I'd like to talk about what Chile has done in discussing this and putting it forward for the consideration of the business sector, civil society, and all stakeholders who have something to say in the agreements that Chile takes part in.
Chile has 24 free trade agreements; that's over 60 economies with which Chile has open trade without tariffs and with nearly total liberalization. To reach this point, we've had to hold talks and we've had to listen; that's done regularly.
It's not just the executive, the government does this. As with this committee, in Chile there are bodies within Parliament that need to provide their approval to agreements. Hearings are held, as is done here, but at the negotiating table when Chile participates, we talk about all the sectors that would be participating: civil society, the business sector, and the government entities as well. They provide their opinion throughout the whole negotiating process.
With free trade agreements, in some areas there are more benefits than in others. Of course that's where we need to look at how we can protect or help the industries when it's necessary to redirect their capacities and efforts. Regarding the Pacific Alliance, as my colleague the ambassador for Mexico mentioned, it's an extraordinary tool. It has been very successful, not only because I'm speaking as the ambassador for Chile, but because it's clear that a free trade agreement with the existing market of the four countries of the Pacific Alliance is very beneficial. Now no one is opposed to it.
The same thing happened with the TPP, which was called into question at the beginning. However, through these systems that I've described to you, Chile has gone forward with these agreements without any major opposition. We try to correct those cases where people could be more negatively affected in one area of the economy.
Thank you.