Intrix is creating new alliances and programs to better satisfy our clients. C.O.P.E. International has recently joined our network of associates in the US New England area. C.O.P.E. adds their expertise in the consumer products, medical devices and security industrial sectors

Our new program Interim Export Management - IEM is already showing positive results for one of our Brazilian clients in the textile sector. The company after one month of market prospecting is already defining a commercial agreement with one US distributor. If you are interested in this program please contact André Marzall

Foreign Investors are Paying Attention to the Chilean Growing Mussels Industry,  Foreign investors have been flocking to the Los Lagos region because of the growing Chilean mussels industry.  In November 2004 the industry produced 74.2 thousand tons, a 43.9% increase in harvest compared to the same period for 2003.  The Los Lagos Region generates 99.9% of total production and hopes to be just as successful with the salmon industry.

The mussels sector showed a 67.7% boost in the value of exports.  Exports of the main category of frozen products were primarily to the markets of Spain, Italy and Portugal.  The mussels position is number four in the fish-farming sector in Chile.
There has been consistent growth in the industry during the last five years. 

In the last four months companies from Canada, Spain and Italy visited the region to explore opportunities in the sector.  The companies were impressed and in agreement about the potential of the industry. The foreign companies are seeing opportunities in technology investment and quality control improvement. "Products need to be adapted in order to enter to the US market ", mentioned a visitor from one of the Canadian companies.  In the Los Lagos region, in this growing industry there are attractive opportunities for creation of joint ventures with the local companies. The locals are willing to offer manufacturing capabilities at lower production costs and the foreign investors bring the knowledge of overseas markets and technology.

Intrix has been working within this program to attract Canadian investors and believes that Chile offers a unique opportunity of this emerging industry because there is plenty of space to grow, lower production costs, access to international markets and government support.  If you are interested in more investment opportunities in Chile contact Karina Liendo

CHILE, AN ATRACTIVE PLACE FOR INVESTORS  For more than a decade Chile has been the most stable economy in Latin America. The GDP growth in 2004 was more than 6% and the forecast for 2005 indicates growth will be in the same range. The internationalization has allowed the sustainable growth of this small emerging economy.  Chile has excelled in development of non-traditional export products and attraction of foreign investments and has achieved worldwide recognition in products such as salmon, wine and fruits. Foreign investors have invested in all of these sectors contributing innovation and capital.  Moreover, Chile is now entering a new stage of competition in the technology and service sectors. In 2004, Chile was ranked 9th among 25 countries for off shore outsourcing.

The Chilean government is committed to consolidate its global player position. In addition to signing important trade agreements with the main economies of the US and Europe, Chile is investing in education. The government has implemented a global long-term plan for English language training from elementary grades through high school with the goal of having a bilingual workforce. The country has one of the best educational systems in Latin America. There are prestigious business schools such as Universidad Catolica and Escuela Adolfo Ibáñez.  In engineering, the best schools are located in the 5th region, where technology clusters are developing. The government granted 198 scholarships for doctorates in science in 2004, which will be increased to 500 in 2008

The consistency in foreign policies and investment in education has contributed to Chile being considered the best business environment in Latin America according to the ranking of the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report.  Several multinationals such as Unilever Best Foods, Citigroup, Santander, and Intel Capital have established operations in Chile.  América Economía places the Chilean capital city in first place based on features such as security, quality of life, and low costs. Companies are considering Santiago as a better platform than Miami for the southern area of the region.

Intrix believes Chile offers huge opportunities for US companies in different industries.  The Latin American region is growing, 2004 was a good year, and 2005 will continue the growth. Chile is the country predicted to grow the most and it has the strongest links with the Asian economies. We think Chile can be used as an ideal regional center. Besides the favorable conditions described, Chile has entrepreneurs with global vision and the support of the government.  It is the right moment to strengthen relationships with the Southern Cone.  Do not miss it!

MAIN ECONOMY INDICATORS
	2003	2004	2005 P
Real GDP, % change	3.3	6.1	6.0
GDP per capita US $	4,567	5,673	6,513
Unemployment rate%	8.5	8.9	8.2
Foreign Direct Investment US $bn	3.0	6.6	7.0
Exports US $bn	21.0	32.0	37.4

 Source: WestLB Research