Chile’s Agriculture Minister Esteban Valenzuela Seeks Stronger Ties with India
New Delhi, August 28: Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, emphasized the need for stronger cooperation with India in various sectors, including agriculture and technology. He highlighted Chile’s existing strong trade relationships with countries like the United States, Canada, and China, but stressed the importance of enhancing ties with India.
Valenzuela noted that India produces essential agricultural machinery, such as tractors, which Chile needs to strengthen its agriculture sector. He mentioned the demand for Indian Mahindra pickup trucks and agricultural products like bananas and mangoes.
Chile aims to export more wine to India and improve rural development through collaboration with India’s Ministry of Agriculture. Valenzuela highlighted Chile’s leading position in copper and lithium production and its commitment to using mining revenue for rural development.
Valenzuela announced plans to create a modern nut farm in Jammu and Kashmir, with a delegation from the region visiting Chile in November to finalize the agreement.
Chile and India have a longstanding trade relationship, with a Partial Scope Agreement in place since 2007, extended in 2017 to include tariff preferences for 1,110 Chilean products. In 2023, Chile’s trade is estimated at USD 2,847 billion, with India ranking 16th for Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports.
On Tuesday, Valenzuela met with India’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, to discuss agricultural challenges and opportunities for boosting trade. They agreed to work on market access issues for Indian mangoes and pomegranates and explore expanding trade in various agricultural products.
Valenzuela welcomed India’s proposal to establish a task force to address market access and sanitary concerns. The ministers also discussed implementing MoUs on agricultural cooperation, the horticulture action plan, and e-certification of phytosanitary certificates.
Valenzuela is part of a delegation led by Chile’s Foreign Minister, Alberto van Klaveren, who arrived for a two-day official visit to India. They participated in the second India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Klaveren expressed hope for strengthening mutual relations and advancing towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India.
Doubts Revealed
Chile -: Chile is a country in South America, located along the western edge of the continent, with the Pacific Ocean on one side.
Agriculture Minister -: An Agriculture Minister is a government official responsible for policies related to farming, food production, and rural development.
Esteban Valenzuela -: Esteban Valenzuela is the person who is currently the Agriculture Minister of Chile.
India -: India is a large country in South Asia, known for its diverse culture, languages, and history.
agricultural machinery -: Agricultural machinery includes tools and machines like tractors and harvesters that help farmers grow and harvest crops more efficiently.
wine -: Wine is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes. Chile is known for producing good quality wine.
rural development -: Rural development means improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often through better infrastructure and services.
market access -: Market access refers to the ability of a country to sell its goods and services in another country.
Ramnath Thakur -: Ramnath Thakur is the Minister of State for Agriculture in India, responsible for helping with agricultural policies and programs.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) -: CEPA is a type of trade agreement between countries that aims to reduce barriers to trade and increase economic cooperation.