The Undersecretary of Economy and Smaller Businesses, Javiera Petersen, held a meeting with leaders from the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) to discuss the energy transition in manufacturing sectors. During the meeting, Petersen presented the report “Future of Manufacturing in Chile: Promotion Instruments and Development Opportunities,” prepared by the Division of Sustainable Productive Development within her ministry.
The report emphasizes the significance of manufacturing for national development, particularly its impact on employment, innovation, and technology. It identifies opportunities to revitalize industries such as copper, lithium, and green hydrogen through energy transition initiatives.
Petersen stated, “Tripartite dialogue is fundamental to identifying challenges and seeking solutions together that benefit the country and its development. That has been the focus of this document, which addresses the Future of Manufacturing in Chile based on conversation and joint work with business associations and workers’ organizations. We hope this work continues to grow and bring in more participants, resulting in positive momentum for the country’s industry.”
The document suggests that maximizing manufacturing’s contribution requires two main actions: increasing industrial sophistication through greater use of knowledge, technology, and innovation (R&D&I), and promoting diversification by developing new productive chains and sectors that leverage global opportunities.
Horacio Fuentes González, head of CUT’s industrial branch, commented on the value of both the meeting and proposals. “For a fairer Chile that can achieve fairer redistribution, more stable and decent jobs that truly allow people to have a better quality of life, we believe manufacturing is the future of our country.”
The report was developed by the Division of Sustainable Productive Development at the Ministry of Economy with input from industry groups. It compiles 47 active policy measures aimed at supporting manufacturing sophistication and diversification with a focus on sustainability; 32 were launched during this government period between 2022 and 2025. Notable among these are efforts like the Biobío Industrial Strengthening Plan, a National Continuous Naval Construction Policy, as well as tools to boost lithium and green hydrogen industries nationwide.
