Organized by the Subgroup on Responsible Business Conduct of the Pacific Alliance, the meeting was also attended by professionals from the OECD, the ILO and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as representatives from the NCP of Norway.

February 28, 2025.- Between February 25 and 27, the meeting “Involvement of the National Contact Point (NCP) with its stakeholders and strengthening as a non-judicial mechanism for conflict resolution” was held in Mexico City, Mexico, organized by the Subgroup on Responsible Business Conduct (SGCER) of the Pacific Alliance (PA), in a hybrid form, under the coordination of Chile.

The meeting included outreach and awareness-raising sessions with the business and public sectors, bringing together more than 80 people, which made it possible to explore opportunities for involvement and collaborative work between these groups and the NCP. Participants also included professionals from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in addition to the representation of the NCP of Norway.

At the opening of the event, the head of the Global Economic Intelligence Unit of the Mexican Ministry of Economy, Ismael Ortiz Fernandez, pointed out that the adoption of responsible business practices is key in the challenging context faced, especially on environmental and social issues, emphasizing that doing so contributes to gaining the trust of stakeholders, generates loyalty and also attracts talent.

On behalf of the OECD, Germán Zarama, manager for Latin America of the CER Center, highlighted the good work done by the Subgroup, noting that its drive has served to advance this agenda at the regional level and serve as an incentive for other integration blocs. He stressed the importance of the subgroup’s work to support companies in integrating these expectations into their businesses, given that today they are facing increasing regulatory requirements in these matters.

The outgoing SGCER coordinator, Vanessa Maynou, from the Chilean Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations and NCP, highlighted the importance and opportunity of the NCP’s involvement with its stakeholders, including companies and the public sector, to jointly collaborate in amplifying the dissemination and implementation of CER standards.

The opening was also addressed by the chair of the OECD Working Group on Responsible Business Conduct, Christine Kaufmann, who emphasized that the work of the subgroup is the first initiative of its kind in a regional integration bloc. She took the opportunity to announce that the European Commission approved the Omnibus Project on sustainable finance reporting, sustainability due diligence and taxonomy. She also stressed the importance for the Pacific Alliance of integrating these standards into the trade bloc, encouraging companies to work together with the NCPs.

The varied exchanges and presentations gave way to a reflective dialogue that allowed the NCPs to identify lessons learned, good practices and possibilities for improvement, in addition to communicating recent or planned changes that reflect the recommendations of the meeting held in Bogota-Colombia in August 2024. The lessons learned and main conclusions of the meeting were included in the Mexico 2025 Exit Document.

Meeting with the public and business sectors

In order to improve the operation and broaden the impact of the NCP’s work, spaces were provided for awareness-raising and involvement with public agencies and companies located in Mexico.

Important elements on CER, due diligence and the NCPs were shared with both groups. In addition, at the meeting with companies, the OECD presented sustainability initiatives and due diligence, and then referred to the CER Project in Latin America and the Caribbean (CERALC), together with colleagues from the ILO and the OHCHR, which jointly implement the project financed by the European Union, urging them to participate in activities to support companies.

At the meeting with the public sector, the OECD spoke about the role of the State with the CER and policy coherence, giving rise to an instance of reflection and conversation on the possibilities of collaboration and coordination between this sector and the NCP, in order to ensure and facilitate the coherence of public policies in these matters.

This meeting marks the milestone of the completion of Chile’s coordination of the SGCER-AP, giving way to the incoming coordination by Colombia.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

It seeks to establish and measure the progress of common policies in the countries of the Alliance, taking advantage of the potential of smaller companies as an engine for regional integration, productive transformation and inclusive productivity growth.

December 17, 2024.- The Council of Ministers of the Pacific Alliance (PA), meeting in Santiago, Chile, approved on December 13 the Public-Private Roadmap for the Development of MSMEs and Entrepreneurship, a cross-cutting initiative that seeks to establish and measure the progress of common policies in the countries of the Alliance, taking advantage of the potential of smaller companies as a driver of regional integration, productive transformation and inclusive productivity growth.

This Roadmap, led by the PA Technical Group on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (GTPyme), is based on the study of the Public Policy Index for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Latin America and the Caribbean, a methodology developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with the support of the Development Bank for Latin America -CAF and the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA).

