The Ministry of Economy of El Salvador announced the execution of a solid portfolio of investment projects for 2026, as part of the country’s ongoing economic transformation. Through a total allocation of $13.4 million, it will modernize public services, create new opportunities for young people, strengthen institutions, and attract new foreign and local investment. These projects are included in a $64.5 million budget proposal presented by the executive branch to the Legislative Assembly’s Committee of Finance.

This new economic stimulus is not isolated, however. In recent years, significant effort has been put into restoring confidence among investors and citizens in security and public safety. The National Economic Recovery Plan 2021-2025 has also made considerable progress in tackling the cumbersome bureaucracy that was a constant headache for the Salvadoran business environment for decades.

In this new context of greater security and improved macroeconomic conditions, the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador aims to continue building on this momentum in the coming years. For this, a new stage of reforms is foreseen to make the public system more agile, digitized, and full of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

Digitalization and Streamlining of Procedures: More Agility for Entrepreneurs

Digital transformation and simplification of procedures are one of the cornerstones of this new investment round. A total of $3.9 million in resources will be provided by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) for the implementation of large-scale digitalization and administrative simplification projects.

The aim is to eliminate bureaucracy, speed up processes, and reduce the operating costs of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. To this end, more than 270 administrative procedures have been redesigned, improved, or digitalized in various sectors and stages, from company registration to the issuance of government permits.

Entrepreneurs are saving hours of paperwork, trips to offices, and payments. “We are very happy to continue with the execution of this very successful plan, since at this time it is one of the main projects of the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador. For the past year, we have been working very hard with 270 actions designed, improved, and digitalized, and we will continue doing so,” the Minister of Economy, María Luisa Hayem, added.

She went on to say that both high levels of insecurity and complex bureaucratic structures in the country have impeded the country’s economic development and job creation for Salvadorans. As the country’s economic digitization continues, the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador wants to play a leading role in improving competitiveness and economic diversification by modernizing public systems.

In a similar vein, experts have recognized that simplifying administrative procedures is one of the most effective measures the government can take to increase the country’s competitiveness. This simplification, they note, has a measurable positive impact on small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs. Administrative simplification will help Salvadoran entrepreneurs save money and time, which can then be invested in expanding their businesses.

They will be able to invest more in improving productivity, increasing output, and expanding their customer base. In addition, increasing entrepreneurs’ efficiency also contributes to strengthening the country’s economy.

Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Support: Social Investment with Economic Returns

In addition to digitalization, the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador also intends to make important contributions to human capital development and social inclusion. In a consortium with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), it will carry out three important initiatives during the year 2026 in partnership with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

The first is the employability promotion program for young people. It will be supported by a $3.3 million budget allocation and will benefit more than 40,000 young Salvadorans. This project will include training programs, job-readiness tools, and formal job access mechanisms.

It is not only about creating jobs, but also about providing young people with skills that are relevant to the changing demands of the labor market, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and digital tools. “One of the main strengths of the project is to achieve synergies with all the entities involved in employability, so that together we can increase coverage and expand the number of young people who can access quality employment,” commented the vice minister of coordination of the Ministry of Economy, Laura Elena González.

The second one is the entrepreneurship promotion program. To support new business ideas, this project will have $3.4 million allocated. This will include support for entrepreneurial ecosystems such as mentorship, seed capital opportunities, incubation initiatives, and technical assistance to individual entrepreneurs and startups.

The trend in the country towards innovation and new business models, particularly in digital commerce, technology, services and creative industries is very positive. In a context of enhanced business support, the roll-out of this initiative is expected to have positive spillover effects across the Salvadoran economy.

Lastly, $1.5 million will be allocated to an institutional strengthening program. Although it is a component that is often overlooked, the government has shown interest in building a stronger, more efficient institutional framework.

This will include improvements in transparency, internal procedures, coordination between entities, as well as external processes for companies and citizens. Through a transparent and more efficient public service, the authorities will be better able to respond to the demands and needs of citizens and investors.

Investors: Fewer Barriers, More Opportunities

Last but not least, in order to promote investment, the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador will dedicate $1.1 million to strengthening investment promotion and attraction mechanisms. This will include communication campaigns, investment promotion channels, improving relations with companies that want to invest in the country, and operational support for investors.

These efforts come at a time when El Salvador is receiving greater international attention. In addition to greater security, infrastructural modernization and major digital projects to expand online government services have helped to project a new, more modern image to the world.

