Embassy Series: Chile
South Carolina World Trade Center's
Embassy Series on Chile with honored guest, Ambassador Mariano Fernandez
Friday, Feburary 22, 2008
Dinner from 6:00-9:00 pm
Downtown Charleston Harbour Club, Prioleau Ballroom
SPONSORED BY:
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Chile Ambassador to the U.S. will be in South Carolina for
the S.C. World Trade Center Embassy Series
Ambassador Mariano Fernandez of Santiago, Chile and the Embassy of Chile in Washington, D.C., traveled 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 traveled to Columbia and Charleston to discuss trade and investment opportunities with students and business professionals. The public agenda took place on 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 began in Columbia on Thursday as he met with Governor Mark Sanford, the S.C. Department of Commerce, spoke at the Columbia World Affairs Council Luncheon (noon till 2:00 pm), and addressed the University of South Carolina. Friday’s program covered 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 from 2:00-3:15. At the college, Ambassador Fernandez will present on trade and investment opportunities with Q&A. He will also had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Riley.
Topping off the visit was a gourmet Chilean dinner in honor of Ambassador Fernandez at the Prioleau Ballroom, Harbour Club downtown Charleston from 6:00-9:00 pm.. This evening included 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.
$70/ SCWTC members and $90/non SCWTC members.
Please contact programs@scwtc.org or 843.8529880 ext. 28 for more information.