Chile, Chongqing sign fruit trade agreement

At the Chile Week China 2025 event on Wednesday in Chongqing, a trade agreement was signed between the nonprofit Frutas de Chile organization and the locally based Chongqing Shuangfu Agricultural Products Wholesale Market. This agreement marks a strategic expansion into China's inland markets and underscores the growing economic ties between the two nations.

The agreement establishes a regular bilateral communication mechanism to exchange information on fruit production, market conditions, consumer trends, trade policies, and regulatory changes. Both parties will collaborate to raise awareness and recognition of Chilean fruits among Chinese consumers and buyers.

"We attached great importance to the market in Southwest China, as it is a vibrant region full of new opportunities," said Pablo Arriaran Ahumada, ambassador of Chile to China, during the event.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Chile, as well as the 20th anniversary of their free trade agreement.

Chile Week is the largest and highest-level series of promotional activities held by Chile in China. Over the past 10 years, it has witnessed the rapid growth of China-Chile trade. Chongqing is hosting the event for the first time.

Chilean products such as cherries, salmon, and wine have become staples on local tables. In the other direction, Chongqing's electronic information equipment and components, new energy vehicles and parts, motorcycles, and agricultural machinery are increasingly entering the Chilean market.

Statistics show that, from January to August this year, the total import and export volume between Chongqing and Chile reached 2.4 billion yuan ($336.74 million), marking a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase.

Liang Jue contributed to this story.