The Ministry of Economy of El Salvador understands that a competitive economy is not just about a skilled workforce and an efficient public service, but about the entire environment around the two. For this reason, it is also working to reduce administrative barriers and improve the country’s investment climate, so that investors are more receptive and less resistant.

A More Dynamic Future for Entrepreneurs and Investors

All these efforts are part of a larger strategy of the government of El Salvador, focused on digital transformation, inclusive growth, and economic modernization. For companies that want to start or expand their activities in the country, there is a clear message. In terms of the business environment, El Salvador is building a more dynamic, transparent and technologically advanced economic ecosystem.

Whether it is an established business looking to modernize and optimize its operations or an entrepreneur or investor looking for market entry opportunities, the initiatives of the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador are an opportunity to benefit from a country in full evolution and with the will and capacity to compete at an international level.

Uruguay has begun its accession to the CPTPP as part of a broader effort to diversify market access. This early stage of Uruguayan CPTPP accession comes as the country moves toward a possible end-of-2025 conclusion of the Mercosur–European Union agreement. At the same time, it evaluates the impact of the commercial pact between Milei and Trump on a tense Mercosur.

Suppose on December 20, the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union is finally signed. In that case, the end of 2025 will be excellent for Uruguay and its ambition to secure better market-access conditions for its products beyond the region. Recent news prompted widespread celebration: the acceptance to begin the country’s accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a milestone now widely referred to as Uruguayan CPTPP accession.

The announcement was first made on the social network X by the Uruguayan foreign minister, Mario Lubetkin, and on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official account. Later this morning, the minister spoke at a press conference and described this step as the achievement of a “state policy” that brings Uruguay closer to a “very important club of countries.” On the part of the CPTPP members, the communication was made public by Australia’s Ministry of Trade and Tourism: “We have decided to begin the accession process with Uruguay and, if approved, we will proceed with the other countries in 2026. This reflects the great interest in joining this high-level agreement and our ambition to expand its membership.”

The 12 current members of the CPTPP are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. These economies account for around 15% of global GDP and a similar share of international trade, with a combined population of nearly 600 million.

Uruguay’s proposal to join this framework was submitted three years ago, in November 2022, by the center-right government led by Luis Lacalle Pou. The efforts continued under the current center-left Broad Front coalition government, inaugurated in March and headed by Yamandú Orsi. Political leaders and analysts have described Uruguayan CPTPP accession as a turning point in the nation’s trade strategy.

Celebrations

“National policies. Uruguay in the world. That is how we proceeded. Not always with the desired results (…). Good news that the government has taken another step,” former president Lacalle Pou wrote on X.

Omar Paganini, foreign minister during the final stage of the previous government, also celebrated the news, highlighting the work carried out by both administrations. He congratulated the officials involved, including the current foreign minister. “Excellent news! A clear example of how state policies work when there is real commitment!” said Facundo Márquez, vice president of the Uruguayan Exporters’ Union and a businessman in the caviar industry. “What great joy. Another match now begins, one that must be played calmly and steadily. Expectations shifted today, and that’s good for everyone, in Uruguay and the region,” noted Marcel Vaillant, an international trade expert.

For international relations analyst Ignacio Bartesaghi, joining the CPTPP is “a step of enormous importance for Uruguay, which is beginning a negotiation process that will certainly not be easy, but could lead to a qualitative and quantitative leap in the country’s trade openness. Mercosur is becoming more flexible along the way, which is very welcome.” According to Bartesaghi, Uruguayan CPTPP accession strengthens Uruguay’s hand in arguing for greater autonomy within the bloc.

A 2024 study funded by the local think tank Pharos estimated the effects on trade, investment, and per capita income of Uruguay’s potential accession to the CPTPP. Summarizing the results, the “central variable” is the change in welfare, measured as a proportional increase in consumption. For Uruguay, the welfare effect of remaining outside the CPTPP would be adverse but minimal (-0.01%). By contrast, joining the agreement would yield short-term gains of 1.2% and long-term gains of 2.3%, percentages that would increase if China were to enter the treaty.

Argentina and its agreement with Trump

For Uruguay—which produces far more beef, rice, soybeans, and dairy products than its 3.5 million inhabitants can consume—economic growth depends on external markets; it must export. For Uruguayans, Mercosur offered the chance to enter the large Argentine and Brazilian markets under advantageous conditions and also the hope that, as a bloc, it could negotiate trade agreements with third countries or economic groupings. In practice, this failed to meet expectations and even left people frustrated.

