August 2024 ALABC Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the CEO
Industry News - A combination of news articles specifically curated for news relevant to the Latin American region.
New Members - Get in contact with our new member companies to create new business opportunities.
Upcoming Events - See what's upcoming in your city
Past Events - View event photos, hear about the latest activities and initiatives
Featured Members - Find out which companies are being featured this month

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

Dear members, associates and friends of ALABC,

These last weeks have been incredibly busy for the ALABC community with opportunities to network, celebrate the amazing array and quality of businesses that are achieving successes in Latin America, learn from expert speakers and up to the minute reports, engage with the broader business ecosystem to champion brand AUSTRALIA-LATAM, build the ALABC network and support our vibrant multicultural communities.

In this month’s newsletter there is a comprehensive roundup of our events including our sellout Melbourne Gala and Awards Dinner, Ambassadors Program, webinars, roundtable and community engagement. Remember if you miss any of our webinars you can access them through the membership portal.

For those in the education sector, can I direct you to a newly commissioned ‘Market Action Plan’ on Mexico jointly developed by Austrade and the Department of Education.

I would sincerely like to welcome our newest ALABC members. Have a look at their company profiles and if you would like to be introduced, please contact us via secretariat@alabc.com.au and we will make an introduction.

Chairman Richard, directors Rob, Paola, Felipe and Julio, Member Engagement superstar Alice and I are looking forward to catching up with some of you at our sell out Brisbane Dinner. We have a full program of events being rolled out over the new few months, so please check your email, our website and LinkedIn for updates.

Hasta pronto!

Kim Prior

Chief Executive Officer
ceo@alabc.com.au

ALABC Business Excellence Award Winners 2024!

Recognising excellence in trade and investment links between Australia and Latin America, the Business Excellence Awards have been celebrating outstanding companies, institutions and individuals since 2002. These awards have gained significant prominence and continue to honour those actively engaged and succeeding in doing business in the region.

The Awards were presented at the ALABC Melbourne Annual Dinner and 35 Year Celebration on 7 August 2024.

Congratulations to our winners for 2024, Russell Mineral Equipment, Latin Resources and Chadwick Downs Cattle Company!

To our award finalists, Orica, NOJA Power, Karoon Energy, Raydel, URKU and Tontongue we congratulate you and acknowledge the success and commitment of your business to be selected as a finalist for this prestigious award.

Russell Mineral Equipment wins in Category A: Entities with more than 200 employees

During the ALABC Annual Dinner in Melbourne last Wednesday night, we proudly presented the 2024 ALABC Business Excellence Award to Russell Mineral Equipment in Category A.

A proud member of ALABC, RME is a globally recognised leader in the mill relining industry, known for excellence in safety and innovation, this year proudly celebrating their 40-year anniversary and 20 years in the Latin American region!

Latin Resources wins Business Excellence Award in Category B: Entities with between 20 and 200 employees

We are excited to announce the Category B Business Excellence Award winner for 2024 is Latin Resources Limited!

A valued member of ALABC, Latin Resources Limited (ASX: LRS) is an Australian-based mineral exploration company, developing a low-cost, sustainable, tier one lithium operation in the premier mining jurisdiction of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Company is focused on its flagship Salinas Lithium Project, where the Company has defined a Global Mineral Resource Estimate at its Colina Lithium Deposit* of 70.3Mt @ 1.3% Li2O, reported above a cut-off of 0.5% Li2O. Latin also holds the Catamarca Lithium Project in Argentina and through developing these assets, aims to become one of the key lithium players to feed the world’s insatiable appetite for battery metals.

Congratulations Chris Gale and the team at Latin Resources on this remarkable achievement.

Chadwick Downs Cattle Company wins Business Excellence Award in Category C: Entities with less than 20 employees

Congratulations to our Business Excellence Award Winner in Category C, Chadwick Downs Cattle Company, presented to Director of Operations David McKean at the ALABC Melbourne Annual Dinner 2024.

Nestled in the Warrumbungle foothills in NW NSW, Chadwick Downs Cattle Company specializes in high-quality beef cattle genetics with a focus on Latin America. Exporting for 30 years, Chadwick continues to be Australia's largest exporter of Beef Cattle Genetics to Latin America, the market generating 30% of the company revenue. With a strong foothold in Argentina, they plan to expand their agent network in Brazil and Uruguay. The breeding programs are tailored for the Latin American market, and the company also trains industry professionals from the region.

