Chile has an open, stable economy which promotes trade and investment. Average annual economic growth over the past nine years stands at 6% in real terms.
Per capita income has grown significantly, from US$5,106 in 1998 to US$6,840 in 2005. Inflation, for its part, has been successfully lowered from 27.3% in 1990 to 4.0% in 2005.
Chile's economic and trade expansion success story, most clearly in evidence in the signing of numerous trade agreements, have helped it become a natural gateway between Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
Economy
Multilateral Trade Agreements
| OECD | Observer Status |
| APEC | Full Status |
| Mercosur | Associate Membership |
| WTO | Full Membership |
| EU | Free Trade Agreement |
| EFTA | Free Trade Agreement |
Economic Indicators
Current economic indicators are updated regularly and are accessed via the website of the Banco Central (www.bcentral.cl). English language text is available.
Key Indicators for 2005
GDP/ US$ 106.3
Per Capita Income/ US$ 6,840
PPP Per Capita/ US$ 12,510
GDP Growth/ 6.0 - 6.5
Inflation/ 4.0%
Current Account (% of GDP) 0.5%
Currency Reserves (% of GDP)/ 12.3%
Capital Investment (% of real GDP)/ 28%
Financial information
The Financial System
Sustained innovation and competition have resulted in a sophisticated financial network. The system is regulated by a self-governing Central Bank, headed by a broad-based Board of Governors. The Bank sets monetary and interest rate policy and supervises the financial system, especially commercial banks.
Banks
A total of 29 commercial banks are chartered to operate in Chile. The largest of these are: