| Everyone's talking about China. Don't miss | | | | democratically elected governments initiated |
| the opportunities in the other CHI..Yes. | | | | market reforms and opened up the economy. |
| Chile with an "LE" not "NA"While the whole | | | | Exports and foreign investment took off and |
| region is back in favor with investors, it | | | | debt levels came down. Foreign investors in |
| seems appropriate to highlight Chile which is | | | | Chile are treated the same as Chilean |
| the economic star of Latin America.Chile is | | | | investors.Chile's Take Off and Steady |
| about two times the size of Montana and has | | | | GrowthFrom 1991-1998 economic growth |
| an incredible coastline of 2,650 miles. While | | | | increased an average of 8% and per capita |
| only 3% of its land is arable, it has an | | | | income on a purchasing power basis has grown |
| amazing variety of climates and rich | | | | to $10,700. Since then growth has moderated |
| agricultural production. It gained its | | | | to a 4-5% range but a total Chilean public |
| independence from Spain in 1810 and has 16 | | | | and foreign debt at 50% of GDP is very low |
| million citizens of which 90% are | | | | relative to other Latin countries.Trade is |
| Catholic.The Chile story is somewhat similar | | | | very important to Chile with exports |
| to Ireland before its economic takeoff. From | | | | accounting for 25% of GDP. It is rich in |
| 1978 to 1988, per capita income increased | | | | natural resources (copper, timber, fruit and |
| only $100 to reach $1,510.Next, both a | | | | fish) and has been busy signing free trade |
| military government followed by | | | | agreements. |