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Canada - Chile Relations

The Canada-Chile relationship is well-established, multifaceted and growing. We have a strong framework for cooperation between our countries, anchored in our shared values, strong trade and investment relationship and extensive people-to-people ties. We also work closely together on regional and global issues, and continue to seek out opportunities to expand this cooperation into new areas.

In 2012, Canada and Chile are celebrating the 15th anniversary of our Free Trade Agreement, which continues to be the cornerstone of our strong and growing trade and investment relationship. Bilateral merchandise trade has more than tripled since the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) came into force in 1997, growing to $2.73 billion in 2011. Total Canadian investment in Chile stood at $13.3 billion in 2010, ranking it as the 9th destination globally for Canadian direct investment abroad. The principal sectors of this investment are mining, utilities (water and energy), chemicals, infrastructure, and financial services. Canada has been the largest source of new investment in Chile over the past decade (2002-2011) and our commercial relationship continues to diversify into new sectors. In support of this trend, both countries remain committed to modernizing and broadening the CCFTA to ensure it continues to support our bilateral commercial objectives.

Since Prime Minister Harper’s visit to Chile in 2007 and former President Bachelet’s visit to Canada in 2008, we can also point to the expansion and deepening of collaboration in priority sectors, including sustainable development of minerals and metals; science and technology; investment promotion; defence relations; youth mobility; and education and exchanges. Both countries are proud of the tremendous progress made under this framework since 2007.  It was during his visit in 2007 that Prime Minister Harper first announced that Canada would make engagement with the Americas a foreign policy priority.

Prime Minister Harper made a second official visit to Chile on April 16, 2012. He took that opportunity to announce the expansion of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which will provide increased access to the Chilean market for Canadian businesses. He also thanked Chilean President Piñera for his country’s support of Canada’s bid to join trade talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). 

Canada’s engagement with the Americas is based on a vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere through the three goals of: increasing mutual prosperity; addressing insecurity and advancing freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; and building lasting relationships across government, business, civil society, academic, civil society and communities in the region. Canada considers Chile a strong, constructive regional partner in advancing these goals within the hemisphere.

Canada and Chile enjoy an active working relationship in international fora, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the Organization of American States.

In Chile, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Santiago. Canada has honorary consuls in Concepción and Antofagasta.

Chile is represented in Canada by the Embassy of Chile to Canada in Ottawa. Chile also has consulates in Montréal, Toronto, Québec City, and Vancouver, and an honorary consul in Halifax.

August 2012

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Date Modified:
2013-03-15