A group of academics and civil society representatives, part of the Bolivia–Chile Women's Group, has expressed its support for the ongoing diplomatic and economic rapprochement between Chile and Bolivia. The collective aims to consolidate a shared agenda centered on equitable integration and cross-border cooperation.
According to reports from latercera.com, members of the group have been closely monitoring recent meetings between the foreign ministers of both nations to address key issues regarding investment and security.
The group emphasized the importance of maintaining bilateral efforts following the meeting between ministers Pérez Mackenna and Aramayo. According to their statement, this diplomatic push focuses on integration, investment, and cooperation within border regions.
Progress in trade and border security
The organization highlighted the 2023 resumption of the Integration and Border Committee and the Chile–Bolivia Business Council. These mechanisms are designed to restore commercial ties following several years of disruption between the two nations.
Key milestones include the modernization of the Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE22), which is slated for January 2026. This process will involve tariff reductions on various products and the introduction of new chapters covering trade, gender equality, small businesses, and cooperatives.
Border security also remains a shared political priority. Throughout 2023 and 2024, authorities signed specific agreements aimed at tackling vehicle theft and smuggling.
These measures also seek to prevent human trafficking and improve migratory coordination. Additionally, efforts are underway to strengthen cooperation to combat organized crime in the border zone.
"We are committed to this process; we share a border and a profound intercultural history that fosters dialogue and allows us to work toward a common agenda within a framework of peace and mutual benefit for our peoples," stated representatives of the Bolivia-Chile Group.
The group is led by coordinators Elizabeth Salguero and Cristina Lazo, alongside a team of academics and professionals from both countries.
