Peruvian Ambassador to the United States Visits Utah

There is a strong bond developing between Utah and Peru. From mining to agriculture to education, the two States are working together to develop a long term, prosperous relationship through trade and humanitarian efforts. His Excellency Harold W. Forsyth, Ambassador of Peru to the United States, visited to further strengthen existing alliances and help build new relationships.

The state of Utah is the top U.S. importer of Peruvian products, namely raw gold and natural gas. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, imports to Utah increased more than 134 percent to $845 million from 2010 to 2011. Those raw materials become part of the foundation for Utah’s top five export growth and export intensity rankings.

David Utrilla, Utah honorary consul for Peru, hosted the Ambassador and his wife, Mrs. María Verónica Sommer Mayer, during their comprehensive multi-day tour. The Ambassador met with Gov. Gary R. Herbert and delivered lectures at Brigham Young University’s Kennedy School of International Studies and the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics.

Forsyth also toured Utah-based humanitarian programs and met with the humanitarian organizations from Utah who are currently working in Peru. Utrilla estimates as many as 40,000 Peruvians live in Utah.
 
Utrilla led a trade mission to Peru in 2010 to identify economic exchange opportunities that would not only benefit larger industries, but also open trade routes for local entrepreneurs and manufacturers on both sides.

Harvey Scott, regional director for the Americas at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is planning to carry out a trade mission to Peru in late 2013.

“Utah’s predictable business environment is beneficial not only to domestic business, but is also attractive to foreign companies and investments,” said Harvey Scott, regional director for the Americas at GOED. “We are pleased to host His Excellency Harold Forsyth in our continued dialogue with Peru, a country with which Utah shares both economic and cultural interests.”

“There are enormous opportunities that exist between Utah and Peru right now in business, educational exchange, agriculture and humanitarian efforts,” Utrilla said. “Peru is a country that is beginning to realize great potential and with the expertise Utah organizations hold in areas like mining, infrastructure, technology and agriculture, it’s a natural partnership that will prove extremely beneficial for everyone involved.”