MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK and Chile intensify ties.

British Trade and Investment Secretary, Elizabeth Symond forecasted a significant increase in trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Chile in the coming years following a meeting in Santiago with president Ricardo Lagos.

"I'm convinced our trade relations with Chile will intensify because there are many business areas where we can expand and subscribe agreements", said the British Trade and Investment Secretary on leaving Chile's government house, Palacio de la Moneda.

Mrs. Symond who spent two days in Chile, indicated that both countries will be signing an agreement to end with double taxation.

"Our visit has strengthened Britain's historical ties with Chile and I'm leaving very satisfied with the results", stressed Mrs. Symond.

The United Kingdom is the fourth investor in Chile, behind United State, Spain and Canada, and its third trade partner.

According to Chilean statistics the United Kingdom invested over 2,5 billion Euros during the last 25 years, most of which in the mining industry.

Chile has a strong trade surplus with Britain: in 2001 exports reached 1,2 billion US dollars and imports 180 million US dollars.