The initiative arose during the First Meeting of PA Exporting SMEs, held in November 2022 in Lima, Peru, where the need to promote the growth, development and competitiveness of business activity within the economies of member countries was identified.

The importance of this Roadmap lies in two key aspects: It fosters collaboration: as a public-private tool, it facilitates collaboration between key actors to establish shared objectives and joint strategies, which allows addressing challenges more effectively; It promotes transparency: its public nature guarantees open access to information and reinforces accountability in the implementation of agreed policies.

The Public-Private Roadmap for the Development of MSMEs and Entrepreneurship was developed on the basis of nine pillars:

1. Institutional framework;
2. Operating environment;
3. Access to financing;
4. Business development services / Public procurement;
5. Innovation and technology;
6. Productive transformation;
7. Market access and internationalization;
8. Digitalization; and
9. Green economy.

The GTPyme will be in charge of its implementation and coordination with the private sector, academia and civil society.

In addition, in the context of the Roadmap for the Digital Market, the PA GTPyme agreed on the Action Plan “Strengthening the capacities of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in their insertion in cross-border electronic commerce between the countries of the Pacific Alliance”, in order to promote the participation of MSMEs in cross-border electronic commerce between the PA countries, and with a duration of two years.

The objectives of the Action Plan are to improve the capacities of a group of selected MSMEs, based on an equal participation of companies owned and/or led by women as a selection criteria, so that they become recurring exporting companies to other PA countries, through cross-border e-commerce.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

The PA Council of Ministers approved a key update for the digital transformation of the Pacific Alliance.

December 16, 2024.- On December 13, the Pacific Alliance Council of Ministers approved the update of the Regional Digital Market Roadmap (MDR), a key document that seeks to boost digital transformation in the region, adapting to new technologies and emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence. In addition, essential areas such as intellectual property will be strengthened to create a more robust and modern digital environment.

The work that led to this MDR Roadmap began in the 2020 Presidential Declaration of the Pacific Alliance, where the objective of improving access to digital services and products and fostering the digital economy as an engine of growth is outlined. Since then, important meetings and dialogues have been held with the participation of governments, academia and the private sector to review and update this plan. The first version of this Roadmap, which saw the light of day in 2021, marked an important milestone in the joint work of the Pacific Alliance member countries to strengthen digital trade and promote an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

In February 2024, the Subcommittee on Digital Economy (SCED) met to review the status of the Roadmap, agreeing on the need for updates to keep the actions and objectives outlined in place. Thus, in July, the Regional Digital Market Dialogue made it possible to present these updates to actors from the private sector, civil society, academia and trade associations, gathering valuable contributions from experts and aligning the proposals with the current needs of the region.

This update contemplates two cross-cutting objectives: to ensure that the evolution of the digital economy is inclusive, with greater collaboration between all sectors; and incorporates a follow-up system to monitor progress and keep all members of the Alliance informed about the progress of the initiatives. This will ensure that the goals are met and that digital trade continues to grow in the region.

In addition, in the context of the Roadmap for the Digital Market, the PA GTPyme agreed on the Action Plan “Strengthening the capacities of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in their insertion in cross-border electronic commerce between the countries of the Pacific Alliance”, in order to promote the participation of MSMEs in cross-border electronic commerce between the PA countries, and with a duration of two years.

The objectives of the Action Plan are to improve the capacities of a group of selected MSMEs, based on an equal participation of companies owned and/or led by women as a selection criteria, so that they become recurring exporting companies to other PA countries, through cross-border e-commerce.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

December 16, 2024.- During the AP Days 2024, held on November 5-7 in Santiago, Chile, a key dialogue was held on the cross-border flow of personal data, which is part of the second pillar of the Regional Digital Market (MDR): Creating an enabling environment to promote the exchange of digital goods and services. This pillar includes the action of designing or adopting mechanisms that facilitate regulatory compliance and promote the free flow of personal data in the member countries of the Pacific Alliance.

