MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean companies resume overseas investments

Chilean companies overseas investments reached 766 million US dollars in the first half of 2005, which represents a 30% drop compared to the same period in 2004 and a 36% over the second half of 2004.

Santiago's Chamber of Commerce statistics indicate that between 1990 and the first half of this year, Chilean companies have accumulated overseas investments equivalent to 29,4 billion US dollars, involving a thousand major operations by 365 investors in fifty countries.

In the first half of 2005, commerce represented 41% (313 million US dollars) of investments; forestry 39% with 300 million followed by mining and industry. Argentina continues as the major attraction with 300 million (39%) and Brazil, 268 million equivalent to 35%.

In Argentina Chilean investments were quite spread out, retailing, transport, forestry, food industry and wine, and energy. Since 1990 Argentina concentrates half of Chilean investments.

Brazil attracted forestry, industry and retailing while in Peru retailing and mining.

As to the composition of investments, 40% went to purchasing assets; 27% to mount infrastructure and 25% to increase existing capacity.

Lan Chile stands out as the main overseas investor in the Transport industry following its incursion in the Argentine market.