By Bertha Henson, Associate Editor

SANTIAGO (Chile): Singapore and Chile are 'kindred spirits', sharing the same outlook on many issues, especially on free trade.

Both are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum. Both are among the four original members of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, which looks set to be the building block for a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific.

Both are also founder members of a less well-known group known as the Forum of the East Asia and Latin America Cooperation or Fealac.

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