In the framework of the APEC Meetings in the Republic of Korea, in November 2005 and following the Leaders´ instructions, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile and the Minister of Commerce of Thailand announced the initiation of a Joint Study Group on the Feasibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A high and sustained economic growth and major social developments were the most distinctive characteristics of the Chilean economy in the 90s; noteworthy was the reduction of poverty.