Santiago de Chile, January 7 (PL-RHC) -- Argentina and Chile took another step to strengthen their already solid bilateral ties with the signing of an agreement that will increase connectivity between the two neighboring countries through a tunnel link.

One of the tunnels -- the Paso de Agua Negra Tunnel cost $1.4 billion, with a funding in proportion to the use of the territory, with 28 percent in Chile's side. There are 19 companies interested in bidding for this program.

Chile's Foreign Affairs Minister Heraldo Muñoz and Argentina's Ambassador to Chile Gines Gonzalez signed the document to launch the joint entity of the International Tunnel Paso (Passage) Las Leñas project.

The tunnel, a 7.13-mile link and 2,260 meters above sea level, will not only increase trade between Argentina and Chile but will also act as connection to Asia and the Pacific, highlighted Muñoz.
He recalled he reached two other protocols with his Argentine counterpart Hector Timerman in December on the construction of the Central Trans-Andean Low Height Tunnel and the Paso Agua Negra Tunnel.

Minister of Public Works of Chile, Alberto Undurraga, said the projects agreed by both nations will allow not only the increase of trade, but also cultural exchange and flow of tourists.

“Regarding Paso Las Leñas we are undergoing a phase of feasibility studies, but the early studies are promising and attainable. It will join the people of Mendoza with the port of San Antonio in the VI Region,” said Undurraga.