CHILE CAN SERVE AS BRIDGE BETWEEN SOUTH AMERICA, ASIA-PACIFIC

Santiago, October 15, 2014 (Xinhua).- Chile can serve as a bridge between South America and the Asia-Pacific region and thus help boost Latin America's competitive edge in the Asian market, Chile's top diplomat said here yesterday.

Chile has a privileged geographic location and fully functioning trade agreements with all of the member countries of the trade bloc Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), as well as countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz said in an interview with America Economia magazine.

The Chilean government makes its ties with Latin America a priority in its foreign policy, especially its ties with its South American neighbors, said Munoz.

A seminar will be held on Nov. 24 in Chile, for which members of MERCOSUR, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the Pacific Alliance are invited, he said.

"What we seek is complementarity, to make progress while respecting the differences," said Munoz, adding that the unity between MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance could "translate into new port, road, border crossing, infrastructure projects, and better service”.

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