JAPAN and the WORLD Magazine OCTOBER ISSUE 2015 #Issue 13

LUXURY FEATURE QA INTERVIEW: H.E. MR. PATRICIO TORRES Ambassador of Chile to Japan チリを象徴するワイン CHILEAN ICON VINES QUALITY THAT MATTERS 品質が何より大切 Chile is already known as a reliable exporter, but Japan chooses its trade partners fairly meticulously. Ultimately, what was it that allowed the Japan-Chile Economic Partnership Agreement to be such a success? First of all we have had economic relations for 150 years and this has created an atmosphere of trust. Official bilateral relations between Chile and Japan can be traced back more than a century, beginning with the signing of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation in 1897. But commercial relations have existed since the beginning of the Meiji Era. Japan and Chile share values. We have strong institutions and both countries enjoy the rule of law. This is very important, not only for investors, but also for people making commercial deals. One of the milestones in this field of commerce was reached in 2007 with the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, the first to be signed between Japan and a South American country. In bilateral relations both Japan and Chile always aim high, establishing high quality relationships. Since the establishment of the Japan-Chile EPA in 2007, tariffs on imported Chilean wine have decreased; in fact, all tariffs on Chilean wine will be scrapped in 2019. What does this elimination mean for bilateral relations between Chile and Japan? Is it a symbol of confidence and trust? What effect will it have on the already thriving market for Chilean wine in Japan? Chile-made products are an established brand in Japan. People already recognize us for our agricultural products and wines— good quality and good price. This is a strong foundation. I’m not so sure whether Japanese consumers will change their preferences any time soon. They already know us and appreciate the wide offering of Chilean wines. What is interesting is that 75 // OCTOBER 2015 H.E. Mr. Patricio Torres, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile to Japan. Japanese consumers are always eager to try new varieties and new blends or new labels. We are very confident that the Japanese consumers will keep favoring us. France, one of the most prestigious competitors in the wine industry? Do you think Chile will also be able to outperform its competitors in wine revenue in the near future? Chile was able to quantitatively outsell France this year, making Chilean wine the most purchased foreign wine in Japan. What steps did the nation take to overcome First of all, it is quality. The quality of wines comes from the quality of our grapes. Chile is a paradise for growing grapes. We are blessed with natural conditions that allow us to be tremendously competitive. There JAPAN AND THE WORLD MAGAZINE

JAPAN and the WORLD Magazine OCTOBER ISSUE 2015 #Issue 13 | Page 76