The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrates ProChile's 50th Anniversary

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren, and the Director General of ProChile, Ignacio Fernández, led the celebration of ProChile's 50th anniversary, where 16 companies from each of the country's regions were highlighted for their “ProChile Exporting Spirit” and the contribution they make to the country and to export development.

At the event, which was also attended by the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente, the Minister said he was proud to have an institution “that brings out the best of our country abroad: the ability to adapt to challenges, the strength to innovate and the will to overcome frontiers”.

“ProChile, in addition to being an engine for the promotion of our exports, has fulfilled the task of projecting to the world the image of a modern, reliable Chile with a firm commitment to sustainable development,” said the minister.

The general director of ProChile, Ignacio Fernández, emphasized that “Fifty years is not just a number; it is five decades full of stories, challenges, and transformations that have forged a solid path towards the internationalization of our country. Since its creation, ProChile has transcended governments, consolidating itself as a technical entity that promotes our exports, always at the service of Chile's development, promoting the diversification of our shipments and expanding the borders for our companies”.

When it was founded in 1974, the incipient Export Promotion Institute, ProChile, had 38 employees, six commercial offices and around 50 companies. Currently, the export sector represents 32.8% of the Gross Domestic Product, has around 6,800 companies and generates more than one million direct jobs.