India,Chile kick off CEPA talks to boost economic ties

India-Chile FTA is a door to future opportunities especially for India as Chile is a major global producer of critical minerals, and this would be a key element of CEPA

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

India and Chile have concluded the first round of negotiations for the proposed comprehensive free trade agreement between the two countries, the Department of Commerce said Friday.

The two countries implemented a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2006 and are now negotiating to widen its scope for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).

“India and Chile have successfully concluded the first round of CEPA negotiations. Discussions were held across 17 tracks during the round and both sides reiterated their commitment to deepen economic engagement and trade ties,” the department said in a post on X (social media platform).

The next round of negotiations is expected in July-August this year and will be preceded by intersessional discussions through virtual conferences to address outstanding issues in advance of the upcoming meeting.