Watt says the Seattle area is not just a Pacific Rim region. We have substantial business with Europe, symbolized by our spring mission to London, and we must give more attention to South America. On the first day of the trip, Sunday, the delegation visited Carmen Wineries, located in the foothills of the Andes mountains. The winery visit allowed the delegation to explore the agricultural economy of Chile while experiencing the culture and the wine of the country. Chile has the most dynamic economy in the southern hemisphere, and its excellent wines are sold and marketed throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
Chile has a long-established relationship with Washington state.
More than 30 years ago, during the Kennedy administration, the two were linked under the Partnership of the Americas program. This partnership has stimulated educational, cultural and business exchanges. Augusta Crino, chief executive of the Instituto Chileno Norteamerico, spoke to the delegation on the importance, history and strength of this relationship. Susan Sola of Seafirst Bank, and the head of Washington's chapter of the Partnership of the Americas, described Washington state's continuing role in solidifying this relationship. The delegation received excellent briefings on the Chilean economy and business conditions from the American Embassy in Santiago, the University of Chile, the American Chamber of Commerce and Bank of America.