For this reason, recent governments—some more firmly than others—have demanded flexibility to negotiate trade deals independently, outside the constraints of the bloc’s “4 plus 1” structure. But that proposal has not received support from the bloc’s main partners.

Now, the commercial agreement announced between Argentina and the United States has placed the Uruguayan authorities on guard. Is it a risk or an opportunity? “It puts us in a position to stay alert, which is an advantage; perhaps you can get on board as well,” the Uruguayan president said a few days ago. He added that “Uruguay is in a position to take advantage. One of two things: either you get hurt if you put on blinders, don’t open your mind and don’t get into the game, whichever side it is,” he said. “Today you cannot shut yourself off; on the contrary, in a world that is closing, you must open up,” he insisted.

The president said he intends to speak directly with his Argentine counterpart, Javier Milei, to assess the agreement’s impact. “Maybe one-on-one it’s easier,” he said. Although some criticize him and even mock his sometimes ambiguous answers, Orsi may have reasons not to be more forceful in this case.

In fact, there are doubts regarding the Argentina–United States agreement—even among experts within his own government. Among other reasons, this is because information is still lacking. “To make an assessment, we first need to know the details contained in the agreement, particularly regarding tariffs,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi in the Montevideo newspaper El País. “We have always said that we understand Argentina’s situation and the need to negotiate this agreement, and from that standpoint, we do not judge it,” she added.

The official commented—echoing Uruguay’s longstanding call for flexibility—that when the bloc negotiates together, “it is a force of nature.” Still, when it does not, Uruguay must “seek other alternatives” and find strategies to meet the needs of actors in foreign trade.

A ‘tense’ Mercosur?

At Uruguay’s Ministry of Economy, there was concern that the growing closeness between Milei and U.S. President Donald Trump could shift from symbolic gestures to concrete trade policy. In fact, the delegation that attended the recent IMF assembly in Washington, D.C., led by Minister Gabriel Oddone, was told by U.S. sources that an agreement with Argentina was imminent. A few days later, this was confirmed through the official announcement.

Oddone expressed his unease two weeks ago during an event for Spanish investors with interests in Uruguay. “We are close to a scenario in which next year we could see an even greater rapprochement between Argentina and the United States in trade matters,” he said, adding that such an agreement would be a “watershed moment” if Brazil were left out. In that scenario, Mercosur could become “strained,” the minister speculated.

A concern within the Ministry of Economy is that, for example, beef—a product that consistently ranks at the top of Uruguay’s export basket—could be placed at a disadvantage relative to Argentine beef in accessing the U.S. market.

While, like most government officials, Uruguayan business leaders want to see more details before stating how to respond to the Milei–Trump agreement, some analysts have already taken a clear position. Bartesaghi, director of the Institute of International Business at the Catholic University of Uruguay, wrote on X: “We ALL should have the same flexibility within the bloc and, once and for all, accept that members must be allowed to negotiate bilateral agreements with any country without needing consensus among partners.”

Mexico Sets Foreign Investment Record in 2025

Mexico is currently in the international economic spotlight after government officials confirmed what is being described as the Mexico foreign investment record 2025. Speaking to reporters during a recent press briefing, Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard confirmed that net foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico had already surpassed $40 billion as of September 2025, a 15% jump over the previous year and one of the biggest economic stories of the year so far. This level of investment not only exceeds many analysts’ projections at the start of the year but also cements Mexico’s position as one of the Western Hemisphere’s most sought-after investment destinations. Inflows from key investors such as the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada helped Mexico weather the storm, as countries with long-standing business ties invested in industries ranging from manufacturing and financial services to insurance, construction, mining, and tourism. Growth has been widespread as these and other sectors across Mexico continue to build momentum, while initiatives to reshape global supply chains and nearshoring have also played an important role in the upbeat Mexico foreign investment record 2025.

Mexico Breaks Record for Inflows

Wednesday, 19 November. Mexico’s government confirmed that it had reached a new record in the third quarter of 2025, confirming that it had also registered the Mexico foreign investment record 2025 in terms of overall investment flows this year. Net FDI in Mexico is now nearly $41 billion between January and September 2025, with signs that inflows have remained strong in the third quarter. Ebrard said this capital has come at a time of persistent uncertainty around the world, with inflation, geopolitical risks, and interest rate volatility weighing on growth. At the same time, Ebrard said Mexico’s macroeconomic policies have delivered a stable and competitive business environment, while a strong exchange rate and a resilient manufacturing sector that has bounced back from the pandemic have also supported the economy. In the face of these positive factors, Mexico has outperformed its regional peers, with Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina all showing weaker investment activity thus far in 2025. According to government data, 37% of total FDI went to manufacturing, 25% to financial services, and 5% to construction.