ALABC presented with Certificate of Appreciation from David Crisafulli, Leader of LNP

Last Wednesday evening, ALABC CEO, Kim Prior and Directors Paola Lasso and Rob Whiddon attended David Crisafulli's Multicultural business event in Brisbane where ALABC was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in acknowledgement of significant contribution to the multicultural community of Queensland.

ALABC at the Networking Reception with Victoria's Trade and Investment Commissioners

On Tuesday, August 20, ALABC Director Monica Mendez attended the Reception with Victoria's Trade and Investment Commissioners, hosted by Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas MP.

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2024 is just around the corner!

Held at the ICC Sydney from 29 - 31 October, Australia's largest mining event brings over 500 of the world's most influential companies.

Invest in Queensland's critical minerals

Queensland is a premier resource-investment destination with the critical minerals the world needs to tackle climate change and drive advancements in the manufacturing, defence and scientific research sectors.

Download the prospectus on critical minerals in Queensland for a comprehensive guide to everything the state has to offer.

Mexico Market Action Plan

The Mexico Market Action Plan (MAP) provides a collaborative framework for Australian institutions and stakeholders to strengthen their position in an emerging international education market.

The Mexico MAP was jointly developed by Austrade and the Department of Education in country and provides Australian education providers the framework to understand the operating environment across the country, then develop and adapt their market development to better capture recruitment, partnership and research opportunities.

RSM's ESG Maturity Assessment

Are you ESG ready?

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and drivers has surged dramatically. This shift reflects growing consumer awareness, regulatory pressures and investor demands for ethical practices.

Companies must assess their impact on society and the environment to remain competitive, attract investment and ensure long-term success. Ignoring these factors not only risks reputational damage but also financial stability in an increasingly conscientious market. The time to act is now.

If you have not yet begun your ESG journey, RSM has developed The ESG Assessment Tool as a starting point, in order to help you self-assess where you are on your path to sustainability to help you on your way.

Take the assessment by clicking below:

Click here >>

ALABC and Global Victoria host Latin American Ambassador tour in Melbourne

In August 2024, a distinguished group of Latin American Ambassadors and Heads of Mission from Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Cuba, Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Chile participated in the ALABC Ambassadors program, organized in partnership with Global Victoria. The delegation visited several key Australian institutions, including SDI Limited, where they explored advanced dental technologies; PowerPlus Energy, Australia’s largest battery manufacturing plant; the CSIRO Food Innovation Centre, which showcased cutting-edge food technologies; and the GSV Drill Core Library, highlighting a century of minerals exploration. These visits provided valuable opportunities for dialogue and collaboration on topics ranging from dental health and sustainable energy to food innovation and mineral resources, with significant relevance for Latin America.

Botany Essentials

Botany Essentials is 27 years established FMCG manufacturer for over 200 international and Australian brands. Categories include natural skincare, hair care, baby, pet grooming and household products. Industries supplied include: pharmacy, mining, defence, health care, retail, FMCG distribution. Services include: product development, R&D and brand development. Botany Essentials is certified GMP, ISO 9001, Sedex and our products are dermatologist approved. Visit our manufacturing website for the full scope of our services, www.botanymanufacturing.com.au.

Enduro Energy

Enduro Energy is at the forefront of providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions.

We are pioneers in the procurement and distribution of clearance, discounted and second-hand solar panels.

We bridge the gap between surplus solar panels and consumers seeking affordable, high quality solar solutions, helping to maximise the lifetime of solar assets around the world.

Lagos Maclean Law Firm

We believe ALABC is an excellent network to connect with businesses, organisations and people interested in exploring business opportunities and links in Chile and other Latam markets, where we provide legal and advisory services. At LMA we are very close to Australia as well.

ALABC can be a great counterpart in our expansion into Australia, and conversely we can add value to ALABC by connecting their members with the Chilean and Latam business ecosystem.

Alberto Chang

Alberto Chang

Alberto has more than 15 years experience in FMCG across Peru, Australia, US, New Zealand and most recently in the broader APAC region, and UK.

His expertise is around business transformation, commercial strategy, and P&L management via a strong focus across all lines in the financial statement.

Alberto’s passion is to partner with Founders and | or MDs to scale up operations and democratise categories and industries.

