In Chile, the Governor participated in a work agenda to improve infrastructure and logistical connections between Mendoza and the Valparaíso Region. They analyzed the progress of the railway and the enhancement of Concón Airport as a new connection route with the province.
During the 39th Meeting of the Cristo Redentor Pass Integration Committee, national and provincial authorities from both countries met to advance strategic connectivity and integration projects.
Governor Alfredo Cornejo was accompanied by the Argentine ambassador to Chile, Jorge Marcelo Faurie; the director of International Boundaries and Frontiers of Argentina, Santiago Villalba; and the subsecretary of Institutional Relations of the Government of Mendoza, José María Videla Sáenz. Representing Chile were the National Director of State Border and Boundaries (DIFROL), Pedro Pablo Silva; the Chilean ambassador to Argentina, José Antonio Viera-Gallo; and the Governor of the Valparaíso Region, Rodrigo Mundaca.
“Working together with Chile is essential.”
The Mendoza Governor emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening relations with the Valparaíso Region, highlighting its role as a logistics and port hub on the Pacific coast. “Chile’s fifth region is undoubtedly the most productive region and home to the most important ports on the Pacific,” he said, noting that “Mendoza has a special relationship, not only in terms of tourism and gastronomy, but also in terms of its increasing integration into that logistic network”.
Cornejo explained that Chile is moving forward with specific projects and Argentina is putting its economy in order. He said, “We must improve our infrastructure on Route 7 and throughout the logistics chain. In the Border Committee, we are working on the Cristo Redentor Pas and the Las Leñas Pass, north with the same orientation.”
The Governor of Mendoza also stressed that strengthening border infrastructure is key to streamlining trade, optimizing freight transport, and improving the competitiveness of regional economies. He also pointed out that “working with Chile is essential to move forward with projects that benefit both foreign and tourism.”
Progress and strategic projects
During the meeting, Chilean authorities shared announcements and progress that directly impact the relationship with Mendoza.
Regarding optimizing the Los Andes land port, the Governor of the Valparaíso Region, Rodrigo Mundaca, explained that they are working to connect the train to the land port, transforming it into a cargo inspection and transfer point. The goal is to facilitate the transit of goods from Mercosur to the Pacific and streamline logistics.
For his part, the mayor of Concón, Freddy Ramírez, reported on the project’s progress to enable the local airport as a new connection point with Mendoza. “This infrastructure will shorten travel times and promote trade and tourism,” he said.
Regional Councilor Edith Quiroz, meanwhile, referred to the railway project and intermodal system. In this regard, she highlighted the viability of passenger and freight trains to the province of Los Andes, transferring goods from the land port to trains, decongesting the route, and improving logistical efficiency.
The authorities agreed to hold annual Integration Committee meetings and prioritize a work agenda that would enable the completion of works and operational reform at international crossings.
Cornejo stressed that “Mendoza will continue to play an active role in ensuring that the agreement translates into concrete improvement for freight transport, tourism, and trade.”
“These projects are not short-term, but they require decisions now. Mendoza will continue to defend its interests and promote integration with Chile as an engine of growth for the entire region,” he concluded.