This October, the largest-ever delegation of top Chilean officials will visit the United States, as part of the country’s inaugural Chile Week USA, a collaboration of political and business leaders from Chile’s public and private sectors, and a celebration of the people and places that make Chile an exciting destination, resource, and partner to American interests abroad.
From October 24 to 28, the high level delegation will visit Philadelphia, Miami, and New York City, hosting a series of events that will highlight Chile’s unique advantages and opportunities in the contemporary global marketplace. Chilean wine and food will complement trade and investment seminars, working lunches and bilateral meetings in key areas such as agriculture, food and tourism.
In Philadelphia the program will include the 19th Annual “Friend of Chile” Awards Luncheon co-hosted by the Chilean and American, and Greater Philadelphia Chambers of Commerce, as well as a seminar titled “The Chilean Economic Export Miracle” held at Drexel University, discussing the important role the international trade of organic fruits, vegetables and other produce has, specifically for the Port of Philadelphia.
Attending dignitaries from Chile include:
- Juan Gabriel Valdés – Ambassador of Chile to the United States
- Ronald Bown – President of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX)
On Friday, October 28, delegates from Chile will cap off Chile Week USA with the “Friend of Chile” Awards Luncheon at the Union League of Philadelphia, to honor officials who have played an integral role supporting Philadelphia as a trading hub between the two nations. Senator Stephen M. Sweeney, Senate President of New Jersey, will receive the 2016 Friend of Chile award for his steadfast support of international trade. Barbara Hunter, owner and principal of BHA Consults, LLC, will receive the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award, for her work as a champion of the Chilean fruit industry.
The Port of Philadelphia has long been a major gateway to provide American and Canadian consumers and businesses with Chilean products, so much so that Chilean products comprised approximately 25% of all goods entering the Port in 2015. According to a recent report from US TradeNumbers, from January to July 2016, Chile imported goods with an estimated value of more than $824 million into the Port of Philadelphia, distinguishing itself as the fifth most significant country for imports during that period.
Chile’s significant trade relationship with Philadelphia is one that has helped bolster Chile’s agricultural growth as well, with an overall value of fruit exported in 2014 in excess of US $4 billion. Chile is the world’s largest exporter of blueberries, fresh grapes, plums, prunes, dried apples, trout, and Pacific salmon, and the second largest supplier of frozen raspberries, frozen turkey, shelled hazelnuts, and frozen jack mackerel. Chile’s specialization in organic produce can be partially attributed to its geography, with the Pacific Ocean, Andes Mountains, Atacama Desert, and glaciers naturally warding off pests and disease from all sides. In support of this growth, Chile’s Association of Fruit Exporters (ASOEX) President, Ronald Bown, will speak with area thought leaders and businesses about the ongoing relationship during a seminar “The Chilean Economic Export Miracle”, held at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, following the awards luncheon.
For more information:
Joanna Heaney
Tel: (202) 888-3567