Guru and Guide - The Emirates Culinary Guild

WACS MomentsNew MemberCarlos Salas, Chilean Trade Commissionerreceiving the membership certificate from UweMicheel, President, Emirates Culinary Guild.ProChile, the Chilean Trade Commission, is part of the DirectorateGeneral for International Economic Affairs of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs, and responsible for implementingand enhancing Chile’s trade policy.This agency strives to deepen and project the country’strade policies under four fundamental concepts: Supportingsmall and medium companies in their process ofgoing international; taking advantage of the opportunitiesarising from the country’s trade agreements; associationbetween public and private organisations and positioningthe country’s brand image in other markets.For this, it has a network of Offices in Chile and in theworld’s most important markets -offices and commercialrepresentations strategically located in more than 40countries and it has developed a set of services for theexporter: guidance, commercial promotion actions, andinformation technologies.Chile, a World Class Food and Beverage SupplierAgriculture has historically been one of the cornerstonesof the Chilean economy. In the last few years, the food andbeverage industry has established itself as the secondlargestforeign currency earner. The country currentlyexports more than US$ 11,500 million in food products,22.4% of total exports.There are few countries in the world in which the foodand beverage sector is of such significant relevance forthe Gross Domestic Product. According to FAO figures,Chile takes third place in the world with 10.3%; it alsoappears in 16th place in food and beverage exports–within a universe of 200 countries– and aims tobecome part of the top ten economies with presence ininternational markets in the short time.The sectors which Chile is enhancing exports toGCC are1. Fresh Fruit, Chile is the Southern Hemisphere FruitExport Leader; 2. Halal Meat with an Exceptional Quality;3. Dried Fruit (almonds, walnuts and prunes); 4. Salmon; 5.Wine and Pisco; and 6. Dairy.62 Gulf Gourmet | June-July 2012 Gulf Gourmet | June-July 2012 63