• The agreement involves a new Investor Support Unit and marks the beginning of a crucial stage in regional economic development.

At a ceremony at the Port of Coquimbo, the Regional Government and InvestChile signed a collaboration agreement to position the Coquimbo region as a strategic destination for national and international investment. The agreement will strengthen the Regional Government’s newly established Investment Attraction Unit, which will act as a one-stop shop for supporting projects, streamlining procedures and ensuring the benefits lead to employment and economic growth.

The collaboration agreement encompasses three key areas: identifying foreign direct investment opportunities, promoting the Coquimbo region in international markets and developing programs to foster productive partnerships. It also commits the institutions to quarterly technical meetings and authorizes the use of the InvestChile brand to create the “InvestCoquimbo” seal, which will lend a regional identity to the strategy.

Regional Governor Cristóbal Juliá commented on the scope of the collaboration: “The signing of this agreement with InvestChile marks the beginning of a new phase of attracting investment and strengthening the port of Coquimbo. It involves local development, job creation and capital increase. We have been working toward these concrete benefits to truly develop the region since January.”

InvestChile Director Karla Flores underscored the importance of this step: “It enables regional governments to strengthen their ability to promote and attract investment effectively. Clear diagnoses and enabling conditions—such as connectivity, infrastructure and human capital—enable us to promote opportunities internationally and attract delegations from companies interested in prospecting the Coquimbo region. Therefore, this partnership with the Regional Government and the entire ecosystem is crucial for helping companies understand the port capacity, infrastructure and opportunities available in Coquimbo.”

Attracting quality capital

Terminal Puerto Coquimbo General Manager Laura Chiuminatto expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to host the event at the facility: “It is a source of pride that this agreement is being signed here at the port. A major player in the logistics chain and in foreign trade, we connect Coquimbo with destinations worldwide. Today, we are taking a tangible step toward making the Coquimbo region more visible and attracting foreign investment for projects that will continue adding value.

Regional Councilman and International Relations Commission President Pedro Valencia highlighted the importance of the relationship with Argentina: “This agreement complements the work we have been doing with our neighbors. The port of Coquimbo is ready to receive cargo, and during the visit to Tucumán, we observed strong interest in their products reaching the Pacific via the Coquimbo region.”

Empresa Portuaria Coquimbo General Manager Ernesto Piwonka noted the significance of the partnership: “Signing this agreement at the port supports the effort of more than US$100 million in infrastructure investment—Chile’s largest port project in the last decade. The establishment of an Investor Support Unit offers a real opportunity to attract quality capital and create sustainable jobs for the region.”

Finally, Regional Secretary of Economy Paulina Elgueta highlighted the practical impact of the agreement on regional dynamics: “InvestChile conducted a professional analysis and identified significant potential in the international expansion of businesses from the Coquimbo Region, as well as in attracting new investments. This agreement will cut processing times, provide certainty to investors and support industry associations in implementing their projects, thereby fostering a collaborative and beneficial working relationship with the Regional Government.”

The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a joint agenda between the Regional Government and InvestChile to position Coquimbo as a strategic hub in the South Pacific, capable of creating jobs, fostering innovation and attracting investments that support the region’s overall development.