In Chile, 90% of the population lives in urban areas, higher than the regional average in Latin America and the Caribbean of 80%. Santiago, the capital city, accounts for more than half this figure. This intense concentration, coupled with other factors (such as a growing middle class, an ageing population and the digital revolution), feeds a demand for the development of sustainable and connected cities to accommodate the lives of its citizens. Manufacturing and the building industry combined accounted for approximately 14% of the national ghg emissions in 2018.
The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) is responsible for planning, directing, controlling and building the public infrastructure.
CORFO – is Chile’s economic development agency, and reports into the Economy Ministry. It promotes and funds initiatives such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) via Planbim and Smart Cities via Sé Santiago.
In May 2016 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) and UK BIM Task Group (BIMTG) with the Chilean Development Agency (CORFO), agreeing to the exchange of information on national strategies for the dissemination of BIM UK protocols in Chile. Already 6 new hospitals and Santiago´s international airport (USD 800 million) have been all tendered under BIM protocols.
The Green Building Council (GBC) was incorporated in Chile in 2010 and along with the Technological Development Corporation (CDT) promotes sustainable building, buildings, and construction. The CDT is part of the Chilean Construction Chamber of Commerce (CChC). In 2017 Chile stood in ninth place in world rankings with 58 buildings with LEED certification, and another 182 projects under construction.
Chile continues to position infrastructure as a core lever of economic growth. The government’s concessions programme launched in 2021, initially valued at over US$15 billion for 2021-2025, has evolved into a renewed and prioritised investment pipeline for 2025-2026. The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) currently drives a US$8.6 billion portfolio comprising 15 projects at different stages of tender, award and execution. The concessions model remains central to Chile’s investment strategy, presenting clear opportunities for international firms with expertise in transport, mobility, energy-efficient infrastructure and public-service facilities.
Highways and logistics remain the backbone of the programme, accounting for around 76% of total concessioned assets. Strategic road corridors include improvements to Ruta 5 (Antofagasta–Iquique; Collipulli–Temuco), access routes to Valdivia, the Santiago North-West Orbital, and inter-city connectivity supporting the movement of goods and people. These projects aim to reduce bottlenecks and enhance productivity throughout the country’s export-driven economy.
Urban mobility and modern public infrastructure are also gaining traction. The plan incorporates the Valparaíso–Santiago Railway (Phase 1) — a transformational transport initiative — alongside the Talcahuano cable car, new justice and penitentiary facilities, and major community-focused assets such as a redeveloped Parque O’Higgins indoor arena. These initiatives reflect a shift towards infrastructure with direct social impact, improved liveability and resilience.
Airports continue to offer attractive prospects. Chile seeks to strengthen its Southern Airport Network, facilitating passenger growth, logistics expansion and greater territorial integration. This supports the broader Airports for Chile Plan 2025-2030, reinforcing the country’s relevance as a gateway and hub in South America.
The concessions model remains highly competitive, financially robust and institutionally stable. International investors benefit from long-term PPP contracts, predictable regulation, transparent procurement, and strong institutional oversight. Chile’s track record in public-private partnerships continues to provide confidence for global market entrants, particularly in specialised infrastructure sectors.
Opportunities lie not only in construction and engineering, but also in technology integration, operations, asset management and sustainability solutions — areas where UK companies excel. Digitalisation, low-carbon materials, renewable-powered transport assets, and advanced monitoring systems are fast becoming strategic differentiators in tender processes.
That said, companies must anticipate execution challenges. Environmental approvals, community engagement, complex topography and macro-economic variables influence project timelines and financial closure. A proactive risk-management approach and strong local partnerships remain a must.
In summary, Chile’s current concessions pipeline offers a clear business case: diversified projects, solid governance and an ongoing commitment to infrastructure investment. With US$8.6 billion of live opportunities in 2025-2026 — and continued demand beyond — the market remains compelling for international firms seeking long-term growth in a stable, open and globally connected economy.
