APRIL 2026 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, friends and associates of ALABC,

As global dynamics continue to shift and redefine international commerce, the same question bubbles to the top: How can businesses succeed across Australia and Latin America, and what collective strategies must we implement to ensure the bilateral relationship reaches its full potential? This pressing question lies at the heart of the upcoming Latitudes of Opportunity Forum, taking place in Melbourne this June. The forum arrives at a pivotal geopolitical moment. While traditional trade blocks are forming new alliances, such as the complex, slow-moving negotiations surrounding the EU-Mercosur agreement, Australia and Latin America currently possess a high-standard network of existing treaties ready to be capitalized upon.

By leveraging the established frameworks like the CPTPP, PAFTA, and the landmark Australia-Chile FTA, forward-thinking businesses can bypass broader geopolitical and economic disruption to secure immediate market access. Over the next five years, our collective strategy must focus on building resilient supply chains, capitalizing on our combined dominance in critical minerals, and pioneering cross-border ventures in areas such as clean energy, agritech and education just to name a few areas of alignment.

At the end of May ALABC will hold its Annual General Meeting. This is an important event in our annual calendar and I would urge all of our members to participate if possible. This year we will see Richard Andrews, Rob Whiddon and Julio Gonzalez step down from the board, and provide the opportunity for three new board members to participate in the continued evolution of ALABC. I would like to thank our outgoing board members for their leadership, expertise and dedication to our council.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events or working directly with you to achieve your Latin American goals.

Kim Prior

Chief Executive Officer
ceo@alabc.com.au

Peru’s fruit and vegetable exports approach US$7 billion as 2026 momentum builds

Peru’s fruit and vegetable industry enters 2026 as one of the most dynamic pillars of its non-traditional export sector, building on several consecutive years of record agro-export levels. The country has transitioned from an emerging supplier to a strategic player in global off‑season fresh produce, particularly for markets in North America and Europe.

Global Mining Leaders Converge on Perth for GRX26

Perth took centre stage for global mining innovation this week as the Global Resources Innovation Expo 2026 (GRX26), hosted by Austmine and AusIMM, welcomed international delegations from key mining jurisdictions including Chile, Peru, Canada, New Caledonia and the Philippines. The event showcased Australia's depth of capability across technology, research and operations, with sessions focusing on critical minerals supply chains, Southeast Asia mining innovation and cross-sector business development. GRX26 runs from 5–7 May at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards program

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards celebrate multicultural businesses in Brisbane. They recognise creativity, innovation and resilience across the economy and community.

Nominations for the 2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards are open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 24 May 2026.The 2026 award winners will be announced at the 2026 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Awards event on Thursday 22 October 2026 at Brisbane City Hall.

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organisations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees in 32 countries and territories. We work with clients on their most critical and complex changes, risks, and disputes. Our comprehensive range of services includes business transformation and strategy, restructuring, transactions, investigations, risk and compliance, policy and regulation, disputes, strategic communications, ESG and sustainability, e-discovery and cybersecurity.

Macquarie University

Established in 1964, Macquarie University was founded as a bold experiment in higher education, built to be distinctive, progressive, and transformational. Today, Macquarie is consistently ranked in the top two per cent of universities globally and among the top ten in Australia. Led by Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton, the University is home to five faculties and a leading research community driving innovation across science, health, business and the humanities, including the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences established in 2014.

MMG

MMG is a global mining company producing copper, zinc, and other base metals essential to economic growth and the transition to a lower-carbon future.

With operations across Australia, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru, MMG develops and manages world-class mining assets that support global demand for critical resources. Since its establishment in 2009, the company has focused on combining international expertise with local insight to deliver safe, sustainable, and long-term value for communities, partners, and stakeholders.

AUSMINTEC are specialist business development advisors dedicated to helping Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies simplify international expansion and drive sales growth. With over 15 years of on-the-ground international experience, AUSMINTEC partners with privately held and listed organisations to develop and execute tailored strategies across market entry, brand representation, distribution models, and strategic alliances. Their proven approach empowers clients to navigate the internationalisation process with clarity, confidence and measurable results.

Annual General Meeting 2026

ALABC Annual General Meeting 2026

Event Details:
 Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
 Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm EAST
 Venue: Online

European Aussie Drinks - Special Latin America Edition, Sydney

ALABC is pleased to partner with European Aussie Drinks for their Special Latin America Edition, bringing together European, Australian and Latin American business communities for an evening of meaningful connection and cross-regional conversation. Whether you have ties to Latin America, Europe, or simply enjoy meeting dynamic professionals, this is an event not to be missed.

Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: Cabana Bar, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000

Mexico - Where Opportunity meets prosperity - Conference Room, Sydney

ALABC, together with the Embassy of Mexico, Macquarie Group, Australia, New Zealand & Mexico Business Council and NOJA Power, invites members and guests to an exclusive Sydney event exploring the growing trade and investment relationship between Australia and Mexico.

The session will highlight the key drivers behind Mexico’s strong investment environment, emerging commercial opportunities, and why Mexico continues to position itself as a strategic partner for Australian business across trade, infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Date: Friday, 5 June 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Venue: Level 2, ILUMINA, 1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW, Australia

12 May, Webinar:Energy, Investment and Development: Opportunities from the Energy Transition in Latin America and the Caribbean

04 May, From Western Australia to Latin America: Opportunities in Natural Resources, Perth

ALABC, in partnership with Clifford Chance and delivered alongside the GRX26 Conference, hosted an engaging cocktail reception in Perth bringing together industry leaders, government representatives and members of the diplomatic corps. Speakers Kim Prior, Elliot Luke, Liz Humphry and Simão Antunes offered valuable insights on investment, cross-border collaboration and operational success in Latin America. We thank all speakers and attendees and ALABC members for contributing to a dynamic evening that continues to strengthen the Australia–Latin America natural resources partnership.

23 April: European Aussie Drinks - Special Germany Edition, Sydney

ALABC CEO Kim Prior and Director Trevor Woolfe attended the European Aussie Drinks – Special Germany Edition in Sydney, joining the German-Australian business community for an engaging evening of cross-regional connection. We extend our sincere thanks to the European Aussie Drinks team for their warm invitation and well-curated event. ALABC is pleased to continue participating in this series, with the next event taking place on 28 May in Sydney, and looks forward to deepening engagement across the European-Australian business network.

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

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• Be supported in your business challenges

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