Iquique, Chile

Iquique is located in the northern region of Chile on the Pacific coast. The city has one of the largest duty-free commercial port centers in South America which serves it population of 216,419. Its mild climate, commerce, Atacama Desert, natural and archaeological treasures, access to Peru and Bolivia make Iquique one of Chile's most visited cities.

The city was founded in 16th century and was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and remained part of Peruvian territory until the end of the 19th center. Iquique's early development was partly due its rich mineral resources, particularly large deposits of sodium nitrate. The mining of Chile saltpeter was such a profitable business that three nations, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia fought over the riches deposits in the War of the Pacific 1879 whose outcome gave Chile a portion of the Peruvian territory. Many cities in this zone grew into large international shipping ports and many Chilean workers migrated there.

Iquique has re-invented itself as a commercial center and tourist base. Its rainless spring climate, excellent beaches, good education, establishments, and cultural activities that permit a healthy way of life are some of the reasons many entrepreneurs have settled permanently in the city.

Iquique's Free Trade Zone, ZOFRI, is a business center offers over 200 hectares of commercial trading space. ZOFRI also has a shopping mall for retail sales, and serves as a business center for more than 1650 companies. Product sales both at the retail and wholesale levels represent just over $4.7 million dollars per year.

Chile was Miami's 8th largest trading partner in 2007, with a total trade volume of $2.8 billion.  Computers were the #1 export leaving South Florida nearly doubling in the past 3 years. Frozen fish fillets and farmed salmon make up about two-thirds of Chilean imports into South Florida. Miami-Dade County signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Iquique in 1996.