“For decades, Switzerland and Chile have maintained strong and constructive relations. At the economic and commercial level, our countries have just concluded the modernization of the free trade agreement between the States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Chile, which not only strengthens our bilateral economic ties, but also brings substantial improvements in the protection of investments and intellectual property, allowing a tax-free flow of goods.
Beyond commercial aspects, the collaboration between Switzerland and Chile extends to fundamental areas such as environmental protection, the fight against the effects of climate change, and the energy transition. Recently, our countries signed an important climate cooperation agreement within the framework of the World Climate Conference (COP28), which allows the international transfer of CO2 emissions reductions between Switzerland and Chile. This agreement, which will enter into force this June 10, is a testimony of the joint commitment that our countries assume in the fight against climate change.
The visit of our delegation to Chile reflects Switzerland’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Chile in terms of innovation to develop areas such as the energy transition and mitigation of the effects of climate change. Chile has occupied the top positions in Latin American innovation indices for almost a decade, while Switzerland has led them worldwide. A situation that we were able to verify during our visit, where we were able to convince ourselves of the state of progress in the transformation of Chilean mining thanks, among others, to Swiss innovation. It has been pleasing and encouraging to see how Swiss companies, from SMEs to multinationals, are playing a key role in vehicle electrification initiatives or the supply of technical components to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of operations.
Although Switzerland does not have raw materials, its products are very present in the mining and energy industries, in which our country contributes with cutting-edge technology in areas such as electrification, high-precision instruments or wastewater treatment, among others. ; thus generating more efficient and cleaner processes. At the Chilean Exponor fair, where 14 Swiss companies participate, we mainly focus on bilateral collaboration in mining and energy matters, and we are pleased to deepen the opportunities for bilateral cooperation and with decision makers and entrepreneurs committed to sustainability.
To transcend the commercial sphere and better understand Switzerland’s challenges and opportunities in this area, we also met with representatives of civil society and academia. For me, it is especially important not only to shed light on the economic aspects of the sector, but also to better understand the social and ecological components that they generate, so that Swiss commercial collaboration contributes to an environmentally sustainable energy transition that provide socioeconomic benefits to all.
The collaboration between Switzerland and Chile in the railway sector is another outstanding example of how innovation can drive the energy transition and the development of more sustainable cities. June 6the Swiss Railway Association, Swissrail, and the Chilean State Railway Company (EFE) will sign a collaboration agreement, which promises not only to strengthen connections between both countries, but also to promote more efficient and environmentally friendly railway practices , especially in Chile, which is experiencing a promising process of expansion and strengthening of its railway network.
As a world leader in rail transport, Switzerland looks at Chile with great interest in supporting this process. I am convinced that the possibilities of cooperation in this sector will open new opportunities to strengthen our ties and address the common challenges we face.
The visit of the Swiss delegation to Chile not only strengthens commercial relations and opens the doors of the Chilean market to Swiss companies, but is also a testimony to the shared commitment of both nations to innovation and environmental protection through bilateral economic relations. As we face increasingly urgent global challenges, it is essential that we continue to collaborate and share knowledge that ensures a better future for generations to come. Our trade and investment relationships, including Swiss solutions and technologies, should contribute to this.
By Hélène Budliger, Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs
