Chilean companies are reinforcing their commitment to Colombia following a business tour organized by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. In an increasingly interconnected regional economic environment, trade relations between Chile and Colombia are consolidating as a strategic axis for business development and Latin American integration. In early October 2025, the Santiago Chamber of Commerce (CCS) led a business mission to Bogotá to strengthen ties, promote investment, and expand cooperation in technological innovation and sustainability.
The trip, which brought together representatives of major Chilean companies, government officials, and Colombian business leaders, marked a new milestone in bilateral relations. According to the CCS, the visit was “highly positive,” consolidating Chilean companies’ presence in Colombia while identifying new opportunities in infrastructure, energy, technology services, and retail.
High-Level Engagement to Boost Economic Integration
During the tour, the Chilean delegation met with Colombian officials, including President Gustavo Petro at the Casa de Nariño. This meeting signaled Colombia’s interest in promoting foreign investment, particularly from strategic regional partners such as Chile.
“The fact that President Petro received the Chilean companies’ delegation demonstrates the value Colombia places on bilateral investment and cooperation,” said Juan Francisco Velasco, Manager of Membership, Partners, and International Affairs at the CCS.
Velasco emphasized that the visit renewed trust between both countries and projected collaboration beyond trade. “The trip strengthened institutional and business ties and reaffirmed Chilean companies’ commitment to growth in the Colombian market, which remains a priority in their expansion plans,” he added.
Colombia: A Key Destination for Chilean Investment
Colombia has emerged as a top destination for Chilean companies’ investment in Latin America. According to the Central Bank of Chile, over 200 Chilean firms operate in Colombia, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to sectors such as retail, banking, energy, and services.
Velasco highlighted that this trend is expected to continue. “Chilean companies take a long-term view of Colombia. It is a market with institutional stability, sustained growth, and a business-friendly environment. Despite political changes, confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals remains strong,” he said.
Cencosud, one of the region’s largest retail companies, recently opened a new supermarket in Cali with an investment exceeding $5 million. This expansion reflects the confidence of Chilean companies in Colombia’s capacity to absorb new investments. Other sectors with high potential include renewable energy, mining, financial services, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce. Colombia has positioned itself as a regional hub for technological innovation, offering attractive opportunities for sustainable and digitally competitive business models.
Opportunities in Public and Urban Sectors
A highlight of the tour was the meeting with the Mayor of Bogotá, who presented investment projects in mobility, urban infrastructure, technology, and environmental sustainability.
Velasco noted that this generated strong interest among Chilean companies, opening doors to public tenders and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Colombian capital. “This is a key opportunity to promote Chilean investment in public sector projects, particularly in urban modernization initiatives that advance sustainable mobility and energy efficiency,” he said.
Bogotá, one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities, has implemented policies to attract foreign direct investment in green infrastructure, clean energy, and digital transformation—all areas where Chilean expertise and companies excel.
Stability, Trust, and Clear Business Rules
The CCS emphasized Colombian entrepreneurs’ positive perception of Chile as a commercial partner. “Chile is seen as reliable, stable, and governed by clear rules. This creates ideal conditions for deepening economic relations,” Velasco explained.
Colombian business leaders highlighted Chile’s governance model, focus on innovation, and sustainability, making it an ideal partner for technological exchange and joint projects. Chile contributes experience in management, services, and technology, while Colombia offers a growing market with a young and entrepreneurial population.
Political Context and Future Outlook
Despite upcoming presidential elections in Chile and Colombia, business confidence remains strong. Velasco stated, “Both countries’ economic fundamentals are solid. Colombia maintains macroeconomic stability, a robust financial system, and policies favorable to foreign investment. There is ample room to deepen trade and cooperation.”
The CCS projects growing Chilean investment in Colombia, particularly in digitalization, logistics, and clean energy projects. Simultaneously, Colombian companies are expected to increase investment in Chile, leveraging free trade agreements and regional synergies.
Technological Cooperation and Innovation
The mission also promoted cooperation in technological innovation. Both economies face digital transformation and automation challenges, making knowledge exchange essential.
The CCS highlighted collaboration opportunities in artificial intelligence, fintech, digital logistics, and the circular economy. Representatives from Chile’s startup ecosystem presented initiatives to Colombian accelerators and innovation entities.
“We aim to foster two-way knowledge exchange. Chilean companies have advanced technological solutions for business management, and Colombia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem complements this approach,” Velasco explained.
A Relationship with History and Vision
Trade relations between Chile and Colombia span decades, supported by free trade agreements and the Pacific Alliance with Mexico and Peru. This framework has reduced tariffs, harmonized standards, and promoted investment.
Colombia is the third-largest destination for Chilean investment in Latin America, with capital exceeding 10 billion dollars across productive and service sectors. Cultural affinity and a shared commitment to sustainable development make the bilateral relationship one of the most dynamic and balanced in the region.
CCS Vision: Integration with Purpose
At the conclusion of the tour, the CCS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting business integration between Chile and Colombia. Strengthening these ties not only drives economic benefits but also contributes to regional stability and sustained growth.
“Trade and investment are powerful tools for inclusive development. We aim to continue building bridges connecting companies, institutions, and people from both countries. Colombia is a strategic partner, and the CCS’s vision is to support Chilean companies in their expansion with responsibility and a long-term perspective,” Velasco concluded.
The business mission marked a decisive step in consolidating bilateral economic relations, strengthening Chilean companies’ presence, and demonstrating mutual interest in sustainable investment, technological cooperation, and joint development projects.
Chile and Colombia share a vision of progress based on stability, innovation, and inclusive growth. The CCS mission was not merely a commercial trip but a reminder that ties between the two nations are built on trust, collaboration, and a forward-looking perspective.