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

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