Oppenheimer: Chile Should Tout Its Passage To First World Status

BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
aoppenheimer at MiamiHerald.com
By the end of this year, Chile is likely to become the first South American country to join the exclusive club of the world's 30 richest countries. Yet, amazingly, you don't see Chileans jumping for joy, nor presenting themselves to their neighbors as a model nation.

According to officials from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Paris-based institution that groups the world's wealthiest democracies, Chile may be officially accepted as a full member at its Dec. 18 meeting.

The OECD is waiting for the Chilean Congress to pass three pending measures to fully adhere to the organization's tax information exchange and corporate governance standards. Chilean officials hope the pending measures will be passed by December.

Chile has been pretty coy about its economic achievements. Unlike any other Latin American country, Chile's economy has grown steadily for the past two decades, and it leads Latin America in virtually all competitiveness rankings. More importantly, Chile has reduced its poverty rate from 39 percent of the population in 1990 to 13 percent nowadays.

Yet, unlike Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who goes around the world claiming that his country's oil-driven growth is a ''revolutionary model,'' Chile's President Michelle Bachelet has abstained from political evangelism abroad. When I last interviewed her in 2007, she sounded almost apologetic about her country's achievements.

NATIONAL CHARACTER

A former Chilean president once told me privately that Chile doesn't brag about its success because it fears that its bigger neighbors would resent that.

http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/columnists/story/1112836.html

By miamimike on Jun 27, 2009, 04:36 in Off Topic.

Simon says on Jun 27, 2009, 10:48: Way to go Chile! I can't wait for Colombia's turn! "Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on Jun 28, 2009, 09:26: Dont hold your breath Simon...... quantum 0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Jul 7, 2009, 18:23: Good for Chile and Congratulations also!! "Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup 0 funny, 0 helpful.

More posts by the same author:

Happy Veteran's Day to Those Who Served 13

Breaking News: Anyone Have Reletives in Orlando? Massive Shooting with Dead& Wounded Downtown 30

Oppenheimer Report : America's Brand/Image Greatly Improved By Obama Presidency, Colombia ranked 47th 21

Ex-DEA Head Who Rounded Up Colombia's Fabio Ochoa Busted & Led Away in HandCuffs 21

Andres Oppenheimer Report; Says "Uribe Closer To a 3rd Term and Self Destruction" 38

5 Scams Foolish Tourists Always Fall for,,, 5

Colombian Outback becoming Safer For Cyclists(Pedal types) 0

Miami Area Latina Has Latino Cabinetmaker Boyfriend Whacked For $200--Life Is Cheap 5

33 Advertisers Abandon Fox's Glenn Beck For Obama Racist Comments 28

Juanes Cuba Concert Sparks Furor Amongst Miami Exiles; Receives Death Threats 7

BEWARE of Ex-Altar Boys; Miami Computer Conman Steals Data from130,000,000 Credit Card Holders 3

Factor's Bill O'reilly On What President Obama Can Teach America's Kids,,, 2

Is there a Doctor in the House? Another Republican Falls Victm To Mysterious Virus Quitteritis 2

Miami Colombians Join In Celebration of Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor Confirmation 6

Juanes To Play his Sept 20 "Peace Without Borders Concert" in Cuba's Revolution Square 11

Frustrated Pa Guy who Popped 3 women Should have joined a Colombian Online Dating Club 28

Another Miami Medicare Fraudster Escapes to Cuba After Bilking the US Govt. Out Of $56 Million 2

Dividing Lines Between Rich and Poor in Honduras Never So Stark 3

Top Honduran Military Lawyer Says "Laws were Broken On Ouster of President" 2

Incredible First Time Ever Motocross Stunt (double Flip) Performed Perfectly--Too Cool 9