Strategy for Chile 2007-2013

The Commission presents the priority areas for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Chile. The relationship between the partners is based on a political and economic association, which will enable trade development for the benefit of the social and educational sectors, and innovation and competitiveness.

ACT

European Commission – Chile Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013.

SUMMARY

This Paper defines the priorities for cooperation and dialogue between the European Union and Chile for the period 2007-2013.

This strategy aims to deepen the relationship established by the 2002 Association Agreement and to identify new areas of common interest to the partners.

Areas of cooperation

Cooperation on matters of social cohesion should meet the aims of sustainable development and should contribute to social, economic and environmental development. Despite the modernisation of Chilean society, social inequalities remain and public policies must be strengthened.

The EU can support social reforms in Chile through technical assistance measures and exchanges of experience and information. In this respect, the intervention priorities concern:

• fairer social and fiscal redistribution;
• access to employment, health care, education, social protection and justice;
• reduced inequalities between gender, ethnic origin and regions;
• promotion of social dialogue;
• the integration of social and environmental projects.

Cooperation on matters of innovation and competitiveness is based on the Association Agreement and coordinated with the activities provided for by the 7th Research and Development Framework Programme.

Joint action shall encourage research and development, which contributes towards business productivity, employment and the competitiveness of the country in global trade. The strategy therefore proposes actions to:

• bring Chilean regulations closer to those of the EU with regard to industrial products and European and international sanitary and phytosanitary standards;
• establish exchanges of experience between enterprises and promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
• promote scientific and technological transfer;
• develop effective and sustainable energy policies;
• promote the protection and diffusion of intellectual property rights;
• place environmental protection at the centre of research strategies.

Cross-cutting actions

Furthermore, the joint strategy provides for cross-cutting actions to promote gender equality, environmental protection and combating discrimination against the indigenous population.

Last updated: 08.04.2011