MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bush scheduled to visit Chile November 19.

United States Ambassador in Chile Craig Kelly confirmed that President George W. Bush will be visiting the country next November 19 when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Ambassador Kelly said that "Latinamerica is an important priority for President Bush", and didn't discard the possibility of extending the visit for another 24 hours.

President Bush is interested in the region and "we're working to confirm details of the meetings to be held in Santiago", and when this happens "it will be a moment of great happiness and a clear indication of the very close link between Chile and United States".

Ambassador Kelly also anticipated that with US elections behind, "it will be possible to advance and achieve the Free Trade Association of the Americas initiative" with an efficient negotiation process.

"The fact we have a free trade bilateral agreement with Chile is very important for us and a clear signal of the possibilities and prospects for free trade", added Mr. Kelly who underlined that the Chilean experience has been "a successful experience which much promises for the future and the chances of FTAA in the region".

Richard Diego president of the Chilean-American Chamber of Commerce revealed this week in Santiago that in the first twelve months since the signing of the free trade treaty with the United States, Chilean exports had increased 27,7% and imports 28%.

However Mr. Diego also cautioned that there still is much to advance regarding Chilean productivity, competitiveness and management of the country's main export commodities, "so they can include other products such as beef".

"Chile must innovate and insist with the most added value possible to its exports, because trade opportunities open and close".