In Atacama RegionAgrosuper launches agro-industrial project in the Huasco Valley
The initiative includes an initial investment of US$600 million and will drive significant regional development by creating more than 3,500 jobs.
Vallenar, November 26.- In the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, José Antonio Galilea, and the authorities of the third region of Atacama, Agrosuper officially opened the agro-industrial project of Huasco Valley, one of the most important and modern plants in Latin America.
The plant should start operating during the first half of 2011 and includes the construction of food production factories, animal production storehouses equipped with state-of-the art technology, meat processing plants, water treatment and fruit business, to be developed gradually based on the requirements of the activity.
"Clearly, this responds to the opportunities we as government have generated through commercial openness, economic stability and Free Trade Agreements; all these elements combined account for Chile's being a preferred market platform offering a significantly increased number of consumers", assured Minister Galilea.
The project also contemplates an initial investment of US$600 million and the creation of more than 3,500 new direct jobs, contributing important development to the region.
"We feel very proud that projects such as Agrosuper's begin are helping to fulfill our goals as government: have Atacama become a large hub for economic and social development for the country while ensuring the well-being of our people. Thousand of Atacamenians will benefit from this new employment source in Huasco Valley, for which we are grateful" said the governor of the Region of Atacama, Ximena Matas.
Along the same lines, the general manager of Agrosuper, José Guzmán, agreed that the project will be developed in this region because "it is a zone that has all necessary geographic, climate, water, infrastructure and human resources required to develop an agro-industrial zone in balance with the environment".
Given that the development of the region goes beyond the economic promotion and the creation of jobs, the environmental commitment is fundamental to Agrosuper. This is why the initiative contemplates state-of-the art technology to treat water and waste water, to be reused in irrigation.
In connection with the flora, fauna and the archaeology of the region, stringent measures have been adopted to ensure their protection, such as the dissemination of protective measures, in addition to rescue and relocation programs for flora and fauna in different categories of conservation.
Moreover, a botanic garden has been implemented adjacent to the Miner's Sanctuary, an important cultural and recreational undertaking in the area, in collaboration with the Mining Association of Freirina.