New Digital Showcase Boosts Timber Commercialization in Los Ríos

The implementation of the Mercado Madera platform, a digital showcase where producers and clients connect to buy and sell local timber products, was highlighted by members of the Regional Committee for the Promotion of the Forestry Industry, Impulso Madera Los Ríos, which met this Friday at the INFOR Los Ríos facilities.

This was stated by the Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of Agriculture, Rodrigo Emilet Bahamonde, and the Seremi of Economy, Development, and Tourism, Rafael Foradori, who during this meeting joined the instance led by José Carter. This committee constitutes a public-private alliance to strengthen the timber industry in Los Ríos, generating more value, innovation, and opportunities.

The Mercado Madera platform was developed thanks to the joint work of INFOR, CONAF, and the Seremi of Agriculture, with the goal of promoting greater transparency and connection in the timber production chain, from the forests to the end uses of its products. This effort seeks to drive sustainable and resilient development in the region, face the challenges of climate change, and support local economic growth.

Rodrigo Bahamonde highlighted the work being carried out by the Regional Committee for the Promotion of the Timber Industry of Los Ríos, established in October 2025 through a resolution by this Seremi of Agriculture.

"We believe the line of work is exceptional. We are supporting it from the Agriculture sector, from the Economy sector, and we believe these are initiatives that directly relate to the benefit of both our users and the forestry sector, and it aligns with the mandate given to us through the Ministry by our President, José Antonio Kast," emphasized the Minagri representative in the region.

Relevant Industry

Rafael Foradori specified that the forestry industry sector, both extractive and manufacturing, represents more than 25% of the Gross Domestic Product of Los Ríos.

"Therefore, it is enormously relevant also for employability and especially for the employment of younger people in our region. Nearly 18% of the employment in our region is concentrated in the forestry industry. And we received good news, that this website or digital implementation, Mercado Madera, is being implemented," commented the Seremi of Economy, Development, and Tourism.

Carlos Aravena, vice president of Impulso Madera Los Ríos and director of PymeMad Nacional, valued the holding of a new session of the Committee for the Promotion of the Forestry Industry, Impulso Madera Los Ríos, which was attended by representatives of the Regional Government of Los Ríos; the new director of Conaf Los Ríos; officials from services such as Corfo and the Regional Productive Development Corporation; timber sector entrepreneurs and academia.

"An instance was also created where we could meet the new authorities, who also provide an impulse to this initiative, which is the Promotion Committee. We are very happy and enthusiastic about what this new stage will mean, which is why it is important that we continue to promote this great industry," Aravena emphasized.

The Impulso Madera Los Ríos Committee also includes the participation of the Regional Government of Los Ríos; Fomento Los Ríos; Regional Productive Development Corporation; PymeMad; Aprobosque; Achbiom; Corma Bosque Nativo; the Chilean College of Forest Engineers, Los Ríos branch, and the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Natural Resources of the Austral University of Chile.