Chilean, Mexican and Colombian technology and pharmaceutical industries attracting investors – Caiado Guerreiro

Chile, Mexico and Colombia are attracting substantial foreign investment, particularly in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, says João Caiado Guerreiro, managing partner at Portuguese law firm Caiado Guerreiro.

He adds that the three countries – which, together with Peru, make up the Pacific Alliance trade bloc – have much to offer foreign investors, particularly those looking beyond the mining and natural resources sectors, which have traditionally attracted most of the investment in the region. “We continue to advise on mining projects, but we have observed a shift in focus towards other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, clinical testing and technology,” says Caiado Guerreiro.
Favourable regulatory environments and cultural affinity are among the factors that attract Portuguese investors to these jurisdictions, according to Caiado Guerreiro. “We can benefit from knowing the culture better than investors from further afield,” he explains. “Legal systems are similar to our own, but at the same time clients remain aware of the differences and don´t make the mistake of thinking they´re at home – something which often happens when operating in Brazil, for example.” Caiado Guerreiro also cites regulatory and economic factors that help to bring investment to the region: “The authorities are very helpful to foreign investors, and the local economies will continue to develop faster than in other regions, as they have done in the last decade.”
Meanwhile, Colombia, in particular, is becoming much more popular among foreign investors, says Caiado Guerreiro. “It´s a large market where safety and stability has increased in recent years and this is attracting investment, while there is also considerable activity in Chile,” he adds.