Bachelet promotes water, infrastructure opportunities in Portugal

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet met with representatives of Portuguese private firms on December 2 to promote investment opportunities in Chile. Bachelet addressed infrastructure and water initiatives in Chile, as well as opportunities in mining and non-conventional renewable energy alternatives.

In Latin America, Portuguese firms are involved in the cement, airport and water industries, among others. Portuguese construction firms are also building reservoirs and water treatment plants, as well as providing equipment.

Portugal-based rolling stock manufacturers are also interested in increasing their presence in Latin America, where the rail industry seems to be picking up according to sources of the government.

Bachelet's efforts and achievements in the promotion of regional integration were praised by international government officials at the Ibero-American summit, held in Portugal early December.

Elections will be held shortly, where Ms Bachelet will not be able to run for a second time as the Constitution does not allow this. Her popularity is at record breaking heights, as she and her team have managed the global economic downturn in a very effective way. The Chilean economy is now growing again and the country barely noticed the recession.