Chile Economy
Chile (04/05)
After a decade of impressive growth rates, Chile experienced a moderate downturn in 1999 brought on by the global economic slowdown. The economy remained sluggish until 2003, when it began to show clear signs of recovery, achieving 3.3% real GDP growth. The Chilean economy finished 2004 with growth of 6.1%. Most experts expect GDP growth of around 6% in 2005. ... Chile has pursued generally sound economic policies for nearly three decades. The 1973-90 military government sold many state-owned companies, and the three democratic governments since 1990 have continued privatization at a slower pace. The government's role in the economy is mostly limited to regulation, although the state continues to operate copper giant Codelco and a few other enterprises. Chile is strongly committed to free trade and has welcomed large amounts of foreign investment. Chile has signed Free Trade agreements with several important economies, including an FTA with the United States, which was signed in 2003 and implemented in January 2004. High domestic savings and investment rates also helped propel Chile's economy to average growth rates of 8% during the 1990s. The privatized national pension system has encouraged domestic investment and contributed to an estimated total domestic savings rate of approximately 21% of GDP in 2003. ... [Read More]
U.S. Dept. of State FOIA - Church Report (Covert Action in Chile 1963-1973)
1. United States Policy and Covert Action In his 1971 State of the World Message, released February 25, 1971, President Nixon announced: "We are prepared to have the kind of relationship with the Chilean government that it is prepared to have with us." This public articulation of American policy followed internal discussions during the NSSM 97 exercise. Charles Meyer, Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, elaborated that "correct but minimal" line in his 1973 testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Multinational Corporations: Mr. MEYER. The policy of the Government, Mr. Chairman, was that there would be no intervention in the political affairs of Chile. We were consistent in that we financed no candidates, n ... [Read More]
Chile
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION : Chile is a rapidly developing country with a large, educated middle-class and a robust free-market economy. Tourist facilities are generally good and are continuously improving. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Chile for additional information. ... [Read More]
U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement
In 2002 Chile's exports totaled $18.3 billion, while its imports totaled $15.8 billion. The U.S. exported $2.6 billion worth of goods to Chile in 2002. Major exports to Chile included computer accessories and construction equipment. Chile exported $3.8 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2002, with major products including copper, fruit, fish and seafood, and wine.Chile's export marke ... [Read More]
U.S. Dept. of State FOIA Electronic Reading Room - Hinchey Report (CIA Activities in Chile)
According to the Church Committee report, in their meeting with CIA Director Richard Helms and Attorney General John Mitchell on 15 September 1970 President Nixon and his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger, directed the CIA to prevent Allende from taking power. They were not concerned [about the] risks involved, according to Helms notes. In addition to political action, Nixon and Kissinger, according to Helmss notes, ordered steps to make the economy scream.11 ... [Read More]
Chile
Chile is a multiparty democracy with a constitution that provides for a strong executive, a bicameral legislature, and a separate judiciary. Approved by referendum in 1980 and amended in 1989, the Constitution was written under the former military government and retains certain institutional limits on popular rule. In January 2000, voters elected Ricardo Lagos of the Socialist Party as president in a free and fair runoff election. He defeated center-right candidate Joaquin Lavin of the Alliance for Chile coalition. All three presidents elected since the country returned to democracy in 1990 have been members of the four-party "Concertacion" coalition. The National Congress consists of 120 deputies and 48 senators; this includes 9 designated senators and 1 former president who is senator-for-life. On July 4, former President Augusto Pinochet resigned his position as senator-for-life. The Concertacion coalition held a 63-57 majorit ... [Read More]
Angola
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Angola is generally a cash-only economy; both travelers' checks and credit cards are of minimal utility. In addition, ATM machines are not generally useful for travelers. Travelers should carry a sufficient supply of U.S. dollars with them. Only the newer series U.S. dollar bills (with large faces) are accepted. U.S. dollars can be converted to local currency at exchange houses authorized by the Angolan government. Angolan currency (the Kwanza) may not be taken out of the country and travelers are subject to search (often accompanied by confiscation) at the airport. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Official U.S. Government personnel do not pay Chilean income taxes (except for Eligible Family Members working on the local economy) but do pay an 18% value added tax (IVA) on most goods and some services acquired in Chile. This tax is usually included in quoted prices and rates. No fee is charged for CD (diplomatic) or PAT (administrative-technical) license plates, which are valid for the duration of the assignment. Drivers licenses are provided for a small fee. ... The great northern desert or Norte Grande, which covers one-fourth of the country, is one of the earths driest, most barren areas. Some parts have never recorded rainfall. Nonetheless, this desolate, inhospitable area produces the rich mineral deposits of copper and nitrates that are vital to Chiles economy. ... [Read More]
Chile, Singapore Free Trade Agreement Bills Signed
We support free trade in America because it is vital to the creation of jobs. It's vital to the success of our economy. Exports accounted for roughly one quarter, one quarter of our economy's growth in the 1990s. ... The agreement with Chile also includes new projections for intellectual property, a secure legal framework for U.S. investors and strong provisions for protecting labor and the environment. For decades, Chile has proven the power of open trade and sound policies. It has become one of the strongest economies in the developing world. By establishing free trade with the world's largest economy, Chile will have the opportunity to advance even further and to help make the entire region more prosperous. ... [Read More]
"Beyond NAFTA -- Mexico and the Free Trade Area of the Americas," by Luis Ernesto Derbez, Secretary of the Economy, Mexico -- "The Free Trade Area of the Americas" -- U.S. Department of State, October 2002
MEXICO AND THE FREE TRADE AREA OF THE AMERICASBy Luis Ernesto Derbez, Secretary of the Economy, MexicoSince the mid-1980s, Mexico has undertaken profound economic and legal reforms that have overhauled its trade, investment, and financial policies, providing macroeconomic stability and the basis for long-term sustainable development, says Luis Ernesto Derbez, Mexico's secretary of the economy. ... [Read More]
|