The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) was honoured to host a self-funded Chilean Delegation to the Falkland Islands from the 16 – 23 November 2024, a testament to the group’s enthusiasm for exploring and understanding the Falkland Islands. The visit provided a unique platform to establish meaningful connections, share insights, and explore promising avenues for business collaboration.
The visit by the Chilean delegation was organised as part of Expedición Líbero, an innovative initiative by El Líbero, a Chilean online media outlet. Spearheaded by Eduardo Sepúlveda, this unique model blends journalism with exploration, allowing subscribers and readers to join journalists on global expeditions to understand key regions and events. The Falkland Islands visit was inspired by a recommendation from the British Embassy in Santiago and, with facilitation from FIDC, was designed to explore commercial fact-finding opportunities. With support from FIDC, the group participated in more than a dozen meetings with local businesses and government officials, aiming to establish trade links and foster collaboration between the Falklands and Chile.
The delegation comprised representatives from diverse businesses keen on identifying opportunities and forging trade partnerships with the Islands. Representatives included agricultural entrepreneurs like Juan Eduardo Cox Vial, mining experts such as Jeffrey Dawes, and business leaders like Miodrag Marinovic, known for his work in Patagonia’s economic development.
The group was also made up of professionals in banking and finance, represented by Carlos Martabit, and specialists in executive recruitment and strategy, including Andrés Montero J.
Innovators in areas such as legal consulting, healthcare, architecture, and media – which included delegates José Pardo Donoso, Dr. José Pardo Gutiérrez, Sofía Sanfuentes, and Eduardo Sepúlveda – highlighted the group’s breadth of knowledge.
The inclusion of pioneers in heritage preservation, environmental consulting, and sustainable development further enriched the delegation’s multidimensional outlook, fostering opportunities for cross-sectoral partnerships with the Falkland Islands.
The delegation’s proactive engagement underscored a shared vision for fostering economic ties and mutual growth, and by facilitating introductions and creating networking opportunities, the visit opened doors to potential collaborations that could benefit both communities.
FIDC curated a robust agenda to ensure the delegation experienced the Falkland Islands’ multifaceted offerings, showcasing the community, economy, and culture.
The Delegation were welcomed to the Islands with an intimate reception at the Malvina House Hotel to meet the FIDC team, FIDC Board members and several other prominent stakeholders in the Islands business community.
The first day began with a presentation with the FIDC team to elaborate on the work done by the corporation, which was delivered by Louise Ellis, Deputy Managing Director of FIDC. This was followed by a meeting with Sarfraz Rao, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank for the Falkland Islands. In the afternoon, the group headed to Mount Pleasant Complex, and were provided a tour of Mare Harbour, and base facilities, before returning to Stanley to attend a reception hosted by the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce, which saw some 20 business representatives in attendance.
During the second day, the delegation met with a selection of local enterprises, including renewables company E-Link, Falkland Islands Wool Company (WoolCo), and domestic law firm Waverly Law. The delegation then gained insights into education and tourism through visits to the Falland Islands Community School/Falkland Islands College, where the group had the opportunity to meet with Sarah Stannard, Director of Education for Falkland Islands Government (FIG), and visit the Jetty Visitor Centre for a meeting the Falkland Islands Tourist Board. The evening concluded with a reception hosted by Deputy Governor Dave Morgan at Government House, which saw some 50 stakeholders from the community in attendance.
Midweek activities included exploring agricultural and construction sectors through local produce and hydroponics company Stanley Growers, a tour of the port facilities at FIPASS by Atlink, as well as meetings with construction sector companies Falkland Islands Company (FIC) Construction, and Goodwin Construction.
The delegation held a meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), which allowed for a broad discussion on governance, but also on the Falkland Islands engagement internationally.
The latter half of the week featured a briefing with representatives from FIG, which included Dr. Andrea Clausen, Director of Natural Resources, Pat Clunie, FIG Financial Secretary, and Amanda Curry-Brown, Director of Policy, Economy and Corporate Services.
The delegation met with representatives of the Falkland Islands Tourism Association (FITA), which included the opportunity to talk about how the Falkland Islands could be promoted as a destination in the Chile market.
Representatives from the delegation had the opportunity to interact with local media outlets, including Falkland Islands Television (FITV), Falklands Radio, Penguin News, and the Falkland Islands News Network.
The group also had the opportunity to explore other areas of East Falkland, which included tours of historic and rural locations such as Darwin, Fitzroy Farm, Goose Green Farm, and San Carlos. A major highlight for the group was the opportunity to see shearing happening while visiting Goose Green Farm.
The week agenda culminated with a final evening at the Narrows Bar & Restaurant to socialise with members of the Chilean Community, which saw about 50 people meet the Chile delegation, and provided a fitting conclusion to a week of discovery and connection.
This meticulously planned agenda provided the delegation with a holistic understanding of the Falkland Islands’ opportunities and challenges, fostering stronger ties between the two communities. These experiences not only deepened the delegation’s understanding of the Falkland Islands, but also showcased the potential for investment and trade in a picturesque and dynamic setting.
The success of this visit has been reflected in the enthusiastic feedback received from both the government and the business community. The interactions facilitated by FIDC have laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions and collaborations, with real business leads identified during the visit. FIDC’s team thoroughly enjoyed hosting and getting to know the delegates. Their insights and enthusiasm were inspiring, and the Corporation looks forward to seeing how the connections made during this trip will evolve.
In the spirit of reciprocity, FIDC anticipates organising a Falkland Islands delegation to visit Chile in the future. Whether to Punta Arenas, Santiago, or a combination of cities, this trip will aim to strengthen the relationships established during the recent visit.
“FIDC extends its heartfelt thanks to the business delegation from Chile for their keen interest, proactive participation, and support throughout the visit,” said Zachary Franklin, Managing Director for FIDC. “We wish everyone in the group the very best and look forward to continuing this promising partnership. This visit symbolises a reconnection of historic ties and a shared aspiration to deepen mutual understanding and economic partnership. As we move forward, FIDC remains committed to fostering collaboration and seizing opportunities that bridge our communities and drive shared prosperity”.