Mexico Gains New Investments in Record Year

The story of the Mexico foreign investment record 2025 has been marked by a significant increase in the number of first-time investments in the country. Although reinvestments from existing firms continued to grow over the course of 2025, new investments grew dramatically as 2025 witnessed a record amount of first-time FDI into Mexico. These investments more than doubled to $6.5 billion, representing just over a third of total FDI. Ebrard said that new investments have grown as a result of  widespread global confidence in Mexico’s economic fundamentals, an endorsement of current government policy, and a recognition of long-term stability. A growing number of new projects has increased Mexico’s profile as a destination for foreign investors seeking to expand into new production locations with competitive infrastructure, skilled labor, and access to North American markets.

Mexico’s Export Growth Boosts Outlook

Mexico’s exports are set to be at the center of economic and political discussions in 2026. Mexico has actually increased its export activity over the past year, despite concerns that new tariffs or other measures could harm the economy. This development has only reinforced many of the fundamental elements underpinning the Mexico foreign investment record 2025. Export-dependent sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, agriculture, and medical devices have all expanded output. Mexico has long been well-positioned to serve as a hub of activity for North American supply chains due to its proximity to the United States and Canada, an extensive network of free trade agreements, and a well-developed logistics infrastructure. The country has capitalized on these strengths to benefit from nearshoring, with large companies bringing investment and jobs to Mexico as they seek to realign global supply chains and create more resilient production networks.

Mexico to Host APEC in 2028

Mexico was chosen to host APEC 2028, the Secretary of Economy announced. APEC, or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, is a group of Pacific Rim economies that represent 61% of global GDP. The organization includes major economies such as the United States, China, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Australia, and it has been a factor behind a number of the initiatives that helped Mexico register the Mexico foreign investment record 2025. These range from digital commerce to transportation and logistics initiatives, sustainability, and more. Hosting the 2028 APEC summit will provide Mexico with new opportunities to deepen its relationships with some of the most dynamic Asia-Pacific economies, such as China, South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It will also be able to engage with its neighbors on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement that offers even more opportunities in areas such as digital trade, intellectual property, and industrial standards.

A Step Towards Regional Trade Integration with a Delay

Guatemala has officially completed its accession to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Republic of Korea and the Republics of Central America, after years of processes that began almost a decade ago for the rest of the region. Lawmakers approved the instrument in a late-night session of Congress, and thus Guatemala was the last of the isthmus countries to integrate into a framework designed to expand bilateral trade, promote investment, and stimulate economic cooperation with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. Until today, Guatemala was the only country in the isthmus that did not participate in the commercial framework and was at a relative disadvantage compared to its neighbors, which have already been benefiting for years from preferential access to the South Korean market. For Guatemala, full integration in the Guatemala-Korea Free Trade Agreement is a strategic milestone to even the regional playing field.

Background: The Long Process to Accession

The Republic of Guatemala signed the Protocol of Accession in January 2024, but the full ratification process took an entire year. Administrative requirements, legislative processes, and analysis by several institutions of the technical obligations associated with the agreement have taken time and delayed the instrument. In contrast, other countries in Central America ratified their accessions nearly a decade earlier and have been taking advantage of tariff reductions and commercial benefits for several years. The entry-into-force timeline for the other countries is a clear indicator of Guatemala’s delay: Nicaragua and Honduras took effect on October 1, 2019; Costa Rica on November 1, 2019; El Salvador on January 1, 2020, and Panama on September 1, 2021. For these countries, several years of strengthening ties with the Korean market have been generating dividends in the diversification of trade and the expansion of exports of agricultural, industrial, and manufactured products.

Negotiations and Guatemala’s Absence in the Regional Treaty

Negotiations for the FTA began in June 2015 with the aim of opening Asian markets to Central American products. The treaty was finally signed on February 21, 2018, but Guatemala was the exception since, at the time, unresolved technical issues such as market access and product classification prevented its signing. These technical gaps prevented the country from signing the document at that time, which effectively postponed its participation and its access to the initial commercial benefits that the rest of the region has been receiving for several years. Only much later, through studies and economic analyses, was Guatemala able to identify sensitive sectors and those that could benefit the most from the agreement. It was also only then that a gradual and prepared adaptation could take place of the country’s industries to the competition that the arrival of South Korean imports would represent. This was a necessary process to prepare Guatemala to face the Guatemala-Korea Free Trade Agreement fully and strategically.

