General Information

Chile continues to be the best risk in Latin America and has become the prime example of a liberal economic policy, with economic growth coupled with fiscal discipline and a very favourable climate for attracting investment; however, it is a medium-sized market.

Chile is a market that is open and favourable to foreign investment with low customs duties (over 90% of European products are exempt from customs duties)– there has been a Chile-EU economic association agreement in force since 2003), – a high quality of service for the region (the development level of banking services, insurance, pension funds, IT and road infrastructure, is one of the best in Latin America) supported by attractive flexibility in the job market.Chile ranks as "OECD High income" in the World Bank’s “Doing Business” ranking (2019).

The Chilean market offers good commercial prospects for capital goods and infrastructure aimed at industry and the communications sector. Importation of certain assets, particularly pharmaceutical and agricultural products, may be subject to some restrictions.

Chile is investing in the development of renewable energies. Particular emphasis is placed on wind farms and solar energy, the latter, in particular, having great potential and where there are already French investments present.

The country recently launched a public incentive ("Start-Up Chile") for innovative entrepreneurs across the world who can benefit from a subsidy that can reach 80,000 US dollars if they present themselves to a Chilean jury and launch their innovative project from Chile for a minimum period of 6 months.

The Chileans are particularly conscious of the distance that separates them from Europe, and it is also important to respect any commitments made during meetings with Chilean entrepreneurs. Obviously, given the time difference, it is not easy to maintain a relationship via telephone. However, it is necessary to be disciplined in regularly joining your Chilean counterparts and for different projects. Ideally the best solution is the setting up a local office.