Cultural integration of Ecuador and Bolivia promoted jointly with Bolivian Embassy

(Quito, August 15, 2008).- With the presence of various artists, a press conference was held today in Itchimbía Park to inform the media about the event "Encounter of Two Fraternal Peoples Bolivia-Ecuador 2008.”

With the objective of consolidating spaces for real integration aimed at strengthening links of friendship, fraternity, vision and shared values between Bolivia and Ecuador, the event will be held for the second year running with CAF support.

The project covers organization of a series of events including: the Potato Festival with projection of documentaries, talks and exhibitions; Bolivian Cultural Week, with a craft show reflecting the diversity of Bolivia, a gastronomic festival, and plastic arts and painting exhibitions, among other activities; the Meeting on Initiatives to Develop Bilateral Trade and Promote Tourism, with exhibitions of products and services, meetings, business roundtables; and finally a presentation of Kallawaya medicine with documentaries and talks on its virtues.

Cultural exchange is a phenomenon of integration between nations which by bringing people together opens possibilities for trade, strengthens knowledge of the identity of the origin of the products, which generates economic effects for creators and producers.

The success of the first "Encounter of Two Fraternal Peoples Bolivia-Ecuador 2008” in Quito in 2007, which received a very positive response from the people of the capital, has led to the continuation of this important event aimed at promoting cultural, tourism and trade integration between Bolivia and Ecuador.