Abstract

The historical precedents of the neoliberal experiment in Chile have been scarcely
studied. However, it can be argued that the feasibility of this experience was contingent
upon the bases built during previous periods of the Chilean development, starting from the
1940’s. The export growth and diversification of the neoliberal period was based on three
main economic sectors: fresh fruit and vegetables, forestry, and fishery. The development of
these sectors was in tum based on CORFO’s development programs which combined private
and public efforts with, in some cases, foreign assistance. Also, the copper nationalization
process in 1971 was instrumental to the strengthening of the state’s economic capabilities.
These facts point out a very significative difference between Chilean neoliberalism and other
orthodox experiments within Latin America.

JEL Classification: B22