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The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville announces the successful completion of a highly productive trade and educational mission to Lima, Perú. Co-led by Laura Wolff, instructor in the SIUE School of Business, and ITC Director Silvia Torres Bowman, who hails from Perú, the mission aimed to strengthen ties between SIUE and esteemed institutions in the South American country.

Members of the SIUE delegation included Stanislaus Solomon, PhD, associate professor of supply chain management; Sorin Nastasia, PhD, associate professor of public relations and program director of International Studies degree program within the College of Arts and Sciences; and Jose Licon Oppenheimer, PhD, instructor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature.

"The warmth and hospitality we received in Lima were truly overwhelming," said Torres Bowman. "This mission not only solidified our academic and trade connections but also opened doors to exciting new collaborations that will benefit both Perú and Illinois."

During the visit, the delegation had the privilege of exploring the beautiful campus of Universidad de Lima, alma mater of Torres Bowman, and engaging with key stakeholders from various Peruvian trade organizations. The parties reached a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SIUE and Universidad de Lima in December 2019, laying the foundation for future collaborations in research and faculty/student exchanges.

Key highlights of the mission included insightful discussions with leaders from the Peruvian Association of Exporters (Asociación de Exportadores ADEX), Lima Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio de Lima), and The American Chamber of Commerce of Perú. Additionally, the delegation received an outstanding tour of the logistic facilities at Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios S.A., facilitated by AmCham Peru.

"Our discussions with Peruvian trade leaders have paved the way for significant bilateral trade opportunities," said Torres Bowman. "We look forward to fostering these relationships and creating impactful projects that support economic growth and innovation."

A productive meeting with U.S. Commercial Service representatives at the U.S. Embassy in Lima highlighted the importance of international cooperation in boosting economic development and creating new business opportunities to benefit Illinois exporters.

"Being able to visit our partners at the Universidad de Lima is critical to expanding our opportunities for student exchanges, both virtual and physical, as well as collaborating on curriculum and research projects. Nothing beats face to face meetings when it comes to taking our relationship to the next level,” said Wolff.

The delegation also had the opportunity to spend time with Peruvian students, with presentations by Wolff, Solomon, and Torres Bowman, enriching the educational aspect of the mission. During her presentation, Torres Bowman shared experiences and memories from her undergraduate years at Universidad de Lima, as well as her rewarding work with small businesses in Illinois under the SBDC network.

Of course, no visit to Perú would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights of Peruvian cuisine. Torres Bowman and her colleagues Wolff, Solomon, Nastasia, and Oppenheimer expressed their enchantment with the unique charm, warmth, and hospitality of the Peruvian people, and are already planning to return with their families.

"The culinary experiences and cultural exchanges added a special dimension to our visit," remarked Torres Bowman. "It was a true pleasure to share the flavors and traditions of my homeland with my colleagues."

The ITC extends heartfelt thanks for the hospitality and support of the hosts. Torres Bowman and team remain excited about the opportunities ahead for building strong and fruitful partnerships with small businesses, women entrepreneurs, faculty, and students in Perú.

This trip and mission were made possible thanks to the “Passport to Success” BIE grant (grant number P153A210005) from the U.S. Department of Education. 

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in southern Illinois by providing individualized, no-cost export advising, identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads, international market analysis and more. The ITC is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as a service to the region’s entrepreneurial and business community. As a key member of the Illinois SBDC Network, the ITC delivers these important services to its clients while supporting the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

PHOTO:  The SIUE delegation at Universidad de Lima