Punta Arenas and the Falklands held 822 business meetings — MercoPress
In Punta Arenas in southern Chile, entrepreneurs from the Magallanes region and the Falkland Islands held 822 business meetings over two days. The event took place ahead of the planned resumption of direct sea links between the Chilean city and Stanley, MercoPress reports.
Business participation from both sides
The Punta Arenas – The Islands Business Meeting was held on September 28 and 29 at the Cabo de Hornos hotel. It was organized by the Municipality of Punta Arenas and the Chilean shipping company Easter Island Naviera.
About 60 companies from Magallanes took part in the event, along with 42 representatives of 32 companies and organizations from the archipelago. The delegation was led by Falkland Islands Development Corporation Deputy Executive Director Louise Ellis. Representatives of the food, cleaning products, cement, timber and spare parts sectors were invited to the talks.
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According to the organizers, several entrepreneurs signed contracts, but their number was not specified. Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Summers said the sides seek to restore business ties and establish new contacts.
Sea connection
Easter Island Naviera plans to launch a direct sea link from mid-November until the end of the year. It will be operated by a vessel flying the Chilean flag. The company’s general manager, Pablo Pacheco, called the future connection a supply route between private parties.
Punta Arenas Mayor Claudio Radonich said the city seeks to become a major supply hub for the islands. The Chilean government also described the initiative as a private commercial matter. Chilean Defense Minister Fernando Barros previously stated that Chile’s support for Argentina’s sovereignty claim does not entail restrictions on trade with the archipelago. According to the Chilean press, Argentina’s Foreign Ministry was monitoring the event. The new route will compete with supplies currently arriving on the islands from Montevideo.
