Lula, Boric sign 13 agreements, expand Brazil-Chile strategic partnership

On Tuesday, April 22, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, for an official state visit in Brasilia. The two leaders signed 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding across a wide range of areas, including justice and public security, defense, science and technology, culture, fisheries and aquaculture, agriculture, livestock, and artificial intelligence.

This day is highly significant to me, not just because of the agreements and memorandums we have signed but because of the political moment we are experiencing globally. This is the beginning of a new chapter. Our relationship will never be the same again because we have a duty to make it better and better and better” 
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
President of the Republic of brazil

“This day is highly significant to me, not just because of the agreements and memorandums we have signed but because of the political moment we are experiencing globally. This is the beginning of a new chapter. Our relationship will never be the same again because we have a duty to make it better and better and better,” said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Lula emphasized that South American nations must work together and in coordination to achieve integrated regional development. “That is why I am so committed to integration. We, the presidents of South American countries, must understand that alone, we are weak. We were not born to live another 500 years in poverty. We were not born to spend centuries watching our countries governed for only 35% or 45% of the population while the rest is treated as if they were invisible,” he declared. He stressed that part of the solution lies in forging partnerships with neighboring nations. 

BIOCEANIC CORRIDOR — A key focus of the bilateral discussions was the improvement of regional infrastructure. Among the projects discussed were the South American Integration Routes, in particular the Capricorn Bioceanic Route, which will link the Brazilian ports of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina with the Chilean ports of Iquique, Mejillones, and Antofagasta. The route is expected to be completed by 2026, during Lula’s current term in office.

Boric’s visit underscores not only the deepening of bilateral cooperation but also the strategic relevance of regional integration in a turbulent global environment. With the new corridor underway and continued efforts to keep markets open, Chile sees strategic partnerships as key to promoting growth and stability.

“We had a working meeting with President Lula that went far beyond formalities. We agreed that our goal is the development of our peoples. While discussions among world leaders can often seem detached, we have not forgotten who we are working for: the most vulnerable, the poorest, those who depend on us,” said President Boric. “We are key allies of Brazil and we have vast potential yet to explore,” he added.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS — Brazil and Chile enjoy dynamic trade and business relations. On the political front, the two countries have intensified their coordination efforts, consistently aligning their positions in both regional and multilateral forums. Bilateral investments continue to grow, bringing concrete benefits to both economies and societies.

Brazil is the largest global recipient of Chilean foreign investment. Chilean companies operating in Brazil are active in diverse sectors such as pulp and paper, retail, and energy. Conversely, Brazilian investment in Chile spans industries including energy, financial services, food, mining, steel, construction, and pharmaceuticals.

TRADE BALANCE — From January to March 2025, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 2.7 billion. Brazil exported USD 1.56 billion to Chile and imported USD 1.21 billion, resulting in a surplus of USD 350 million. Brazil’s main exports to Chile include crude oil, meat, automobiles, and tractors. Imports from Chile are primarily copper products, salmon, and wine.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP — Within South America, Chile is a key strategic partner for Brazil. Both countries share the belief that regional economic integration initiatives are mutually reinforcing. They are also working together to promote dialogue between the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur. Moreover, there is strong potential for joint efforts in science and technology, Antarctic cooperation, and defense.

BUSINESS FORUM — Also on April 22, President Lula will participate in the closing session of the Brazil-Chile Business Forum. This event will include President Boric, Brazil’s Minister of Planning and Budget Simone Tebet, Chilean Minister of Economy Nicolás Grau, and business leaders from various industries. The forum will host dialogues between Brazilian and Chilean companies to explore how the Capricorn Bioceanic Route could transform trade relations and enhance the movement of people, particularly in service sectors such as tourism.