Faced with the highest representatives of the Latin American poultry sector attending the Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, USA, Mr Ovalle announced the development of the poultry industry and the contribution of the Chilean trade association in the consolidation of the industry.

"Last year, the poultry sector grew 10 per cent, while Brazil's and Argentina's grew 2 per cent and 7 per cent respectively which shows that successful work has been done by Chile for the industry to have a long-term export program," said Mr Ovalle.

The union leader also referred to the importance of the association as a technical and scientific support system, which has facilitated the implementation of health and safety standards in the sector.

"Today chicken meat is fully compliant with the requirements imposed by the world's most demanding markets and the sector exports to more than 28 countries," said Mr Ovalle. "25 per cent of the national production of poultry meat is destined for international markets, while 15 per cent of Chileans consume imported chicken that enter with 0 tariffs from Argentina, USA and Brazil."

In conclusion, he said, "Since 2000, the APA has supported the promotion of competitiveness of poultry meat in the domestic market and exports in the context of trade agreements that Chile was negotiating, and that work is paying off today."

Finally, the APA received special recognition for supporting the development of the Latin American poultry industry and introducing it to global markets.