Sponsors
Cristián Infante of Arauco Calls for "Stable Rules" and Urges the State to "Leverage" Private Investment
The Chile Day 2025, organized by InBest Chile and the Ministry of Finance, gathered over 400 investors, authorities, and executives this Friday at the Casa de América in Madrid.
The event aims to position Chile as a capital destination amid a global scenario of slower growth and internal debates over tax reforms and new regulations.
In this context, Cristián Infante, CEO of Arauco, participated in the inaugural panel "Why Invest in Chile?", alongside David Ruiz de Andrés (Grenergy), Rosario Navarro (Sofofa), and Vicente Huertas (Grupo Indra).
Infante highlighted that the country "remains strategic for the global forestry industry" and recalled that the company has worked "with authorities in Brazil and the United States to advance large-scale projects," experiences that—he said—demonstrate it is possible to reconcile investment, environmental regulation, and dialogue with communities.
Stable rules and no shortcuts. When asked about the political climate ahead of the presidential race, the executive was direct:
"First, to say that we, at least from the group I represent, do not want shortcuts, we do not want to bypass rules. We want stable rules of the game within a reasonable timeframe."
He added that "we sell in the most demanding countries in the world, and they will require us to comply with the most stringent environmental, corporate governance, etc. standards. Therefore, we do not want any kind of shortcuts in that sense."
"We want good laws and efficient laws that allow us to develop our projects," he said.
The private sector’s contribution. Infante emphasized the weight of investment in fiscal revenue: "The private sector gives the State the possibility of being a partner in 27% of the profits generated by each company, without investing, without risking anything, and without investing a single peso."
"Leverage us, leverage us because the best way to achieve resources is not by raising taxes, but by having more activity, and that is what we know how to do. Let us play, and we will surprise you," he affirmed.
The comment drew applause from the audience, composed of European investors, pension fund representatives, and others interested in long-term opportunities in Chile.
International projection. Arauco, with a presence in America, Europe, and Asia, is driving an internationalization strategy that includes the Sucuriú plant in Brazil, the MAPA project in Chile, and operations in the United States, Canada, and China.
The company aims to consolidate its position in markets that demand high environmental and governance standards.
Source:Ex Ante
