Chile's Ñuble Region aims to unlock stalled investments and boost productivity

At the Summit Ñuble Global 2026 seminar in Chillán, local officials, entrepreneurs and business representatives discussed the region’s economic challenges. Economist Roberto Darrigrandi highlighted a 10.1% unemployment rate, a 2.9% regional GDP decline in Q1 and a 79.7% drop in investment project filings. He noted 34 projects with a defined schedule worth US$1.766 billion and identified a “dormant” portfolio of 46 projects worth US$3.467 billion, calling for swift action to free these funds.

In a parallel effort, the Chilean‑German Chamber of Commerce presented a productivity agenda inspired by Germany’s Mittelstand model. The plan proposes dual technical training, stronger links between large firms and SMEs in mining, lithium, green hydrogen and forestry, and the creation of regional product‑development councils to coordinate public‑private governance, supplier development, financing and market transparency. Both initiatives seek to attract investment, increase export orientation and create jobs in Ñuble and across Chile.