U.S.-Chile Joint Statement on Environmental Cooperation

1.                   On July 22, 2004, in Santiago, Chile, in accordance with Article 19.3 of the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (“Agreement”), the first meeting of the Environment Affairs Council (“Council”) was held.  In addition, in accordance with Article II of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Chile on Environmental Cooperation (“ECA”), the Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation (“Commission”) held its first meeting.  The Parties held a joint Public Information Session on the previous day.  The public announcements of these meetings were published by the United States in the Federal Register on July 12, 2004, and by Chile in El Mercurio newspaper on July 15, 2004, and can be found in Annex I.

2.                   Under Secretary of the Ministry of the General Secretariat of the Presidency Rodrigo Egaña led the Chilean delegation at the Environment Affairs Council meeting, and Director General of Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Carlos Portales led the Chilean delegation at the Commission meeting.  Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky led the U.S. delegation at both meetings.  These officials comprised the Council and co-presided over the Commission for this joint session.

3.                   The Council held a preparatory meeting on July 20 to review progress on implementation of Chapter 19 of the Agreement, which is related to the environment, in particular the cooperation projects that are being developed pursuant to Article 19.5 and Annex 19.3.  The Parties reported the following progress:

3.1   Chile designated the Consultative Council of the National Environmental Commission (CONAMA) as its advisory committee, as provided for in Article 19.4.3.  It is comprised of representatives from business, scientific and labor sectors, as well as non-governmental organizations.  Likewise, the United States designated the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), comprised of similar representatives, to serve as its advisory committee.  A list of the current members of these advisory committees is included in Annex II.

3.2   The Parties designated their respective governmental points of contact to facilitate communication between the Parties, and to receive comments from their respective publics, on matters related to chapter 19.  For Chile the point of contact will be the Head of the Department of Trade and Sustainable Development of the General Directorate of International Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and for the United States the point of contact will be the Director of the Office of Environmental Policy at the Department of State.

3.3   The Parties are working to establish the Environment Roster, as provided for in Article 19.7 of the Agreement.

3.4   The Parties highlighted work being undertaken to establish and/or enhance procedures and mechanisms for communication between the Parties, and with the public to ensure effective public participation in the implementation of Chapter 19.

3.5   With respect to bilateral cooperation activities, the Parties reviewed the work being done by experts from both countries on the projects identified in Annex 19.3 of the Agreement, and outlined steps for their completion.  The status of these projects can be found in Annex III.

3.6   In accordance with Article 19.10 on Principles of Corporate Stewardship, the delegations highlighted the results of a workshop on this topic in Santiago in January 2004.  Members of the public participated in this workshop, which presented three case studies of good business practices. 

4.       On July 21, a preparatory meeting for the Commission was held to begin implementation of the ECA.  At this meeting the Parties:

4.1   Identified priority areas for environmental cooperation that will guide the development of future projects.

4.2   Agreed to prepare the Work Program for the period 2004-2006 by the end of September 2004.

4.3   Exchanged ideas on how best to evaluate and measure progress of the cooperation activities undertaken pursuant to the Work Program and the ECA.

4.4   Identified their respective points of contact for administrative purposes related to the work of the Commission.  For Chile the Point of Contact will be the Director of Environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and for the United States the point of contact will be the Director of the Office of Environmental Policy at the Department of State.

4.5   Reviewed existing cooperation agreements on environmental issues between the United States and Chile to complement ongoing work.

5.       On July 21 the Parties held a Public Information Session.  At the session, the Parties provided an update of the progress made in implementation of Chapter 19 of the Agreement, including the cooperation projects already underway.  The Parties also outlined the progress made in implementing the ECA.  The Parties received comments and suggestions from members of the public attending the session.

6.       The Joint Session adjourned with the signing of this Statement by Mr. Rodrigo Egaña, Under Secretary of the Ministry of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of Chile, and by Dr. Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs of the United States, and by Ambassador Carlos Portales, Director of Foreign Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile.

Rodrigo Egaña  

Carlos Portales 

Paula Dobriansky