Doing business on the Ibero-American continent is by no means difficult. Chile, often referred to as the “Germany of South America,” is an excellent place to conduct commercial activities, thanks to its transparent regulations, market stability and numerous trade agreements that guarantee zero tariff rates on over 96% of goods.
In the structure of exports to Chile, the largest commodity groups were: mechanical equipment, electrical machinery and their components, as well as chemical industry products and plastics and articles made from them. The value of goods sold to Chile in 2016 amounted to PLN 354.5 million. In the import structure, plant-based products, live animals and animal-origin products dominate, along with base metals and articles made from them. The value of goods imported to Poland in 2016 amounted to PLN 593.4 million.
From the perspective of developing trade relations, it is worth noting the way Chileans conduct business — they prefer an active bilateral policy and regional as well as multiregional trade agreements, which ultimately has a clear reflection in the country’s growing trade exchange.
Why Chile?
The strengths of the Chilean market are:
- high purchasing power of the population,
- stable socio-political and economic situation (relative to the entire region),
- high index of economic freedom,
- stable economy,
- transparent legal system,
- absence of significant trade barriers,
- receptive market.
The weaknesses of the Chilean market (from the perspective of the Polish economy) are:
- considerable distance,
- low recognition of Polish manufacturers and products.
For whom is Chile suitable?
Polish companies with an innovative technological background have the opportunity to establish themselves on the Chilean market in a long-term perspective. In trade relations with Chile, companies representing the following sectors should find their opportunity in the near future:
- aviation industry,
- defence industry,
- maritime economy (including port services and fisheries),
- unconventional and renewable energy sector,
- mining industry.
Good prospects for the future are also seen for Chilean investments. Local entrepreneurs can count on active support and promotion for their activities through the CIEChile organisation, which operates in many countries worldwide through the PROChile network of offices — specialised agencies supporting Chilean exports.
