Historic Joint ITC and GMCC Mission to Peru and Chile

The Jay Malina International Trade Consortium of Miami Dade County, and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce will undertake the first ever joint mission to Lima, Peru, and Santiago, Chile from September 20th - 27th 2008. The mission will be an excellent opportunity for U.S. business in light of the U.S. Free Trade Agreements with these countries. Chile is Miami-Dade 8th largest trading partner with a total trade value of $2.4 billion in 2006. The United States and Chile have a comprehensive free trade agreement that eliminates bilateral tariffs, lowers trade barriers, promotes economic integration, and expands opportunities for the people in both countries. In fact, bilateral trade between the US and Chile doubled for the first time since the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement took effect on January 1st 2004. The top 3 Miami exports to Chile in 2006 were computers, computer parts, and motor vehicle parts, and top imports from Chile include seafood, corn, and wood. Roughly $558.6 million of Chilean imports arrive via Miami International Airport, and about $105.3 million are processed at the Port of Miami.

Peru is Miami Dade 13th largest trading partner with a total trade value of $1.6 billion in 2006. In 2006, the United States and Peru entered into a trade promotion agreement that will enter into force once Peru has taken the necessary steps to ensure implementation of its obligations. The agreement will provide U.S. exporters duty free access to the Peruvian market, and provide new market access for U.S. consumer and industrial products. Miami-Dade exports electronics, computers, and heavy machinery to Peru, and imports vegetables, fruit, and clothing. Miami International Airport processed roughly $387.9 million worth of cargo (much of which is perishable food), and the Port of Miami processed another $135.9 million.

Mission registration materials will be available in July, and the number of participants will be limited on a fist come, first serve basis. For more information please contact Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert at dreyfus@miamidade.gov or 305-375-3885.