In recent days, a series of contradictory information has been generated regarding the investments of the Chinese companies BYD and Tsingshan in lithium projects in Chile. While some media reported that both companies would have given up on their initiatives, the Chinese Embassy in Chile assured that they maintain their interest and willingness to continue the dialogue with the Chilean authorities.
According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, after verifying with the two companies, “both have never stated that they have finished their investments in Chile and maintain the willingness to continue the dialogue with the corresponding Chilean authorities.” This statement contradicts previous reports indicating the cancellation of projects due to bureaucratic obstacles and changes in lithium trading conditions.
The Minister of Economy of Chile, Nicolás Grau, also referred to the issue, pointing out that although BYD and Tsingshan declined to go ahead with a preferential contract with Corfo to give added value to products made with lithium, this does not imply that they stop investing in Chile in other initiatives. Grau said that both companies have expressed their interest in investing in Chile and in particular in the lithium sector, and that the government is willing to maintain dialogue to solve any obstacle that prevents the progress of the projects.
In this context, it is important to highlight that many Chinese companies are willing to participate in Chile’s National Lithium Strategy through various forms of cooperation to contribute to the development of clean energy, high technology and other sectors. The Chinese Embassy in Chile emphasized that the Chinese and Chilean economies are highly complementary and have a solid cooperative base, presenting multiple points of convergence and wide opportunities in areas such as the green economy and energy transition.
Despite the contradictory information, both BYD and Tsingshan maintain their interest in investing in Chile, and the Chilean government is open to dialogue to facilitate these investments. The collaboration between the two countries in the lithium and renewable energy sector represents a significant opportunity for the economic and technological development of Chile.
