The VI International InvestChile Forum 2022 got underway today. It is Chile’s most important foreign investment event, which had not been held in person since 2019.
President Gabriel Boric addressed the investors present, highlighting the importance of the event and the contribution that occasions like this have for the country’s growth.
“When I travel throughout Chile, I see tremendous potential, despite what the surveys may say. There are a tremendous number of opportunities in our country, and we have an institutional solidity that would allow us to take a great leap forward if we do things well; and we do have the opportunity to do things well. I believe this will improve our people’s quality of life and also provide a contribution to the world,” the President stated.
He added, “we need to reactivate the economy, and foreign investment plays a tremendously important role in reactivating the economy. Greater investment will be synonymous with new jobs, which are also giving peace of mind back to thousands of families who have suffered greatly as a result of the adjustment that our economy is experiencing due to the COVID-19 crisis and the slowdown of the global economy.”
Importance of the forum
The forum will offer investment opportunities to the more than 100 international company representatives who will attend the event, presenting 56 projects worth US$4 billion.
The most important event from InvestChile, Chile’s Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, also brings with it the possibility of creating 1,900 potential jobs.
The forum aims to provide participating companies with first-hand knowledge of emerging investment opportunities, the new economic strategy, and the policies for foreign investment in Chile.
What is InvestChile?
InvestChile is the Chilean public agency that promotes the country as a destination for foreign investment in the global market, connecting the interests of investors with the business opportunities that the country offers. In addition to offering a series of specific services for its clients, the agency seeks to ensure that the benefits of foreign investment reach the whole of Chile, advocating policies to promote human capital and opportunities in high-value sectors.
What is the goal of the forum?
The goal of the forum is for participating companies to learn first-hand about emerging investment opportunities, the new economic strategy, and the policies for foreign investment in Chile.
What kind of companies are participating?
The companies that are participating in this sixth version of the forum specialize in the Circular Economy, Global Services, Fintech, Tourism and Green Hydrogen sectors. The companies that have presented the most projects are from the United States, France, Argentina and Japan.
What will the participating companies have access to?
- During the plenary session, attendees can hear an analysis of international economic events by the OECD’s Chief Economist and Director of Country Studies, Álvaro Santos Pereira, and Chief Economist of the United States Department of State, Emily Blanchard. Chile’s Treasury Minister, Mario Marcel, will also speak about the challenges and local economic prospects.
- There will also be two panel discussions as part of the event. The first, “Foreign investment for the solutions of the future,” will bring together Giulio Bonazzi, CEO and President of Aquafil (Italy); Marisol Garrido, COO of Séché Group (France); Marco Miranda, Country Manager at Phibion (Australia); and Carmina Hernández, Public Policy Manager for Chile at AWS (United States).
- In the second panel discussion, Chile’s Energy Minister, Diego Pardow; Mining Minister, Marcela Hernando; and Public Works Undersecretary, José Andrés Herrera, will address specific investment opportunities in Chile. They will provide details of the projects in their public portfolios, international tenders and investment incentives.
- The event will also include sectoral breakout session with key local stakeholders, as well as a huge day of matchmaking in which some 90 business meetings are expected to take place.