From Deseret News archives:

Peruvian consul touts more trade with Utah

Published: Saturday, June 28, 2008 12:03 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Think "international trade for Utah companies," and it's likely that Peru isn't the first country that comes to mind.

But Peruvian Consul General Guido Loayza on Friday stressed that the economic bonds between Utah and Peru could grow even stronger, especially as a free-trade agreement between the United States and Peru is implemented.

"We are sure that with the signing of the free-trade agreement between the two countries, it will be very important for both sides to increase their trade for a mutual benefit, because we need foreign investment, we need our products in America, and we're sure that American citizens will be also very happy to have Peruvian products," Loayza told a group of about 18 people Friday at the Salt Lake Chamber offices.

U.S. Department of Commerce stats from 2005 show Utah exported $7.5 million in goods to Peru that year. But Loayza said the country's growing GDP — expected to balloon from 6 percent to 8 percent annually for the next dozen years — and other factors make it a prime location for international trade.

Story continues below
Among the Peruvian markets Loayza promoted for Utah investments are mining, energy, agriculture, fishing and "aquaculture," textiles, forestry, tourism, call centers, transportation infrastructure and telecommunications.

"Utah can be a perfect partner for Peru because of a lot of things Peru lacks — technology, machinery — products like that. If Utah can provide those to Peru, Peru has actually the money right now to purchase those things," said David Utrilla, the president of South Ogden-based U.S. Translation Co. and the facilitator of Loayza's visit.

Loayza suggested that Utah companies need to "take a first step — any first step" to enter the Peruvian market and to "find a niche where to go."

Lew Cramer, chief executive officer of the World Trade Center Utah, said Utah and Peru have a long-standing relationship, "but the economic powerhouse of Peru is coming; it's a link and a bridge we want to make even stronger."


E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

How does this filthy, disgusting excuse for a human being think he can get...

Letters: MLS not BCS

Dick | 10:39 a.m. Why should a sub-500 team not be allowed into the...

Actually, the Senate version of the Healthcare Bill does have a way to pay...

BYU would like friendlier rivalry

I am a HUGE BYU Football fan. I can honestly say that I am probably in the...

Expect epic clash on the line

RE:Ute Fan..........and it's not 2004 or 2008 Utah fans fans have the...

Also we need to remember the football All State Academic Athlete Award is a 4...

Vai la BYU!!!

Maybe Utah should pick up a Y tradition and start their games with a prayer.

TCU FINISHED LAST YEAR #7 IN THE AP POLLS AND WE ROTATE PLAYERS ALMOST EVERY...

How can this person live with him self I am so sick just thinking a it

Advertisements