At a conference hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the lady ambassador, noting the advent of globalization and free trade, cited Chile’s favorable climate for economic opportunities and commercial operations.
"Investments over the past decade has been driven by Chile’s increasing willingness to compete on even terms, lower tariffs unilaterally with neighboring countries," she declares. "Ready supply of raw materials and lower wage cost keep expenditures below those of most competitors, thus making Chilean products highly competitive."
On the eve of her departure, ambassador Lynamn hosted an intimate reception at the Cebu Country Club where she conferred the title of honorary consul of Chile on David Graham Ugarte, a member of one of Cebu’s oldest families, with interests in several industries around the island.
Standing proudly beside him during the simple installation ceremony were his wife June, his mother Evelyn Ugarte and aunt Hazel Gonzalez.
The consular corps of Cebu, headed by Austrian consul general Arcadio Alegrado, Swedish honorary consul Jose Sala, British honorary consul Moya Jackson, Danish honorary consul Sabino Dapat, Slovak honorary consul Antonio Chiu, Mexican honorary sonsul Luisito Ugarte, honorary consul of Spain Jaime Picornell and honorary consul of the Netherlands Bobby Aboitiz, were in attendance to witness the rise and welcome its newest member.
With the appointment of Ugarte as her country’s honorary consul in Cebu, the ambassador stressed that "Chile expects the community in Cebu will soon appreciate the many oportunities available for mutual cooperation and benefit."
A trade mission to Chile scheduled come in November to be composed of leading Cebuanos in the fields of commerce and industry is on its final stages of preparations.
"I love your home-grown mangoes, whether they are fresh, dried or made into preserves, and I adore your made-in-Cebu world-class furniture and your accessories. I am sure Chile will love your products," the guest of honor assures.