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ProChile Welcomes Colombian Delegation Interested in Wood Construction in Concepción

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A delegation of 18 Colombian companies from the forestry and construction sectors, led by Fedemaderas, concluded a strategic visit to the Biobío Region in Chile, aiming to learn from Chilean experiences in industrial and construction development with wood. The visit is part of Corma's "Wood Week" and has included tours of major production plants and wooden housing companies, such as CMPC, IDV, and Patagual Home.

Juan Miguel Vásquez, director of Fedemaderas, highlighted the importance of this business mission as a key step in the business relationship between Colombia and Chile, and indicated Colombia's intention to develop a roadmap towards industrialization in wood construction.

Cristóbal Herrera, regional director of ProChile Biobío, emphasized that Colombia is a significant market for Biobío's forestry exports, with shipments reaching US$75 million last year. Additionally, he mentioned that two companies from Fedemaderas will participate in the Encuentro Redes 2025, an event that will promote business networking with importers from various Latin American countries.

Felipe Opazo, commercial director of ProChile in Colombia, stressed Chile's role as a global reference in sustainable forest management and the value-added wood industry. He highlighted that Chilean knowledge, innovation, and technology are finding fertile ground in Colombia to grow together, and that ProChile Colombia is fostering partnerships that contribute to sustainable development and the bioeconomy both countries promote.

The delegation held meetings with key figures from the industry and regional government, including Roberta Lama, executive director of Corfo Biobío, and Frane Zilic, manager of the Biobío Madera program. The Colombian delegation's visit not only seeks to strengthen trade exchange between the two nations but also to promote more sustainable and responsible development in the use of forest resources, aligned with public policies and innovation efforts in wood construction.