CHICAGO, November 16, 2012 - Today, Nathalie Cely, Ecuador's Ambassador to the U.S., wrapped up a week-long visit to Chicago, with a meeting with staff from the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

Cely was in Chicago to discuss business opportunities between Chicago and Ecuador with City leaders and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, among other meetings.

During today's meeting, Cely talked about how to increase trade and to enhance coordination and new service between Ecuador's airports and Chicago.

(Left to right) Borys Mejia, Trade Commissioner, Consul, Commercial Office of Ecuarod in Chicago; Veronica Ribera, Assisto th the Trade Commissioner of Ecuador; Michael Boland, First Deputy Commissioner, CDA; Nathalie Cely, Ecuador's Ambassador to the U.S.: Adam Rod, Assistant Comissioner of Planning, CDA; Silvia Espindola, Advisor to the Ambassador and Cortez Carter,  Managing Deputy Commissioner, Planning, Real Estate and Concessions, CDA

"On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we were very pleased that Ambassador Cely and her colleagues were able to discuss new business opportunities between Chicago and Ecuador in person," said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino. "We welcome the chance to continue our dialogue about new air service, as well as to promote tourism and global commerce for our world-class city."

In addition to air service, Cely also discussed the CDA's initiative to create

a perishable cargo center at O'Hare International Airport. The center is envisioned to include exports from Ecuador, one of the largest flower exporters in the world.

This is the second meeting this year between the CDA and diplomatic leaders from Ecuador. In September, Santiago Leon, Coordinating Minister of Production, Employment and Competitiveness for Ecuador, met with Commissioner Andolino and senior CDA staff.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the O'Hare perishable center was issued by the CDA on August 21, 2012. The proposals received by the October 15, 2012 deadline are currently under review.