Chile has established itself as a key destination for foreign investment thanks to its institutional stability, commitment to sustainability, and opportunities in strategic sectors such as energy transition and digital transformation. According to InvestChile data, in 2023, the country attracted US$21.738 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), reaching its highest figure since 2015. This result evidences its attractiveness, even in a complex global context.
The country has unique competitive advantages, such as a solid institutional framework, fiscal responsibility, and outstanding leadership in sectors such as green hydrogen and the production of critical minerals, such as lithium and copper. Green hydrogen projects worth US$15 billion in the Magallanes region are being managed, with the ambition of making Chile a global benchmark in this emerging market by 2030.
Commitment to sustainability
Chile seeks to position itself as a leader in promoting environmentally responsible investments, where sustainability and carbon neutrality are priority objectives. Thanks to its abundant natural resources, favorable regulatory framework, and intense focus on sustainability, the country has become a preferred choice for international investors, especially in key sectors.
Chile: Platform for investment in Latin America
Chile’s stable political and economic environment and clear regulatory framework make it an ideal entry point for companies looking to invest in Latin America for the first time. However, many companies have gone further, using Chile as a base to expand and supply other markets.
Free Trade Agreements have been essential to this approach. These agreements allow companies in Chile to access a global market of more than one billion consumers, often without tariffs, which has encouraged a growing number of companies to use their operations in the country as an export platform.
Key sectors for FDI
- Mining: represents about 40% of FDI in Chile, driven by the extraction of copper, lithium, and other minerals essential to the global economy.
- Energy: Renewable energies capture approximately 44% of FDI, reflecting the country’s commitment to energy transition and sustainability.
- Financial services: With 20% of FDI, the financial sector, which includes banking and insurance, plays a key role in economic stability.
- Infrastructure: Investment in roads, bridges, and transportation systems is crucial to the country’s economic development.
Although manufacturing accounts for about 9% of FDI, it remains vital to diversify and strengthen the Chilean economy.