Chilean President Participates in Awards Gala to Entrepreneurs in New York

Around 300 people including politicians, investment banks Directors, CEO's, diplomats, businessmen and representatives of the public sector will attend the event.

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of the pillars of the economic plan of Chilean President Sebastian Pinera is to promote bilateral trade between the United States and Chile during his Presidential Term. For this reason, three professionals who have contributed to this objective will be awarded during the Annual Gala, organized by the North American-Chilean Chamber of Commerce (NACCC) to be held on September 21st at Riverpark Restaurant in New York City.

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Trade volume between the two nations has doubled since 2004 with the signing of the free trade agreement between Chile and the USA. The challenge now is to achieve a full implementation of NAFTA, as claimed for the Presidents of both countries during the visit made by President Barack Obama to Chile in March of this year. "Chile is one of the countries whose rates of exports grow faster in the world and, in turn, is one of the largest exporting partners of the United States," explains Mario J. Paredes, President of the NACCC.

The executive pointed out the great performance of the domestic Chilean economy; professionals with international level and a more efficient infrastructure have carried the country to experience substantial growth in the field of exports of services. "These factors, complemented with the liberalization of trade agreements and international integration, strong institutions, political and economic stability, a friendly investment regulatory framework and favorable labor market conditions have catapulted the service sector to represent 60% of the gross proceeds of Chile," Paredes said.

The above figures notes Paredes, are now a reality thanks to the contribution of Chilean and American professionals who have formed healthy and stable trade relations between the two nations. For that reason, the NACCC will award three honorees during the Annual Dinner. Juan C. Cappello, a resident of New York City who has distinguished himself as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Cappello will be awarded as Employer 2011. Meanwhile, Alvaro Saieh, a distinguished professional in the financial sector and prominent Chilean citizen shall be distinguished with the Corporate Leader award 2011. Finally, Roger W. Thomas, an American citizen with a successful and long legal career in Chile and the United States who has taken Chile as his adopted country, will be recognized with the Chilean Honorary award 2011.

The North American-Chilean Chamber of Commerce (NACCC) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote trade relations and trade between Chile and the United States. It was founded in 1918, and during 93 years has served the business community of the two countries. The Chamber offers regular programs with updates on the Chilean economic trends; and meets frequently with authorities of the Government of Chile to promote broad-based dialogue to support bilateral relations that benefit the business community.

For more information visit www.nacchamber.com

SOURCE North American-Chilean Chamber of Commerce (NACCC)