Office of the United States Trade Representative

10/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2024 15:42

United States and Chile Convene 10th Meeting of the Environmental Affairs Council Under the U.S.- Chile Free Trade Agreement

SANTIAGO - The United States and Chile (the Parties) held the tenth meeting of the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) on October 29, 2024 under the United States - Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the eighth meeting of the Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation (JCEC) under the United States - Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA).

The EAC, chaired by Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Kelly Milton, reviewed progress made by the United States and Chile to respectively implement the Environment Chapter of the FTA. The Parties also discussed actions taken, and ideas for future collaboration, to address other trade and environment issues of mutual interest, including climate change; ocean conservation; illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; circular economy; and wildlife trafficking. The JCEC, chaired by Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer Littlejohn, discussed future cooperation under the Eighth Work Program for Environmental Cooperation for 2025-2028, which establishes a robust list of priorities for cooperative activities between the Parties.

The Parties held a public session on October 30, which included wide participation from diverse civil society and industry sectors. The public session reflects both countries' commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and participatory process. Both Parties provided updates regarding implementation of the Environment Chapter and ongoing and future environmental cooperation under the ECA. The session provided an opportunity for members of the public to offer comments and ask questions, both in person and online.

The Joint Communique is available here.

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