Media Release
16 December, 2009
Congratulations to Chile on joining the OECD
The Trade Minister Mr Crean has warmly welcomed Chile’s accession to the OECD.
“This invitation to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is well-deserved recognition of Chile’s economic development success and its on-going commitment to economic growth.”
“Chile is one of the most economically dynamic countries in Latin America delivering rising living standards and attracting major foreign investment.”
“Chile thoroughly deserves this honour as its political leadership has actively engaged with the rest of the world, especially the Asia Pacific region.”
“Australia strongly supported Chile’s decision to seek OECD entry right from the start of the process in 2007.”
“There is no better confirmation of our close bilateral relationship than our high quality Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in March 2009.”
“Chile is Australia’s third-largest trading partner in Latin America and a close ally in the Cairns Group, WTO, APEC and the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” Mr Crean said.
Chile is a major market for Australian companies and there are approximately 120 Australian companies actively trading with Chile. Australian companies are also major investors in Chile with total investment of more than $2 billion.
“As a member of APEC, Chile will bring a broader regional perspective to OECD discussions,” Mr Crean said.
The OECD recognises countries that have attained a relatively high level of development and share a commitment to the market economy and democracy.
Chile is scheduled to formally accept the invitation to join the OECD on 11 January, 2010.
Link: text of the OECD invitation to Chile.
Media Inquiries:
Mr Crean’s Office: 02 6277 7420
Departmental : 02 6261 1555