Salmon farming suppliers celebrate new governor in Chile's Aysén region 

Salmon farming suppliers in the Chilean region of Aysén have welcomed the election of a growth-focused regional governor, Marcelo Santana, a member of the right-wing Independent Democratic Union (Unión Demócrata Independiente, or UDI), reports Fish Farming Expert's Chilean sister site, Salmonexpert.cl.

Yesterday, it was learned that Santana had defeated the current governor of the Aysén Region, Andrea Macías of the Socialist Party, by more than 20 points to take office, obtaining more than 54% of the votes.

Santana, a former mayor of the Aysén commune of Río Ibáñez, said his priorities included restoring confidence that the region can be invested in.

“It must offer opportunities to those who want to develop it and do things well within the regional government. I feel that a much more proactive management is required, considering that there are urgent matters that must be resolved, such as budget execution.”

Generating jobs

He added: “A great need that has been expressed to us from the coast to the mountains and from north to south of Aysén is the ability to generate jobs quickly.”

Katia Inostroza, president of Aysén salmon farming suppliers’ trade body Acuiprov, said her members celebrated the election result because the region had stagnated.

She said: “I am excited that the change of authorities brings with it regional development, growth, and job opportunities. It is the time to start working to bring our Aysén forward from its current economic downturn.

“We wish the new governor every success, and salmon farming’s suppliers especially are available to move forward.”