Agri-Food Cluster Program Brings Together Chamber of Commerce and Embassy RepresentativesPublished: March 22, 2010
Topics addressed during the informational workshop at the Institution, included instruments, the industry situation, and how to participate in the Third International Forum "Chile: Investment Opportunities in the Agri-Food Cluster".
Chambers of commerce from the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico and other countries met with business representatives of embassies from around the world at the offices of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) to find out more about the purpose, instruments and 2010 agenda of the InvestChile Investment Promotion Office's Agri-Food Cluster Program.
The presentation was made by Pablo Ugarte, the official responsible for the program. He commented on the benefits of investing in Chilean agribusiness and described the diverse incentives and scope of the Third International Forum "Chile: Investment Opportunities in the Agri-Food Cluster".
CORFO'S Deputy Head of Investment Promotion, Danilo Sturiza, stated that "this workshop kicks off the various activities that will be held this year to promote investment in the Agri-Food cluster. We are very interested in attracting investors and entrepreneurs to this area, which is of vital importance for national economic development."
The topics addressed in the workshop include the national agribusiness situation, with an emphasis on the macro-zone damaged by the earthquake that shook the country last February 27. In this respect, Sturiza added that "the situation is serious but stable, and the country will undoubtedly be able to respond to the challenge of reconstructing its productive capacity. Production should return to normal over the medium-term".
This workshop is one of a series of activities that include foreign recruitment missions, workshops with Italian businessmen, seminars in France and China, a survey of portfolios in the different regions of Chile, and meetings with international companies, among others.
Chile: Investment Opportunities in the Agri-Food ClusterThe processed foods, wine, meat, dairy, olive, auxiliary and other industries will be part of this activity organized by CORFO through InvestChile's Investment Promotion Program.
This initiative will include a number of bilateral meetings and seminars, as well as trips to different areas of the country for investors to observe first-hand the diverse opportunities offered by Chile's Agri-Food sector.
The purpose is to attract investors interested in contributing capital and technological transfer to improve the sector's performance, as well as to incorporate initiatives that add value to this activity.
To obtain more information and find out how to register in the Third International Forum "Chile: Investment Opportunities in the Agri-Food Cluster", visit:
www.investchile.com/agri-food_cluster_forum.
The Food Industry in ChileChilean food exports totaled US$ 12.267 billion in 2008. This figure is the result of factors such as the country's economic stability, position among emerging economies, favorable soils and climate, and excellent standing in plant and animal health.
One of the country's main advantages is its ability to produce off-season fruit for main consumer centers in the Northern Hemisphere. The country's north-south orientation also allows for the staggered harvest of high quality products over an extended season. In addition, its geography and strict plant and animal health protection policies afford the country natural protection against exotic diseases and pests.
In light of these encouraging conditions and export figures, Chile has committed to becoming a food industry leader, moving from its current 17th place in the ranking of the world's main food exporting countries to a spot in the top ten.