Legislators focus on Asia-Pacific

During 2009, Chile will attempt to capitalize upon its solid political and commercial relations with India, China and Singapore in order to boost the national economy via its "Plan Asia".  As such, the Portal interviewed three members of Congress who have specialized in Asian affairs over the years.  They delineated the major issues on which Chile should focus its attention in the Asia-Pacific.

To begin with, said plan has left few indifferent. Though much of the globe is focused on the economic crisis in the United States and Europe, the finance and foreign ministries have joined forces to develop this plan for Asia. Its main objective is to enhance Chile’s relations with Asia, given the region's growth. Its principal action plan includes a State visit, slated for March 2009, by President Bachelet to India.  A concomitant tour will be led by Finance Minister Andres Velasco to the plan’s Big Three: India, China and Singapore.

What areas will the plan focus on?

This was the question that the Portal posed to these three deputies who are well-known for their acumen on Asia issues. Their views on the plan and its ramifications follow.

Manuel Rojas, Member, Chile-India Congressional Workgroup: "Tourism and culture are paramount"

Deputy Manuel Rojas has visited India several times. He does not hesitate to say exactly where Chile should focus its attention. "The Asia plan, which sounds like a good initiative (thus far), should focus on promoting the country and encouraging tourism." In explaining his reasons, Rojas said that Chile, and in particular his home district of Antofagasta, have tour packages that are interesting to almost any foreigner.

In a related issue, the congressman thinks paperwork for foreigners visiting Chile should be reduced. His criticism focuses mainly on the "bureaucratic red tape that ends up being the main obstacle to (tourists) arriving to Chile, which is so far from the rest of the world. The cost of air fares is also discouraging."

Regarding product promotion, Rojas feels Chile should focus on salmon and wine exports. "Chile should have a stronger (market) presence in these sectors."

Enrique Accorsi: "We should export more agricultural products and import education"

For Deputy Accorsi, who has traveled repeatedly to several Asian nations, the search for agreements to promote Chilean agricultural and wine production is vital. "The government should promote our fruits and vegetables. In the case of India, we can take advantage of our seasonal difference to ship products when there are not producing same. In addition, they are big consumers of chicken, turkey, beef and pork; sectors in which Chile has quite a large footprint.”

According to the congressman, Chile should focus on the high tech achieved by India because quality and economic issues converge in this sector. Deputy Accorsi also called for Chile to import India’s education model, not to mention its focus on mathematics. Finally, Accorsi said that trade with India will develop "naturally, because we are two nations already accustomed to one another due to our business dealings. A great deal of respect and credibility has developed between our nations."

Sergio Correa de la Cerda: "We should strengthen wine exports, in addition to the distribution of Chilean products"

Accomplishing this goal is highly desirable and necessary for Chile, in the opinion of Region VII’s congressman. "Chile stands to gain a great deal." A true expert on Asian affairs, given his history of work on South Korea, Correa de la Cerda does not hesitate to shore up China as being “Chile’s greatest potential partner; in every sense of the word.” China’s superior growth and increasingly larger wealthy class make it a good focus for Chilean efforts. India should come in a close second, according to Dep. Correa, "given her impressive development pace."

When discussing export promotion focus, the deputy is emphatic. "Without a doubt… wine. Though wine happens to be a very important export for my district, (the fact remains) that Chilean wine has a superior price-quality relationship. It has penetrated big markets such as South Korea very successfully. In fact, these consumers even prefer it to others they daily drink, such as the Australian and French varieties.

In conclusion, the congressman feels it would also be in Chile’s best interest to increase berry export market share. Chile exports raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. These products can potentially experience an important increase in major markets. Dep. Correa de la Cerda also wants to abolish the current slogan used to brand Chile abroad. "Chile: All Ways Surprising" leaves many English speakers unimpressed by its attempted double entendre.  Consequently, the congressman warns, "We have to spend more money on branding Chile... that is what the Plan Asia should sink its teeth into."