Legislative Process and Approval of Decree 18-2025

The initiative that would finally approve Guatemala’s accession was presented to the Legislative Directorate in December of the previous year. However, it was not until June of the following year that it was taken to the floor of the House, and it was only in late September that deputies began to debate it formally. These long delays had to do with the shifts in the political environment, the change in congressional priorities, and the time required for legislative deliberation in Guatemala. In the end, by 110 votes in favor, during a marathon session that left five decrees in total, Congress approved the measure as Decree 18-2025. Once published in the Official Gazette, the decree will enter into force eight days later. The only remaining procedural step is its transmission to the Executive Branch, where it will be subject to final review and sanction by the President of the Republic, which is usually a formality but is still a requirement for its implementation.

Commercial Impact and Opportunities for Guatemala

For its part, according to information from the Congress of the Republic, the FTA with Korea is an important opportunity to strengthen Guatemala’s commercial capabilities. The agreement would serve to promote trade expansion and diversification between the parties and to facilitate the cross-border flow of goods and services. South Korea is a market with solid demand for agricultural products, processed foods, textiles, and other goods, and it is therefore an attractive destination for Guatemalan exports. At the same time, Guatemalan industries would have better access to high-quality Korean technologies, machinery, vehicles, and electronics, under more favorable tariff conditions. For certain sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and telecommunications, access to imported inputs from Korea at lower prices could help to increase productivity and competitiveness. For exporters, producers, and investors, participation in the Guatemala-Korea Free Trade Agreement should therefore open up new opportunities.

Promotion of Fair Competition and Investment Conditions

Promoting fair competition and establishing transparent rules of the game in the framework of the free-trade zone are among the most important objectives of the trade instrument. With standardized guidelines for customs procedures, dispute resolution, intellectual property rights, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, the FTA would create a predictable legal environment for investors and exporters. Guatemala in particular is expected to benefit from an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) as Korean companies seek new production bases, assembly operations, or distribution channels in Central America. With stronger legal protections and clearer market-entry procedures, Guatemala is likely to become a more attractive investment destination for Korean firms and for companies in other countries.

Guatemala’s Technical and Productive Capacities

One of the most promising features of the FTA is its potential to contribute to the development of Guatemala’s technical and productive capacities. The country would benefit from cooperation programs that support technology transfer, industrial modernization, and workforce training. Korea has a global reputation as an innovative country and its leadership in sectors such as electronics, automotive manufacturing, and high-tech industries may open up opportunities for collaboration in areas such as education, digital transformation, and small-business development. In the long term, these types of cooperation could help Guatemala to upgrade its production chains, improve export quality standards, and enhance its participation in global value chains.

Strategic Importance for Guatemala’s Economic Policy

Guatemala’s accession to the FTA also has strategic importance for the country’s economic policy of strengthening international trade ties and diversifying export markets. In an increasingly globalized world, countries that establish trade agreements with advanced economies with a technology-intensive productive matrix can improve resilience and reduce dependence on traditional markets. Participation in the FTA with Korea is a way for Guatemala to position itself more competitively in Asia. This region is one of the fastest-growing in the world and, in the future, offers growing opportunities for Latin American exporters. With the Guatemala-Korea Free Trade Agreement in force, Guatemala can be more effective and prepared to face these emerging markets.

With the ratification of its long-awaited entrance into the FTA, Guatemala opens up a new stage of economic engagement with South Korea. The country is the last to join the agreement but this fact does not mean that it is not gaining access to a robust and strategically important commercial framework that could help it to support national development, stimulate flows and encourage deeper economic cooperation in years to come.

A New Stage in the Relationship

On November 18, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Chile (AmCham Chile) met with U.S. Ambassador to Chile, Brandon Judd, for the first time since he began his mandate. The meeting, which was led by AmCham’s President Roberta Valenca and featured General Manager Paula Estévez and Vice President Nicolás Goldstein, was held in a friendly, constructive, and future-oriented environment. During this meeting, AmCham and the ambassador shared their views on the business and investment relationship between the United States and Chile. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continuing and deepening their cooperation.

