• An InvestChile workshop marked ChileWeek’s first day in Shanghai.

Chile’s regional leadership and commitment to clean transportation marked a new day of ProChile’s ChileWeek, an event in China to promote Chile’s export and investment offering.  On the opening day in Shanghai (following activities in Chengdu and Beijing), electromobility took center stage thanks to a massive InvestChile workshop that brought together the industry’s main representatives.

The workshop featured video messages from Chile’s Transport Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz and InvestChile Director Karla Flores.  The Chilean Ambassador to China Mauricio Hurtado and ProChile General Director Ignacio Fernández attended the event and delivered addresses highlighting its significance for economic relations between the two nations.

Next, DTPM (Metropolitan Santiago’s Public Transport) Director Paola Tapia, DTPM Finance Manager Diego Cruz and the Head of Sustainable Mobility at Chile’s Energy Sustainability Agency, Ignacio Rivas, offered presentations on investment opportunities and new public tenders.

They were joined by BYD Country Manager Chile Tamara Berríos, BYD Deputy Manager of the America Sales Division Joling Zhang and Yutong Chile Chief Executive Officer Javier Ye, who shared their companies’ experience in Chile.

InvestChile International Network Coordinator Catalina Pérez moderated the event.

More innovation and diversity

DTPM Director Paola Tapia highlighted the companies’ interest in participating in the Chilean market.  «We need more innovation and diversity in public transportation in Chile.  This is an opportunity for international companies to expand their investment in Chile and reach the rest of the countries in the region, which are already very interested in learning about and replicating our model,» she said.  On the presence of Chinese companies in Chile, she remarked, «Chinese companies are here today to share their successful experiences in Chile.  In the short term, we aim to double the US$2.5 billion already invested in the Chilean transportation system.  We invite companies to be part of the upcoming processes.»

BYD Country Manager Chile Tamara Berríos commented, «Chile holds a very important place; it has the largest fleet of electric buses outside China.  Today, 100% of its electric buses are Chinese, making it a benchmark.  For BYD, contributing technology and manufacturing in Latin America is crucial.»

Similarly, Yutong Chile Chief Executive Officer Javier Ye shared, «We began operating in Chile in 2015.  We have several successful projects, operating more than 1,000 units.  We are proud participants in Chile’s sustainability and carbon neutrality strategy.»

Notably, 31% of the bus fleet for Santiago’s public transportation system is electric.  There are currently 2,000 buses, and that number will continue growing.

Today, China is the world’s leading supplier of electric buses, and 99% of these vehicles operate domestically.

Check out the best images from Thursday at ChileWeek China 2023: