InvestChile and Ministry of Economy finalize European tour with more than 45 business meetings

Written by Denisse Vasquez | Jul 21, 2023 9:16:28 PM

The investment promotion roadshow—which concluded on Friday in Paris—included visits to Italy, Spain, Germany, and France.

InvestChile successfully concluded its investment promotion roadshow in Europe. The tour—the largest investment promotion roadshow carried out by InvestChile in Europe this year—included more than 45 business meetings in Italy, Spain, Germany, and France. The activities in Germany and France were led by Chile’s Minister of Economy, Nicolás Grau, together with InvestChile Director, Karla Flores.

In France, where the roadshow joined the delegation led by President Gabriel Boric, 120 local business representatives participated in an event with the Chilean leader which was co-organized together with the Movement of the Enterprises of France (Medef). Similarly, 50 French companies took part in two workshops; one on Chile’s National Lithium Strategy and the other on green hydrogen opportunities, which were led by Minister of Economy, Nicolás Grau, and Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, respectively.

Additionally, 80 executives attended a business gathering at Banque Publique d'Investissement (Bpifrance). Bilateral meetings were also held with companies such as Ardian, an investment fund manager with interest in sectors including infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy; Blue Solutions; and Eramet. These latter two companies are working on a joint venture in Chile to develop and process lithium for use in electric vehicle batteries.

Dialogue with President Macron

Among the official activities carried out during his last day in Paris, Minister Nicolás Grau highlighted the delegation’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. “We were able to discuss not only the excellent relationship that France has with Chile, but also more specifically how we can progress toward increased economic ties, where Chile has much to contribute to the climate transition, which is a point that we have made very clearly. This is something that France has understood and will promote in the future; that we also want this transition toward a green economy to enable greater industrialization and sophistication of our economy,” he said, as well as stating his confidence that “we will have very good news for our country.”

Meanwhile, Karla Flores highlighted the renewed interest among companies in Chile, noting that “European investors see Chile as a strategic partner. They have spoken about ‘friendshoring’; that is, entering into strategic commercial and investment partnerships with companies with which they share values and principles, because they understand that these are long-term relationships. In addition to Chile’s appeal in terms of institutional strength and macroeconomic stability, we can

also add the fact that the country has the necessary conditions and competitive advantages for the generation of green energy and reserves of critical minerals.”

The European Union is a key partner for Chile. The bloc is the largest investor in the country, accounting for 26% of its total foreign direct investment stock.

The tour was also a major opportunity to promote the work of InvestChile’s recently appointed investment commissioners in Europe—Francisca Müller (Italy), Vanessa Séverin (Germany), and Cristián Sagal (France)—and to strengthen InvestChile’s relationship with the country’s diplomatic network, including embassies and commercial attachés.

View full post