By INS Contributors

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The Embassy of Republic of Chile in Malaysia marked the Latin American nation's National Day, showcasing its heritage, culture and history to the delight international guests from various diplomatic missions.

 Chile recognises Sept. 18, 1810 as the date that marks the beginning of its struggle independence from Spain, with Chileans refer to the official holiday as “dieciocho.” meaning “eighteen” in Spanish as the holiday falls on the 18th day of the month.

 Ambassador Jaime Muñoz Sandoval, who hosted the celebration, thanked those who skillfully organised the event and paid special homage to the enthusiastic participation of the Chilean diaspora:

 "En este nuevo aniversario patrio un gran saludo a la comunidad de chilenos en Malasia país en donde representan nuestra cultura, historia y características del ser chileno. Que la alegría y el bienestar llegue a sus familias y hogares. Felices fiestas patrias!," he said.

 (On this new national anniversary, a big greeting to the community of Chileans in Malaysia, a country where they represent our culture, history and characteristics of being Chilean. May joy and well-being come to your families and homes. Happy national holidays!)

 "I’m very obliged as well with all our sponsors: Vinsprit, Montes, Sunrise, Artisan Wine and Dyonosius. Without them it would not be possible to enjoy so many goods that Chile has to offer in Malaysia," he said.

 He also announced the participation of the Folkloric Ballet of Chile and its founder and director Pedro Gajardo, who put on a teaser performance and showing off their spectacular costumes and energetic dance moves ahead of their full performance on Sept. 30, pointing to the effective and important role that arts and culture play in building people-to-people ties.

 This year also marks the 45th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Chile and Malaysia, with the Malaysian guest of honor Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mustapha Sakmud participating in the festivities.

 "In the 45 years that have passed since that moment a number of relevant milestones have occurred, marking the rich exchange between our two countries, such as the exchange of visits by the respective Heads of State and Government; the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in 2012; the subscription of an Agreement to avoid double taxation in 2004 and the Agreements on Defence Cooperation of 1993 and Antarctic Cooperation of 2014," Ambassador Jaime said.

 He noted the strides the country has made in its international relations, particularly as a key player in global trade through its participation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) inter-governmental forum and in key agreements including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and aspires to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

 Chile has proven to be a entry point and significant trade partner for Malaysia in South America, with the Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement (MCFTA) is the first bilateral FTA between Malaysia and a Latin American country. The economy of Chile is a market economy and high-income economy according to the World Bank. 

 Chile exported RM1.25 billion (USD 305 million) in products to Malaysia in 2022 comprising mainly refined copper, copper ore, frozen fish, wine and other consumables while Malaysia exported RM1.097 billion (USD 266 million) worth of products to Chile mainly comprising nitrogenous fertilizers and rubber products, electrical and & electric equipment and edible oils. 

 With a population of around 20 million, Chile is uniquely located along the Pacific Rim with more than 6,000 kilometres of Pacific Ocean coastline and its extreme north–south orientation produces seven different macro-regions distinguished by climate and geographical features, which allows the country itself to stagger harvests and results in extended harvesting seasons, making the country a top exporter in several high value crops. Additionally aquaculture is a key economic activity, with Chile being the second largest producer of salmon in the world.