For the last decade, growth has averaged 6.1 percent. Inflation was 6.6 percent in 1996 and is expected to fall to 5.5 percent this year. Chile has free trade agreements with Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and is an associate member of Mercosur. Ratification of a free trade agreement with Canada is pending.
Democratic elections take place every six years.
Credit agencies may only provide information regarding the subject's account number and general behavior. The constitutions and any modifications for limited liability partnerships and stock companies must be published in the Official Gazette. Furthermore, the law requires financial service firms, banks, mutual fund companies and public companies to publish financial reports in the printed mass media. Private companies are not obligated by law to release any information. These managers are very reluctant to divulge information about their companies, as they want to keep a low profile with tax authorities and competitors.