Chile requires “a national vision” for salmon farming, says SalmonChile President Arturo Clément.
Speaking at the “Salmon Summit 2024: Empowering Chilean salmon farming to 2050,” Clément emphasized the need for a unified strategy that would create value, establish a permanent policy, and position Chile as a global food supplier.
Clément called for a comprehensive modernization of the State to address challenges beyond the salmon farming industry. He highlighted the necessity of a redesigned state apparatus to support national development, drawing comparisons to Norway’s modern state which collaborates effectively with the private sector. Clément noted that while Chile has superior environmental and productive indicators, it faces higher costs due to complex regulations.
Former Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot echoed these sentiments, urging the removal of prejudices against private enterprise to harness the potential of certain industries. She stressed the importance of a collective vision to drive development.
Rodrigo Yáñez, Secretary-General of the Society for Manufacturing Development (Sofofa), underscored the need for state and governmental support for the future development of salmon farming. He noted that the sector, Chile’s second-largest exporter, requires renewed export initiatives to maintain at least 4% growth and to double the export of services.
Former President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle also praised the salmon industry for its role in southern Chile’s growth over the past 30 years. He pointed out that the industry’s success had been achieved without state subsidies, relying instead on regional efforts, businesses, workers, and institutions. He advocated for doubling the industry’s capacity over the next 30 years, citing its potential and existing investments.
