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Chile Ambassador to the U.S. will be in South Carolina for the SC World Trade Center's 2008 Embassy Series

Submitted by: Christina Zeid on Jan 24, 2008 at 7:57 pm Tagged with: Business, Chile, Culture, Entertainment, International, Investment, Networking, Seminar, South America, Trade, Wine Source: South Carolina World Trade Center

CHARLESTON, SC- Ambassador Mariano Fernandez of Santiago, Chile and the Embassy of Chile in Washington, D.C., is travelling to South Carolina this February to take part in a program referred to as: the Embassy Series. Via the South Carolina World Trade Center (SCWTC), honored guest Ambassador Fernandez will travel to Columbia and Charleston to discuss trade and investment opportunities with students and business professionals. Public agenda takes place Thursday and Friday, February 21 and 22, 2008.

Ambassador Fernandez holds a law degree from Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales de la Universidad Católica de Santiago, Chile as well as Political Sociology at Bonne University, Germany. His extensive professional experience includes: Member of Chilean Foreign Service; Editor of various publications in Germany; Researcher and member of executive committee of Centre of Studies for Development; Ambassador of Chile to European community, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom; and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. In addition, Fernandez has been involved in many other activities and is a member of organizations such as the Honorary President of the Chilean Association of Sommeliers.

Top products imported from Chile to S.C. are Wood and Inorganic Chemicals/ rare materials, according to 2007 data in the World Trade Atlas. With a total of over $197 million imported this past year alone and $249 million exported out of S.C., Chile is a significant voice in the Port of Charleston. The highest exports ranged from Machinery to Plastic. Charleston also claims home to Honorary Consulate of Chile, Carlos Salinas D.M.D. at M.U.S.C.

Agenda for the Ambassador begins in Columbia on Thursday as he meets with Governor Mark Sanford, the S.C. Department of Commerce, speaks at the Columbia World Affairs Council Luncheon, and addresses the University of South Carolina. Friday’s program covers the Charleston area with a private breakfast meeting at the College of Charleston, a tour and private lunch at the Port of Charleston/ S.C. State Ports Authority, followed by a public seminar at the College of Charleston for students and business professionals. At the college, Ambassador Fernandez will present on trade and investment opportunities with Q&A.

Topping off the visit will be a gourmet Chilean dinner in honor of Ambassador Fernandez at the Prioleau Ballroom, Harbour Club downtown Charleston. This evening includes Chilean cultural entertainment, authentic wines presented by Chilean Sommelier himself, Ambassador Fernandez, and a presentation on tourism in Chile.

Trade and Investment Seminars at U.S.C. and C. of C. are free and open to students and professionals.
Dinner reservations are limited and must be made by Wed. Feb. 20.
$100/ SCWTC members and $125/non SCWTC members.
Please contact programs@scwtc.org or 843.8529880 ext. 28 for more information or to RSVP.

The mission of the South Carolina World Trade Center is to promote and support international commerce through education, networking, trade development services and international business opportunities for companies and individuals throughout South Carolina.

A World Trade Center brings together businesses and government agencies involved in foreign trade. It is a one-stop trade information hub where an international business person is offered the full range of services such as market research, WTCA On-Line, trade shows & exhibit space, business services, trade education, group trade missions and WTC clubs.

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