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EU, Chile to Start Talks to Update Free Trade Deal

by Reuters

   BRUSSELS --

   The European Union and Chile will launch talks this week to update
   their existing free trade agreement after EU foreign ministers gave
   their backing on Monday to the start of negotiations.

   The EU and Chile signed a deal on political and economic cooperation in
   2002, but have decided it needs updating to increase work together on
   issues including climate change, education policy and trade.

   The first round of negotiations will be held in Brussels on Thursday.

   On trade, the European Union is looking to increase commerce in
   services and also open up access to public tenders, for example
   allowing EU companies to sell to Chilean government agencies.

   The two are also working to include provisions on sustainable
   development, small- and medium-sized companies, tackling corruption,
   and addressing issues related to women and trade.