Chilean Industry Boosts Regional Supply Chains with Landmark Networking Event in Tocopilla
A groundbreaking networking day in Tocopilla brought together over 200 suppliers and industry leaders, signaling a significant push to strengthen regional supply chains and foster economic growth in the Antofagasta Region.
The unprecedented event, held in Tocopilla, connected suppliers from Antofagasta, Tocopilla, María Elena, Calama, Quillagua, and surrounding towns with key players in the mining and industrial sectors. Organized by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition, Change Factor Foundation, The Cowork Port, and the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), the initiative aimed to provide strategic information, networking opportunities, and guidance to businesses operating in the region.
The focus of the meeting was to recognize the vital role of local suppliers, moving beyond a reliance on large urban centers. “The main thing about this event is to have this space of direct connection with local suppliers, who are a key actor in the development of the industry,” stated Rodrigo Veravice, president of Planning and Projects at SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition. “This allows us not only to get to know each other but also for them to know about our work, and also to identify new suppliers that provide services necessary for our operations.”
Attendees gained access to presentations, networking spaces, and informative stands featuring representatives from major companies including CODELCO, Escondida | BHP, Mantos de la Luna, BancoEstado, SERCOTEC, SICEP, and SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition. This exchange of information facilitated alignment of visions and prepared suppliers for future challenges related to competitiveness, innovation, and the development of local productive chains.
“Here, in this meeting, skills are strengthened and timely access to key information is also ensured, for the most effective decision-making,” highlighted Fernando Cortez, general manager of the AIA. “Moving in this direction is essential to consolidate a robust production chain prepared for future challenges.”
New Program to Support Local Supplier Development
A key moment during the event was the signing of the Local Supplier Development Program, an initiative designed to promote the creation and consolidation of new suppliers, particularly in the communities of María Elena and Tocopilla. Led by SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition with support from the AIA, Change Factor Foundation, and the Association of Industrialists of Tocopilla (ASINTOC), the program represents a collaborative effort between public and private sectors to bolster the local business landscape.
“We deeply value the opening of spaces that allow direct and transparent dialogue,” said Ronald Delgado, president of ASINTOC. “Initiatives like these strengthen the production chain of our suppliers and project a more balanced development for the entire region.”
Local businesses expressed strong support for the event, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions and decentralization. “This is a small commune and having an instance like this is essential to connect with large companies and other supplier companies in the region,” noted Silvia Araya, of Tornería Lidmara Tocopilla. Another attendee, Steve Villacorta, Communications Manager at Lavor Mining Technology, added, “This meeting makes us feel valued, having a space like this in our community shows how important suppliers are to the large industry, and sitting at the table to talk directly with them is a unique instance.”
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Tocopilla
The event also recognized seven women from Tocopilla participating in SQM Iodine Plant Nutrition’s Inclusive Women program, which supports female entrepreneurs with disabilities, caregivers, or those over 55. Each of the winners – Evelyn Gajardo, Daniela Trigo, Laura Robles, Ana Chávez, Sonia Pinto, Marianella Carreño, and Olga Cornejo – received a million pesos to further their ventures, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, economic autonomy, and female leadership.
The success of the networking day underscores the importance of continued collaboration and direct access to information for fostering equitable participation in business opportunities throughout the Antofagasta Region. The event’s positive reception suggests a strong demand for similar initiatives in other communes, paving the way for a more robust and inclusive regional economy.
