THE MISSION IN BRIEF
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its team of international trade experts, the World Trade Centre Montréal, are organizing a trade mission to Chile, from June 2 to 6, 2014.
This mission will allow you to:
- Benefit from a personalized program including company visits, one-on-one business meetings, and networking activities
- Take advantage of the increased visibility offered as part of a trade delegation
- Establish contacts with potential buyers
- Position your company and its products on the market
- Define your business development strategy for Chile based on actual experience in the field
- Network with other Quebec companies seeking to enter the Chilean and South American markets
Participation in this mission includes:
- A preparatory meeting in Montréal
- The organization of personalized one-on-one business meetings for each company, in addition to the activities included in the general program
- A networking reception
- Participation in the strategic seminar
- Five (5) nights lodging in Santiago, Chile
- All breakfasts
- One group dinner planned as part of the mission’s program
- Transportation for group activities
- The mission binder
- A directory of participants
- Support throughout your entire stay
REGISTRATION
USE THE FORM
Registration deadline: April 17
WHY CHILE?
Chile is widely recognized for its liberal and transparent trade and investment regime. Over the last 15 years, Canadian exports of goods to Chile have increased by 5.4% each year, surpassing exports to other large South American countries, like Argentina and Brazil.
Canada and Chile have benefitted from a comprehensive free trade agreement since 1997. The agreement includes trade in goods and services, investment, and agreements covering the environment, labour relations, taxation, and air transportation fields. In 2013, the free trade agreement between the two countries was broadened to allow support for Canadian financial institutions developing new markets in the banking, insurance, and asset management sectors in Chile.
For companies seeking to begin their business development process in Latin America, or to speed up their expansion on the Chilean market, this mission offers an ideal opportunity to explore the field and personally meet with potential partners in the following sectors:
- Construction and infrastructure equipment
This area is brimming with business opportunities in the rail, port, and urban sectors.
- Mining
Between 50 and 60 Canadian mining companies are actively engaged in exploration activities in Chile.
- Health care
A new law requires the availability of bio-equivalent (generic) medication. As Chile produces very few generics, it must import them instead. This is therefore a sector that is wide open to Canadian producers.
- Retail sales
The country has the largest big-box stores and major retail chains in South America.
- Plastics and packaging
There are great needs in these sectors, mainly for eco-friendly products and equipment.
- Agriculture and agri-food
Chile is striving to further develop innovation in this sector.
- Forestry
Chilean forestry companies anticipate capital spending and major projects, which is promising for Canadian forestry material.
- Information technology
The ITC market in Chile is one of the most highly developed in Latin America.
Chile has a reputation for having financial institutions that are sound and among the most advanced in Latin America, making funding easier to access.
Chile is a sure-fire value in Latin America: solid and coherent government regulations, a stable political situation, and exemplary economic success. It is a country that is open and favourable to international trade, on which three-quarters of its GDP is dependent, thus ensuring ongoing opportunities for Quebec businesses ready to reap the benefits.
CHILE – FACTS AND FIGURES:
- 1st country in South America to have signed a free trade agreement with Canada
- $789 million CAD in imports from Canada in 2012
- 9th largest destination for Canadian direct investment abroad
- Ranked 34th out of 189 on the Ease of Doing Business Index, ahead of Mexico (53rd) and Brazil (116th)
- Ranked 7th on the Index of Economic Freedom, right after Canada (6th): one of the most stable markets in Latin America
- GDP growth rate close to 5% per year in recent years
- Over 17 million inhabitants (2014 estimate)
- Ranked 22nd out of 177 on the Transparency International index
WHO SHOULD TAKE PART?
- Entrepreneurs seeking to enter and develop their business on the Chilean market.
- The mission will be of particular interest to companies in the following sectors:
- Construction and infrastructure equipment
- Mining
- Health care
- Retail sales
- Plastics and packaging
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Forestry
- Information technology
- All innovative companies
Build a winning business relationship with your Chilean partners.