A delegation of nearly 30 Salt Lake Chamber members and business leaders recently traveled to Peru to get a better understanding of Peru’s economy and business climate as well as the country’s trade with Utah. The group returned Oct. 11 following eight days of business-related visits and sightseeing.
“Utah is one of Peru’s top trade partners,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “In fact, Peru is ranked fourth — behind Canada, China and Mexico — for imports into Utah. This trip allows our members not only to visit a beautiful country, but also get a better understanding of how free trade agreements benefit our economy and create jobs both here in this country and back at home.”
Peru is one of three countries in South America, including Columbia and Chile, with a free trade agreement with the United States and is often considered as the model for free trade agreements, Miller said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, imports from Peru to Utah totaled nearly $1.4 billion in 2017, a 39 percent increase over 2016 import totals.
During their visit to Peru, members of the delegation visited Cusco, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Huaca Huallamarca and Maras.