Previously, in this context, the Subcommittee on Digital Economy requested technical support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to develop a study to identify key regulations and international best practices. The IDB consultant, Edgardo Martínez, presented the most relevant findings, highlighting options for immediate action, such as mutual recognition mechanisms, safe harbors and specific certifications for the region. He also shared a medium and long-term vision, aimed at building consensus to transform the Pacific Alliance into a global benchmark for cross-border data flow.

The event included a panel discussion with representatives of the national data protection agencies of Chile, Peru and Colombia, who analyzed strategies to overcome regulatory barriers and strengthen trust in protection mechanisms. Among the highlights was the need to coordinate efforts towards a common framework that guarantees both the free flow of data and respect for privacy. In addition, the strategic potential of a regional agreement that not only benefits member countries, but also serves as a model for other international blocs, positioning the Pacific Alliance as a leader in this critical area, was highlighted.

Finally, the Global Data Flow Forum panel incorporated the views of the United States, the European Commission, and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). This panel offered a global perspective, highlighting lessons learned and best practices from the private sector and international regulatory frameworks. Among the main recommendations, interoperability was emphasized as a key principle, as well as the importance of international collaboration to strengthen trust in digital commerce, balancing the protection of personal data with the development of digital industries.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

The handover ceremony was led by Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren and the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza; in addition to ministers and authorities from Colombia -which will assume the Presidency in 2025-, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Uruguay.

During Chile’s Pro Tempore Presidency, substantive progress was made for the entry of Costa Rica, the Youth Technical Group was created and emphasis was placed on MSMEs and the Regional Digital Market, among others.

December 13, 2024.- Today Chile formally handed over the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Pacific Alliance to Colombia, in an official ceremony held in Santiago.

The ceremony was attended by Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren and the Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, Claudia Sanhueza; Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luis Gilberto Murillo, and the Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Luis Reyes Hernández; for Mexico, the Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Raquel Serur, and the head of the International Trade Negotiations Unit of the Mexican Ministry of Economy, Victor Aguilar; and for Peru, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmer Schialer, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, Teresa Mera. Also participating as special guests were the Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, Manuel Tovar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Omar Paganini.

During the meeting of the PA Council of Ministers, which was held prior to the ceremony, the authorities formally accepted Costa Rica’s application as a Candidate for Accession to the Pacific Alliance Framework Agreement. In this way, during 2025 the Protocol of Accession will be drawn up to finalize the entry of this country as a full member of the bloc.

The authorities also approved the creation of the Youth Technical Group, whose objective is to contribute to the recognition and empowerment of the youth of the Pacific Alliance States. In addition, the Public-Private Roadmap for the Development of MSMEs and Entrepreneurship in the Pacific Alliance was approved, which will make it possible to establish and measure the progress of common policies in the countries of the bloc to take advantage of smaller companies as a force for regional integration, productive transformation and inclusive productivity growth. Along the same lines, the Roadmap for the Regional Digital Market of the Pacific Alliance was updated, a strategy that seeks to enable the free flow of digital products, goods and services that are marketed through the Internet, and capital linked to the digital market between member countries, with a focus on MSMEs.

Other important advances during the Pro Tempore Presidency Chile 2024 include: the first meeting of high-level authorities of Social Development where they committed to move towards the establishment of Resilient Social Protection Systems; the Second Ministerial Meeting for the Autonomy and Economic Empowerment of PA Women, and the adoption of the Declaration for Gender Parity; the preparation of a Digital Cultural Calendar with the cultural activities of the PA countries; the holding of the III Meeting of exporting MSMEs and Cooperatives, a space for dialogue and analysis focused on promotion, held within the framework of the PA Days, which also included two days dedicated to the Regional Digital Market, innovation and artificial intelligence; the XI Business Macro-Roundtable with 538 meetings, where 154 companies achieved commercial projections of approximately US$55 million; the XI LAB4+ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum, which brought together 157 companies, achieving business projections of almost US$11 million; the development of the communications strategy; development of a proposal for regulatory improvement in the sustainable management of plastics and the communication strategy “365 days with less plastic”; the exchange of experiences in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, among others.

During the days prior to the Council of Ministers, several meetings were held within the framework of Chile’s Pro Tempore Presidency, including the High Level Group and National Coordinators, as well as the Business Summit.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

December 11, 2024.- On December 10 and 11, the national coordinators of the Pacific Alliance (PA) met in Santiago de Chile in a preparatory meeting for the meetings of the High Level Group and the Council of Ministers, which will also be held in the Chilean capital, together with the Ceremony of Transfer of the Pro Tempore Presidency of the bloc.

