Chile-ASEAN Business Summit 2025
By Kathleen Pokrud
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, through its export promotion bureau, ProChile, recently hosted its first-ever Chile-ASEAN Business Summit in Bangkok. The event comprised three dynamic days of high-level dialogues, business matchmaking and cultural showcases, reaffirming Chile’s role as a reliable and innovative partner for Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.
The Summit was timed to also celebrate Chile’s National Day and the 10th anniversary of the Chile-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a milestone that has transformed bilateral trade between the two countries and positioned Thailand as Chile’s main gateway to ASEAN. The programme brought together over 20 Chilean companies representing agrifoods, seafood, wines, services and creative industries who engaged in more than 200 matchmaking sessions with 70 ASEAN counterparts. Alongside B2B activities, the Summit featured a commemorative seminar on the Chile-Thailand FTA, technical visits to Thai businesses and consumer activations across Bangkok.
The Summit, held at the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit, was jointly inaugurated by HE Mr Patricio Powell, the Chilean Ambassador to Thailand and Dr Nalinee Taveesin, former President of Thailand Trade Representatives. HE Mrs Claudia Sanhueza, Chile’s Vice Minister of International Economic Affairs, and Mr Ignacio Fernández, Director General of ProChile, were keynote speakers.
Vice Minister Sanhueza underlined the FTA’s achievements, saying in just ten years, Chilean exports to Thailand have more than tripled, surpassing USD 682 million in 2024. Beyond copper and pulp, food exports such as salmon, cherries, mussels and innovative products have also been expanding rapidly, which demonstrates how this partnership benefits bilateral trade and strengthens Chile’s long-term relationship with ASEAN as a whole.
Mr Fernández highlighted the broader impact, stating that today ASEAN represents more than USD 4.4 billion in trade with Chile, with exports growing at over 6% annually. More than half are now non-copper and non-lithium, reflecting Chile’s commitment to diversification. Thailand, as Chile’s leading partner in ASEAN has become a hub for Chilean companies to expand throughout Southeast Asia.
Thai business partners emphasised how Chile’s consistent quality supports both Thailand’s food sector and ASEAN’s rising demand for sustainable, premium products. Beyond trade, the Summit introduced Chile to Thai consumers. Highlights included a Chilean cooking show and wine showcase, retail activations at Gourmet Market and GO! Wholesale, and a national flag illumination at Parc Paragon. Delegates also visited THAI Cargo and Thai Customs, exploring opportunities in logistics, agri-tech, health-tech, and renewable energy.
The FTA seminar featured authorities from both nations, alongside CP Foods and the Department of Trade Negotiations, outlining future cooperation in digitalisation and sustainable practices. Mr Oscar Arriagada, Trade Commissioner of ProChile in Thailand, noted that Chilean food exports to Thailand reached USD 134 million in 2024, with salmon and cherries leading growth. Vice Minister Sanhueza concluded, saying that Chile’s presence in ASEAN is about building trust, sharing innovation and working together for sustainable growth.
