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Commission for Peace Prepares Announcements as La Araucanía Business Leaders Anticipate Economic Boost

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• Senator Francisco Huenchumilla revealed that the commission's final report could be presented to the head of state.

Progress from the Presidential Commission for Peace and Understanding in La Araucanía, which will be compiled into a report between September and November, could lead to significant dynamism in investment and employment, local business leaders anticipate.

During the 25th edition of the National Business Meeting of La Araucanía, Enela 2024, held yesterday in Temuco, Senator and co-chair of the commission, Francisco Huenchumilla, estimated that they expect to have a report of the commission's main conclusions within three months. This follows over a year of discussions with all regional stakeholders in an effort to forge agreements and de-escalate the violence that has impacted one of the country's least developed areas.

In November 

The senator reported that in November, the Presidential Commission for Peace and Understanding, which he co-chairs with Alfredo Moreno, expects to deliver its proposal with the agreements reached to President Gabriel Boric.

Over a year of sessions, the commission has met with more than 200 organizations.

Alfredo Moreno urged everyone to "put all our efforts, energy, and goodwill; all meetings and gatherings to unite these wills" to reach the intended agreements.

"There are many things we disagree on among the eight commission members," acknowledged the former minister, but he noted that "these differences are where we can find common ground."

There is a willingness to dialogue, he continued. The commission should succeed if international experience is considered, particularly from New Zealand, where "they have managed to foster pride in their Māori roots." He warned that "there won’t be another opportunity like this. It’s rare for the political system to agree on making an effort and setting aside legitimate differences and grievances" for the country's welfare.

For Carlos Llancaqueo, president of the Aitué Corporation, "the commission should be permanent," so it must continue "whether or not there is an agreement." Once its work concludes, he proposed creating "special courts to provide legal certainty" to encourage investment.

Business Support

The president of CorpAraucanía, Diego Paulsen, praised the "rapport" between the commission's co-chairs, which he believes "offers hope."

Antonio Soto, who heads the Wood Corporation (Corma) in La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos, stated that "the forestry sector is the most interested in reaching good agreements that benefit everyone." He expressed openness to discussing land and other compensations, though "this commission has the final say," he affirmed.

"The development blockade in our region, due to the conflict but also the limits imposed by indigenous law on our people, is enormous," described Karina von Baer, founder of Agrotop. Thus, "we are very hopeful that, even if just a little, progress can be made in unblocking these issues," she said.

As a citizen and business leader in La Araucanía, José Miguel Nualart, general manager of Nualart Real Estate and Construction, expressed his hope that this time, unlike other commissions, they achieve "a good outcome." Though he admitted the possibility of failure, he deemed that scenario unacceptable.

"Are we willing to accept 10 more years? No, we are not, because now we want concrete action," said the construction entrepreneur.

He added: "This agreement we hope to reach will mean a way out—not just an instant solution, but one that will involve us, the business community, believing in this, trusting to move forward."

According to Camilo Torrealba, general manager of Agrícola Alto Traiguén, the key to the upcoming report and the commission’s conclusions necessarily involves "compromising." Otherwise, he asserts, a genuine peace pact won’t be achieved. "Many businesses can invest here safely once this is corrected. I’m very hopeful, but negotiation is needed," Torrealba said.

Reservations

Although the announcements from the presidential commission members raised expectations among business leaders, some were more critical, as they had hoped the Enela 2024 meeting would preview some of the commission’s progress.

"I would have expected a different response, like being close to wrapping up. This is moving too slowly," commented Jorge Reinao, president of the Rewe Cooperative, which produces maqui beer in partnership with CCU.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of La Araucanía, Gustavo Valenzuela, emphasized that a definitive agreement would prevent this from becoming yet another commission or dialogue table that failed to deliver solutions backed by all sectors. "We cannot continue living with this issue for another 100 years, as it only worsens. Without the military and police deployed in the area, everything would be more complicated. We need peace to prosper," Valenzuela stated.

Criticism of the President’s Absence at Enela

At the same time Enela began, President Boric urged in an interview with Radio Mirador in Temuco to "stop focusing only on the negatives or complaints and see the full potential of La Araucanía (...). With a different attitude, but with investment, as we are doing from the state, we will move forward."

Source: subscription edition ofEl Mercurio