Chile opens embassy in the UAE

Mariano Fernández, Chile's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education, and Dr Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were the guests of honour at a reception hosted by Chilean Ambassador to the UAE, Jean-Paul Tarud Kuborn in connection with the official opening of the embassy in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, the 17th of October 2009.

"Bilateral relations between Chile and the UAE have grown remarkably in recent times as both nations see immense potential for commercial and cultural exchange between them. The opening of our embassy in Abu Dhabi will foster more dynamic engagement between the two countries," said the Ambassador.

Chile opened its Trade Office in Dubai in 2007 and the embassy, which is the first diplomatic mission of Chile in the GCC, will now provide the full range of consular services including issuing visas and passports as well as attestation of documents.

Rated among the 30 most dynamic countries in the world by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and known as the most stable, competitive and open economy in South America, Chile has trade relations with a vast geographical area accounting for 90% of the world's combined GDP. Foreign direct investment in Chile has also seen exponential growth in recent years, reaching over 12 billion in 2008.

Trade between Chile and the UAE reached $113m in 2008. A major exporter of fresh fruits, wood and race horses to the UAE, Chile has submitted a proposal for free trade with the GCC to expand its presence in the region.

To mark the opening of the embassy and reiterate its commitment to being a reliable trading partner for GCC, the Chilean Trade Commission (ProChile) has launched a 'Chilean Week' in Dubai.

Held from the 17th to 24th of October 2009, the Week will see Chile showcasing its export capabilities, investment opportunities, as well as cultural and gastronomic diversity across various venues in Dubai.