Ecuapremium

We are an innovative and committed company with a presence in both Ecuador and Australia, with strategically located offices in Quito and Sydney.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to import, market, and wholesale the best premium products from Ecuador, providing personalized and efficient service backed by exceptional quality.

Additionally, we take pride in working only with suppliers who share our values of social responsibility, good business practices, fair pricing, and environmental care.

We import Roses and flowers, Cassava bread, Green Plantain, Fruit pulp, Fruit chunks IQF, Prawns, Panama Hats, Chocolate, Cacao and a few other products

Invescasa

We’re a collective of real estate advisors, buyers agents and negotiators helping investors and homebuyers with buying, investment and acquisition advice of residential properties across Australia.

We come from a valuation, investment and sales background. So, we understand numbers, markets and people. Property is our passion. We can help homebuyers looking to buy their first home or investors looking to invest in real estate and build a property portfolio.

FRIDO

We import Mexican Cacao Products, especially drinking chocolate. We organise events, festival and workshops promoting our Mexican Culture. Mexican Food pop-ups around Sydney. Mentoring and support for Latin American Entrepreneurs.

Voltex Group Holdings

The Voltex Group assist Project or Asset Managers of large or HV power systems to deliver certainty of outcomes that meet quality, timing and price objectives. This is delivered through Power Management Software, Audits, Training, and Project Management, during Design, Construction, Commissioning or Operation & Maintenance.
We have provided these services to world-class projects on three continents.

Sydney Mining Dinner (IMARC 2024)

Join the Australia-Latin America Business Council for an evening of networking and insight at the exclusive Latin America Mining Dinner, at the luxurious W Hotel in Darling Harbour Sydney on October 29th. This exclusive event brings together industry leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders from the mining industry to explore opportunities and forge connections across Latin America and Australia. Enjoy a night of fine dining, engaging discussions, and valuable networking. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a pivotal conversation shaping the future of mining in the region.

ProChile cocktail reception: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

ALABC dinner: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Registration opening soon! >>

7 August: Melbourne Annual Dinner and 35 Year Anniversary

Celebrating 35 Years with ALABC!

We're thrilled to announce that ALABC's sold out Annual Dinner in Melbourne was a resounding success. We not only celebrated our 35th anniversary but also presented the Business Excellence Awards for 2024, honouring the incredible business success of 3 winning companies and 6 finalists.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers for the evening, Tim Kane, Victorian State Director, DFAT, and Her Excellency Dianela Pi, Ambassador of Uruguay, Dean of GRULAC Ambassadors and to all our members and guests who joined us for a night of celebration, insights into the vibrant and evolving relationship between our regions and valuable networking opportunities.

We were grateful to have Ambassadors of the following countries in attendance: Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Cuba, Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Guatemala and Chile

Thank you to our sponsors Duratray International, LATAM Airlines and Global Victoria for their support and dedication. Here's to many more years of growth, collaboration, and strengthening the business relationship between Australia and Latin America.

View photos >>

9 August: Education Roundtable

ALABC was proud to partner with Central Queensland University to host an Education Roundtable on the current state of Australia's education industry. As the Australian government struggles to balance internal economic demands and cost of living pressures, policy changes relating to international students and visas have formed part of the government's arsenal to combat these issues.

We were pleased to have participation from the Department of Home Affairs, DFAT, Study QLD, Study Melbourne and Study NSW.

A summary of the roundtable discussion is available below.

Summary >>

21 August: Webinar, Nearshoring in Mexico

ALABC in collaboration with the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar on Nearshoring in Mexico on 21 August with an impressive line up of speakers including a presentation of the latest nearshoring report done for the Australian embassy in Mexico.

Speakers:

His Excellency Ernesto Cespedes, Ambassador of Mexico in Australia
H.E. Rachel Moseley, Ambassador of Australia to Mexico
Albert Zapanta, President and CEO, US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Pedro Montejo, President INDEX (National Association of the Maquiladora Industry) Baja California
Juan Carlos Baker, CEO Ansley Consulting
Kim Prior, CEO of the Australia-Latin America Business Council
Aram Hodoyan, President and CEO, OTL On Time Logistics

Ansley Consulting Nearshoring presentation (report for Australian Embassy Mexico)

If you would like a copy of the other presentations from the webinar, please contact secretariat@alabc.com.au

Please view the information below and consider joining the Australia-Latin America Business Council using the online form.

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