The meeting was led by the coordinators of the Pro Tempore Presidency Chile 2024, Angélica Romero, Director General (s) of Multilateral Economic Affairs, and Cristóbal Ramírez, Head of the Pacific Alliance Department, both from the Chilean Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations; and was attended by Ambassador Margarita Manjarrez, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Manuel Chacón, Director of Economic Integration of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, on behalf of Colombia; From Mexico, Daniel Cámara, Director General of American Regional Organizations and Mechanisms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and, virtually, Alberto Jimenez, Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Alliance of the Ministry of Economy; and from Peru, María Eugenia Echeverría, Director General for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Elba Rodríguez, Advisor to the Vice Ministry of Foreign Trade.

After the adoption of the agenda, the national coordinators reviewed the pending issues on the agenda of the authorities and the progress of the various working groups, in addition to receiving the management reports of AP Net and the Call 2024 of the Student and Academic Mobility Platform and the preparations for the Call 2025, among other matters.

At the end of the meeting, the national coordinators participated in the Second Meeting of the Working Group for the accession of Costa Rica, which was attended by Adriana Castro, Director General of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Trade; Rolando Madrigal, Head of Geographic Areas of the Directorate General of Foreign Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Adriana Murillo, Costa Rican Ambassador to Chile; and Lucía Navarro, advisor to the office of the Minister of Foreign Trade.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

December 5, 2024.- With the presence of the 10 permanent representations (plus Timor Leste) to ASEAN and the ambassadors or chargés d’affaires a.i. of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, the closing of the year of work between the two regional blocs, organized by the Pro Tempore Presidency of Chile in the Pacific Alliance through the Chilean Mission, was held in Jakarta on December 4.

Ambassador Bavonethat Douangchack, permanent representative of Laos, the country chairing the ASEAN process until next week and which will formally hand it over to Malaysia, highlighted the materialization this year of two visits by the Secretary General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, to an equal number of Latin American countries that are part of the Pacific Alliance (Chile and Peru). He also highlighted the presence in Jakarta of the Director General of Multilateral Economic Relations, Marcela Otero, at the meeting held in August to evaluate the state of action and tasks ahead, between the Pacific Alliance and ASEAN, as milestones to be highlighted when evaluating 2024.

During the activity, the Chilean Ambassador to Indonesia, Mario Artaza, on behalf of the Pacific Alliance, gave a brief summary of what has been accomplished this year, highlighting the Pacific Alliance’s vocation to project itself even more vigorously in Asia Pacific, with initiatives in the areas of gender and trade. He also valued the agreement reached between the Pacific Alliance and ASEAN to extend the 2021-2025 work plan until the end of 2026 and thanked the Philippines for its collaboration as the country in charge of ASEAN for relations with the Pacific Alliance, along with the best wishes expressed to Singapore, the country that will have that responsibility in 2025.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance

November 20, 2024.- On November 18 and 19, within the framework of the face-to-face sessions of the Pacific Alliance English Network (RIAP), the Chilean coordination of the Technical Education Group (GTE) of the Pacific Alliance organized the meeting “Strengths, opportunities and challenges of the policies for teaching and learning English as a foreign language”, with the participation of the focal points of the Ministries of Education of the four RIAP member countries: Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

Also participating in the meeting were authorities from the Chilean Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and experts from its English Opens Doors Program (PIAP); members of the Chilean Research Network in English Language Teaching; and representatives from the embassies and institutes of some English-speaking countries that are Observer States of the Pacific Alliance and actively collaborate with RIAP.

During these RIAP days, the focal points were also able to present and explain in detail their respective programs and mechanisms for teaching and learning English, sharing best practices and generating sectoral integration links that are extremely useful for the technical teams in charge of this matter.

There was also an illustrative visit to a Chilean educational establishment, which included a special meeting for the exchange of experiences among networks of English teachers. In addition, various networking activities were carried out with strategic actors to take full advantage of the presence in Chile of the focal points of the member countries.

Communications PPT 2024 Pacific Alliance