110 years of Japan-Chile ties from the perspective of the major players

Being part of a historical event does not happen every day. Neither does an invitation from the President of the Republic to be part of a transpacific celebration. However, both situations recently befell a group of businessmen and politicians who will accompany Michelle Bachelet to the ceremony commemorating 110 years of relations between Chile and Japan. These enthusiastic and proud Chileans have shared their vision of the more than 17,000 kilometer journey which will certainly remember for the rest of their lives.

Ferdinand Schmidt, Director, Asia Pacific Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Participating in the delegation accompanying the President of Chile is a true privilege. We have excellent political and economic relations with Japan, characterized by multiple visits in both directions since 1990. And in a few days we will launch the most ambitious trade agreement we have ever signed with Japan, the AAEE. However, after 110 years there are few connoisseurs of Japanese culture in Chile and vice versa. There are also very few opportunities too remediate this situation. In the next 110 years, therefore, we must achieve these goals in order integrate a beautiful trade relationship, which makes Japan one of our major partners in the world."

Gina Ocqueteau, Director of Institutional Relations, Chilean Safety Association

"I am very honored to be part of the group accompanying the President in so proud a goal; celebrating 110 years of deep friendship with a culture so different from our own, but with one common goal: the social, environmental and economic welfare of its entire population. (Not to mention building ties) with an ancient culture and tradition which has some of the best standards in the world. As a representative of the Chilean Safety Association, I hope to learn more about corporate social responsibility issues. This issue is a business management tool that is administered through the insertion into the regular operation of a company and through special programs, such as Pries (a school-based prevention program). "

Luis Schmidt, President, Agricultural Society of Chile

"We participated in this delegation because we value the potential of the FTA with Japan and its expertise in cutting-edge technology (which has relevance to agriculture); (especially) since Chile is renowned for its fruit and wine production. This is one of the largest delegations to accompany a president to Japan and demonstrates the importance Chileans place on this FTA with a real world power, in terms of per capita income. In addition, we have hopes of improving our trade position, mainly in emerging sectors such as dairy and meat producers. They are interested in deepening trade relations with Japan. We will use the occasion to launch ProChile’s Food Week and a country image campaign in Japan."

Alicia Frohmann, Director, ProChile

"This delegation led by President Michelle Bachelet, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Agriculture and more than 100 Chilean entrepreneurs, exemplifies the public-private partnership that has sought to capitalize on the opportunities in this latest stage, which was sealed by the implementation of the FTA between both countries. The launch (of the FTA) will take place in Tokyo, during the Chilean Week in Japan, and will bridge the Pacific in order to increase business and bring our peoples (closer) together. It will showcase a diverse, welcoming and modern Chile, which has already complied with the Millennium Goals on poverty reduction and is an attractive, safe for visitors and investors. All this will be reflected in the many activities we have organized in Tokyo, from gastronomic samples and bilateral business roundtables aimed at positioning new exports such as carbon credits and locations."

Cristián Leighton, Film maker

"We are part of this delegation because we made a documentary film ("Bridges of Understanding") that looks at key cultural aspects of both countries within (a context) of economic exchange. It will premiere in Tokyo on September 3-4, with the President and Chilean and Japanese businessmen in attendance."

Liliana Macchiavello, Executive Vice President, Foreign Investment Committee

"This trip, as well as the free trade agreement between Chile and Japan, are very important because they further enhance trade relations between our countries and encourage investment in Chile by Japanese investors; especially in new business areas. Also, it will allow Japanese companies to invest in Chile and take advantage of Chile’s regional network. (This will facilitate Japan’s) signing economic agreements with other countries in the region, which also helps position Chile as a platform for (international) investment."

Roberto de Andraca, CEO, Compañía de Aceros del Pacífico

"This event is a good omen for the ensuing years in Chile. This is the most comprehensive agreement ever signed by our country. It will allow the Japanese to set up operations in Chile, from which they can then do business with the rest of Latin America.”

Rosita Ackermann, CEO, Previred

"I feel privileged to be part of the group celebrating 110 years of friendship with Japan. It is a tremendous opportunity to share experiences with Chilean entrepreneurs and to deepen our knowledge of a very interesting culture from which we have much to learn. I hope to share with Japanese officials and businessmen, learning from their and experiences in information technology and communications in the area of financial services. Furthermore, I have a special interest in mission-critical systems operating via Internet with high transaction volumes and strong security demands."

Charles Kimber, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Trade, Celulosa Arauco y Constitución

"I am proud to be part of such an important delegation, because it reflects the close ties of friendship and business with a country that values its long-term relationships quite dearly. Japan has also been one of our most important markets during my firm’s 40 years of doing business. Proof of this is the fact that we have a Tokyo sales office, where we offer our wood products. Having met the Japanese market’s high standards is an achievement of which we are just as proud."

Ingrid Antonijeic, General Manager, Blue Company

"I love Japan. The first time I went was in 1995 and have traveled on five other occasions since then. This time, I was invited by Sofofa and the Japanese Embassy. The FTA is as much a business opportunity as it is a cultural opportunity. The Japanese work with a good deal of intensity and that has a positive effect on Chileans."