GDP of Latin America is nearly $6 trillion.
- The region has a population of some 660 million people.
- The UK already benefits from four trade agreements with the region.
Leadership Response
It is a huge honor to serve as the UK’s Minister for Latin America. Our ties with Latin America are historic, rooted in shared democratic values. I look forward to renewing our partnership, working together to tackle the climate crisis, build prosperity, and enhance security.
Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister for Latin America at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Minister’s statement underscores the UK’s commitment to being an outward-looking, reliable, and genuine partner in the region.
Her visits to Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, and the Caribbean have highlighted the benefits of UK-Latin America business cooperation and the opportunities available.
Progress and Targets
- The UK aims to deliver sustainable economic growth by looking beyond traditional markets and industries.
- Latin America is key to this vision, with significant potential for trade and investment.
- The UK and Latin America will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations with several countries next year.
Local and Regional Effects
The visit has specific implications for local and regional development. For instance, in Chile, discussions included infrastructure projects and green hydrogen exports, reflecting the UK’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region.
The Minister also visited the Naval, Army, Air Force, and Marines headquarters, meeting with the Chiefs to discuss military cooperation.
Immediate Implications
Baroness Chapman’s visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the UK’s relationship with Chile and the broader Latin American region.
The strengthened trade ties and defence cooperation are expected to have immediate positive effect on economic growth and security.
Broader Significance and Future Relations
The visit sets the stage for a more prosperous, sustainable, and secure future for both the UK and Latin America.
As the UK reconnects with partners in the Global South, the deepening of these relationships is crucial for addressing shared priorities such as climate change, economic growth, and global security.
