Canada-Chile Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Canada and Chile have maintained diplomatic relations since 1941. Canada’s first Ambassador to Chile, Warwick Chipman, began his assignment in 1944. Canada’s presence in Chile reflected our expanding interest in world affairs, particularly security matters connected to the Allied war effort.

Key Issues

• Strengthening Trade and Economic Relations:
  The signing of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement marked an important development in our relationship. The agreement has contributed to the creation of an environment of confidence and certainty in which commercial relations have flourished.

  Canada has become a major investor in key sectors of the Chilean economy such as mining, energy distribution and banking. Furthermore, total bilateral trade has nearly doubled in the past five years.

  Chile and Canada are also active partners in the Free Trade Area of the Americas process, often sharing information and coordinating approaches and positions during negotiations.

• Expanding Cooperation on Global Issues:
  Canada and Chile cooperate closely on a range of issues at the UN, the Organization of American States, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and within the Summit of the Americas process. Human security is perhaps the strongest example of Canada-Chile "like-mindedness," with both countries sharing membership in the Human Security Network.

  Chile has also been exploring the utility of peacekeeping as a way of developing an expanded role for the military in civilian life. For some time, it has been seeking advice, partners and technical assistance in developing its capacity. Canada has been a mentor and companion to Chile in this process by providing guidance, training and some assistance.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada’s relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005