Philexport urges Phl firms to consider Chile

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine firms are urged to consider to do business with Chile by supplying various products given available opportunities there, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) said.

In a statement, the Philexport said local firms can export fruits and vegetables to Chile as these are among the products needed there.

The group cited that in a seminar held last month, Chile’s Ambassador Roberto Mayorga said Chile’s food industry presents huge investment opportunities for Philippine firms.

“The food industry has been very strong. Any kind of food products is open to all investors around the world,” he said.

Chile’s population which stands at 17 million, he said, provides a market for food products from the Philippines.

Apart from fruits and vegetables, Philippine firms can also consider supplying devices as well as exploring other business opportunities in mining in Chile.

Mayorga said mining, infrastructure and energy are among the other areas in Chile that are open for investments.

“Chile is really strong in mining. Mining companies plan to invest $104 billion during the next eight years,” he said.

Other items which local firms can supply to Chile are handicrafts and chemical products.

Mayorga said he would like more companies to be part of the Philippines-Chile Business Council, which was set-up to promote trade and investments between the two countries.

He said the first Philippine firm to invest in Chile was Energy Development Corp. (EDC) which is engaged in the business of exploring, developing and operating geothermal projects.

Apart from the EDC, he said the Philippines-Chile Business Council chair Alfonso Siy is selling fishing nets to Chile.

The seminar organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held to discuss the business opportunities available in Chile as well as in other Latin American countries.