Timing for Strengthening Bilateral Ties

This meeting comes at a time when both countries are working to find more opportunities for closer ties and benefit from each other’s prosperity. Interest in strengthening bilateral relationships is growing, especially in the context of global economic changes, supply chain diversification, and the desire to develop projects with greater sustainability and innovation. This was reaffirmed in the meeting between AmCham and the ambassador, who highlighted the importance of promoting initiatives that support and enhance trade and investment with Chile.

AmCham’s Strategic Priorities

In this first meeting, the AmCham delegation presented the organization’s report on its priorities for the coming years, where it emphasizes the need to improve the business climate, promote innovation-led industries, and support public-private dialogue that shapes clear, future-looking policies. The organization also said that by strengthening economic ties between countries, it would be opening up growth opportunities and continuing the long tradition of cooperation and engagement in trade and investment with Chile.

Opportunities in Key Sectors

A key topic of the meeting focused on the identification of current and future opportunities for U.S. and Chilean companies to strengthen their ties. In this regard, technology and digital transformation were among the most important as Chile continues to emerge as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Renewable energy was also a central topic, with Chile at the forefront of Latin America in developing clean energy sources, especially solar, green hydrogen, and sustainable mining, among others. Agribusiness, which has long been a key link between the two countries, also continues to have room to modernize and expand to meet growing global demand.

President Roberta Valenca Said There is Synergy Between the Commercial Interests of the Two Countries

President Valenca pointed out that “Chile and the United States are natural allies and there is a strong synergy between the commercial interests of both nations, as highlighted in this meeting. The spirit of the meeting reaffirmed our shared vision of promoting well-being, sustainable growth, and innovation in the region and allows us to give continuity to the work of AmCham Chile as a bridge between public and private institutions to facilitate spaces for collaboration that would enable companies to develop, be more competitive, and contribute in a positive way to the economy. “

U.S. Ambassador Brandon Judd Will Seek to Deepen Engagement with U.S. Business

The AmCham delegation also addressed the interest Ambassador Judd has in deepening his knowledge of Chile’s business environment, as well as his commitment to facilitating and strengthening the support that U.S. companies receive from the embassy to invest in and do business in Chile. The ambassador has expressed a clear interest in strengthening cooperation and maintaining bilateral dialogue, as well as ensuring that investors have access to the necessary information, institutional support, and proper engagement channels with authorities in the United States and Chile. His efforts to promote a favorable investment climate and remove barriers to investment are part of a broader goal of strengthening regional competitiveness and promoting lasting commercial relationships.

Aligning Vision to Collaborate

AmCham representatives welcomed the proactive approach taken by the ambassador and his team and reaffirmed their readiness to work with the embassy to continue improving regulatory transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and supporting innovation, digitization, and workforce development. It was agreed to work on defining channels that allow both institutions to establish mechanisms for continuous dialogue, to be able to identify bottlenecks, and jointly propose solutions that support and benefit trade and investment with Chile.

Responding to Global Economic Trends

In addition, both sides have discussed the need to respond adequately to global economic trends that are increasingly shaping competitiveness and international integration. From digital transformation to supply chain resilience and sustainability, cybersecurity, innovation, and disruptive technologies, these issues are now key elements of business strategy in different sectors. In this regard, the United States Embassy and AmCham have expressed interest in developing joint work mechanisms that allow companies to better navigate these changes, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen long-term resilience. For his part, Ambassador Judd said that the United States views Chile as a stable, predictable, and strategic partner, well-positioned to receive future investment flows thanks to its openness to innovation, its strong institutions, and the long tradition of cooperation and engagement in trade and investment with Chile.

Contributing to the Growth of Local and International Companies

AmCham Chile also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting not only local companies but also U.S. companies that seek to invest in or do business in the country. The organization stressed that closer links between domestic and foreign companies would accelerate technology transfer and skills building, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Chile’s productive and business landscape as a whole. They also reaffirmed their goal of continuing to improve access to useful information, promoting the growth and development of companies, and supporting the adoption of policies that help to improve the quality of life for all Chileans.

Closing Remarks: A Firm Commitment to the Future

In conclusion, this first official meeting since the start of the ambassador’s mandate points to a new stage of a stronger relationship between AmCham Chile and the U.S. Embassy. It also highlights the strategic relevance of strengthening bilateral cooperation at a time when the global challenges call for more coordinated responses than ever. The commitment shared by both institutions is clear: to continue to work together to promote economic dynamism, innovation, and long-term prosperity. This closer engagement will be key to creating a more competitive, resilient and prosperous framework for trade and investment with Chile.