In a recent meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Valparaíso, Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, presented the fruit sector's position on the approval of the Advanced Framework Agreement (AMA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) between Chile and the European Union. Marambio highlighted the importance of these agreements to strengthen bilateral trade and improve Chile's international relationship with other countries, beyond tariff aspects. He underlined the importance of electronic phytosanitary certification, flexible approaches to pest management, and environmental sustainability in line with the Paris Agreement.
He also said that, despite Europe being a significant market, especially for organic fruits, fresh fruit exports to this destination had declined. He highlighted the growing competition caused by the EU agreements with Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, and emphasized the need to advance in international agreements that promote fair play. The unanimous approval of the AMA and ITA by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee marks a step forward. It's pending review by the Finance Committee before debate in the Senate. The implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement, which precedes the AMA, does not require the approval of the EU Member States, only of the European Parliament.
Source: simfruit.cl