“Chile is fundamentally an attractive market for Swiss companies”, explains Fabio Speciale, South America Consultant at Switzerland Global Enterprise. “In comparison to other South American countries, Chile stands out for its high level of political stability, strong legal system and low national debt. The relatively low level of corruption is another plus in the market.” There are business opportunities for Swiss SMEs in various areas, but most significantly in the cleantech and mining industries.
Business opportunity 1: Sustainable mining
Over the next eight years, Chile will invest 60 billion US dollars in mining to reinforce the sector. Chile’s copper will in future be positioned as a socially and ecologically responsible product. Companies have already started to realize “green” mining projects – not only for ecological reasons, but also to do justice to the needs of international customers, such as automobile manufacturer BMW. These pilot projects can open the doors to the Chilean market for Swiss exporters from the areas of energy, e-mobility, tunnel construction and technology, waste management, environmental remediation, and landscape architecture.
Business opportunity 2: Protection from natural hazards
Chile has access to the sea on the one hand, and numerous mountains on the other, the highest of which lie more than 6,000 meters above sea level. Because of these topographical anomalies, economic value creation in the mountain regions, and climate change, protecting infrastructure from natural hazards is a key topic in Chile: Settlements, roads and railways need to be protected. Swiss companies are perfectly qualified to offer corresponding solutions.
Business opportunity 3: Sustainable solutions for remote areas
A catamaran operated by the Swiss “Race for Water” foundation is currently making its way around the world to raise awareness of marine pollution from plastic waste. When it made a stop in Chile, the Chilean government demonstrated a keen interest in the systems for environmental protection. Hence, for example, solutions for remote Easter Island are being discussed. The aim is to create systems in the areas of energy and water management, as well as in waste recycling, that are suitable for outlying regions in particular.
Do you produce relevant products or offer suitable services and wish to discuss your potential in Chile with our experts? Get in touch with Fabio Speciale, South America Consultant at Switzerland Global Enterprise, or book a free consultation session. More information
