Mining suppliers and distributors have been advised to plan ahead and be targeted by Chilean mining companies interested in Australian technology and innovation following a series of Austrade’s seminar held across the country.
Austrade’s national roadshow ‘New opportunities in Chile and beyond’ has attracted more than 350 business nationally.
Austrade’s Santiago-based Senior Trade Commissioner Latin America Nigel Warren told Australian Mining that new projects and investment in Chile over the next ten years is expected to be greater than the past thirty.
“Chile is a growing market for Australian companies, and Australia already has a great reputation in the market,” he said.
“People attending the seminars have been surprised with the size of the market, the opportunities and how quickly the market is growing.”
Austrade has brought CODELCO, Chile’s largest resource company, Xstrata Copper and Antofogasta Minerals to Australia to take part in the seminars.
“CODELCO, the State owned resources company has actually sent a representative down from China to look at what is happening in Australia,” Warren said.
“Chile is Australia’s third largest trading partner in Latin America and has the most stable and transparent economy in the region.
“This is why Chile is an important emerging trading destination and has become the regional hub of South America for Australian companies wanting to do business in Latin America,” Warren said.
The nationwide seminar roadshow is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the relevant State Governments; the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC); the Chile-Australia Chamber of Commerce (AUSCHAM); Austmine; the Australia-Chile Chamber of Commerce (ACCC); the Australian Industry Group and the Mining & Energy Services Council of Australia (MESCA).
Interested parties can contact Austrade on the export hotline on 13 28 78.