ROME (ITALPRESS) – Relations between Italy and Chile are “excellent” and deeply rooted in history. This is the opinion of Chilean Ambassador to Rome, Ennio Vivaldi, interviewed by Claudio Brachino for Diplomacy Magazine, the geopolitical column of the Italpress agency.

The history of Italian-Chilean political and diplomatic relations is marked by closeness, Vivaldi observed, demonstrated by Italy even “in very difficult times.” It is a relationship also based on exchanges between communities, and the Italian community in Chile comprises approximately 1,400,000 people, mostly descendants of Italian emigrants.

“Italy has played a very strong role in the history of Latin America. The Italians who arrived in Chile, including my grandparents, have created a very positive image of Italy. They have integrated into the culture and society, and many of them have become important figures in the country’s history,” commented Vivaldi, whose family is originally from Arma di Taggia.

Even from an economic perspective, geographical distances are being overcome by lively interaction, with trade totaling over €2.8 billion according to 2023 data. Chile shows great potential for investment in various sectors, starting with renewable energy, as the ambassador explained.

“To date, 60 percent of the solar energy produced in Latin America comes from Chile,” he specified, also highlighting its capabilities in the hydroelectric and wind energy sectors. Italy has a solid presence in Chile, with approximately €15 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) as of 2022, concentrated in energy, but also in infrastructure and agribusiness.

Looking at trade in 2023, Italian exports to Chile grew by 10%, reaching €1.9 billion, with the main items being industrial machinery and equipment, components, but also fashion and furniture. Imports from Chile have stood at around €900 million, with copper, cellulose, wine, and agricultural products among the main items.

According to Vivaldi, a diversification of imports and exports is underway with Italy, thanks in part to the work of investment and trade agencies. “Previously, only copper and other raw materials like lithium were exported from Chile. In recent years, the diversification of the economy and the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises have marked significant progress,” the ambassador said.

A further boost in trade is expected with the ratification by EU member states of the agreement signed in 2023 between the European Union and Chile. As two-term rector of the University of Chile, the head of the diplomatic mission in Rome could not help but emphasize the importance of cultural exchange between the Italian and Chilean peoples.

The Latin American country boasts two Nobel Prizes in Literature, one awarded to Pablo Neruda and the other to poet Gabriela Mistral, the first woman in Latin America to receive the global recognition. Chile’s cultural tradition is solidly rooted in its universities, which, according to Vivaldi, represent much more than an institution dedicated to teaching.

“No one would say that Italy is the product of La Sapienza University or that France is the product of the Sorbonne, but to say that Chile is the product of the University of Chile… perhaps it wouldn’t be so wrong. Universities have contributed to the creation of the health system, the education system, they have the symphony orchestra, the museum of contemporary art,” the diplomat explained.

“Italy can manufacture things here and then sell them in Chile. It can bring an Italian factory to Chile and create jobs. But I think true progress occurs when Chile becomes involved in the development of cultural, scientific, and technological subjects. This truly brings Chile a step forward on the path of progress,” the ambassador stated.

“We’ve now initiated a relationship between Chilean public universities and Italian universities. I think this is the right path,” Vivaldi concluded.

-Photo Italpress-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews