November 2021 ALABC E-Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends,

Welcome to our November 2021 Newsletter.

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Key points from the ALABC Annual Networking Day 2021 - If you missed the Annual Networking day this year, please catch up by reading the speakers insights between Australia and Latin America. 
• Industry News - A combination of news articles specifically curated for news relevant to the Latin American region. 
  
• Upcoming Events - Registration links so that you can secure your place at important business events. 
  
• Featured Members - Find out which companies are being featured this month. 
  
• New Members - Get in contact with our new member companies to create new business opportunities. 
  
• Previous Events - Gain access to previous event photos and webinar recordings to share with your friends and colleagues on social media. 
  
• Event Sponsorship Opportunities - Provide more exposure to your business by sponsoring an ALABC event through event partnerships and marketing strategies. 
  

Richard Andrews

Chairman of ALABC

With the support of COALAR, we've launched our first ever soft-landing platform, which is designed to provide an easy transition for Latin American companies wanting to enter the Australian market. Through this platform ALABC offers access to our local business ecosystem providing on the ground technical support, recommendations and services to accelerate entry into the Australian market. ALABC’s Soft-Landing program is perfectly aligned with the Australian Government strategy to attract global talent and companies that have unique technologies and innovations.

Mr. Peter Verwer AO

Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

Those ambitions are particularly valuable in terms of our relationship with Latin American countries. To achieve those ambitions, we needed to have a game plan, a suite of ambitious policy signals from Australia that are relevant to this conversation today and relevant to the opportunity set that we're exploring, whether it be Australia's modern manufacturing strategy, whether it be the digital economy strategy, whether we're looking at building a civil space economy, the health and life sciences, Ag Tech, FinTech revolutions in resources, we just heard about hydrogen, these wonderful opportunities that exist, but are backed up by a clear policy direction.

It's interesting that these policy priorities map very neatly on to the Australia Latin American Business Council’s. criteria. So, it's sector priorities are In many ways, the criteria that exists for ALABC’s soft landing platform.

Norma Ramiro

Post Manager, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

Australian Trade and Investment Commission 

The Buratovich example makes us optimistic that we can encourage further investment from Latin America into Australia, not only in agribusiness, but in renewable energy and high technology industries, such as aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, and demonstrate that Latin America can be an increasingly important source of productive, foreign direct investment for Australia, across a variety of sectors.

HE Mr. Ronald Recinos

Ambassador of Guatemala to Australia

SICA countries represent a population of over 57 million people and our privileged geographical position places us next to North America and its population of over 500 million people and right next door to South America, and its population of over 430 million people. That is a potential market of almost a billion people, which is almost comparable to the population of China.

Besides our geographical position, and the population of the SICA countries, we have many other advantages for Australian businesses to consider. First, our production costs are very low. Just to set some examples: The minimum wage in Australia is around $14.5 per hour. While the average minimum wage in the SICA countries is around $2 an hour. Income tax in Australia can be anywhere from 19% to 45%. While the average income taxes in the SICA countries varies from 19 to 27%. We have a great and big labor force, a young one to.  Over 35% of our population is under 35 years of age right now.

Mr. Nigel Warren

Commissioner to the Americas

State Government of Victoria & COALAR Board Member

I think there's an opportunity to rethink about how we position the country, and the importance of the connectivity of students. And what do they do after they study?. There is kind of a really unique opportunity, maybe for ALABC, to think about that in a fresh way.

The Hon. Dan Tehan MP

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment 

The Latin Americans were again key collaborators with us in making sure that we tried to advance the agenda for the ministerial meeting at the end of the World Trade Organization.  We will be grouping together in the lead up to that meeting, which takes place at the end of November. But it's just not multilaterally where we're doing important work together. Also, when it comes to APEC and when it comes to CPTPP, we're doing important work in terms of setting the regional liberalization agenda. One of the very important bilateral meetings I had the G 20 was with Mexico, where we very much discuss the future of CPTPP.

Libby Ferrari

Acting Vice President

Global Indigenous Engagement and Community, BHP

There are two projects one at Antamina with Conservation International. That project is really working to turn the tide against deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon,  working closely with indigenous peoples, farmers and communities to make them be effective stewards of land. We have a second big project in Latin America called the Leadership and Global Learning for Communities’ Impact Project and that's a partnership with the organization Teach for All. It is about creating locally rooted global leaders, typically young people, and working with other organizations in the region to make sure that there is change happening with youth, students, schools, families, and communities. 

Jose Blanco AM

Chair Emeritus 

ALABC

In an ever-changing global landscape, made even more challenging by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, by the threat of global warming and by the growing ascendency of an increasingly assertive China, Australia must chart a strategy that will protect its interests and maximise its potential on all fronts. 

Argentina, Fortescue unveil hydrogen plan

Australian mining billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest is planning what could be up to an $US8.4 billion ($A11.2 billion) "green hydrogen" investment in Argentina, the South American country's government says, following a meeting between the businessman and President Alberto Fernandez.

Education in Latin America after the pandemic

In early 2020, Covid-19 forced countries across Latin America to take measures to keep children, young people, and adults away from schools. Many countries have declared educational quarantines as part of efforts to stop the pandemic, but more than a year-and-a-half later, governments are already thinking, what is next?

Latin America in the Low-Carbon Age

Many analysts say the pandemic is accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. It’s too early to say if that’s true but it has certainly increased the green grandstanding from politicians and CEOs. BP claims it is no longer an oil company, and aims to be ‘carbon neutral’ by 2050, while Toyota, the world’s biggest carmaker, will no longer make internal combustion engines from 2040.

Look at Chile, find out how we are creating a better future.

We are a creative and resiliant country, connected from the southern edge of the planet to the world. 

A diverse, democratic republic spanning 4,300 km, with 7 different climates spread over 3 continents, and 19.5 million people who seek to create a better future together.

Oracle to invest in new Data Center in Chile

This will be the US giant’s second center in the country, after the first one opened in the Metropolitan Region in December 2020. The investment amount has not been disclosed, nor was an amount reported during the construction of Oracle’s first cloud service in Chile.  

International start-ups explain why they chose Chile 

Chile’s vibrant local entrepreneurship ecosystem, international trade agreements, financing programs and high level of technological development are the main factors that attract foreign investment to the country. 

Investment in Brazilian Startups Is Booming

Risky investment bets on young technology entrepreneurs in Brazil are starting to pay off. That is spurring a boom in startup financing in a country long dominated by entrenched corporate giants.

SOLD OUT

Ecuador: The Outlook for the Mining Sector, Challenges and Opportunities - With the Vice-Minister of Mines of Ecuador, Mr. Xavier Vera-Grunauer

Investment Opportunities in Infrastructure in the Pacific Alliance

The Embassies of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru in Australia, and the entities in charge of trade and investment promotion of the Pacific Alliance, invite you to participate as a special guest on an online webinar on the investment opportunities of the Pacific Alliance.

In this event hosted with the Australia-Latin America Business Council , we will present a group of projects in infrastructure (focused on roads, airports, ports, and water distribution systems).

Date: Wednesday 24th November 2021

Time: 10:00am (AEST)

Location: Online

Australia and LATAM Energy Management: Pricing trends and Renewable Energy Projects in the regions

The wind, sun (solar) and wave power can all generate renewable energy. Australia and LATAM has an abundance of both renewable and non-renewable energy with these sources powering our homes, cars and industry, and therefore are a key contributor to Australian and LATAM economic prosperity.

Date: Thursday 25th November 2021

Time: 8:30am (AEDT)

Location: Online webinar

Australia-Latin America Business Forum; Pathways to Commercial Success in Latin America

Business confidence is essential for profitable trade and investment. This seminar, presented by the Australian Disputes Centre in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce and DLA Piper, looks at the challenges for trade and investment in Latin America and provides strategies, tips and tools on how dispute risks can best be managed and resolved. With presenters from Chile, Mexico, Peru and Australia the discussion covers the hot topics causing concern across the continent.

Date: Tuesday 14th December 2021

Time: 5:30pm - 7pm (AEDT) 

Location: Online or in person at Level 16, 1 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, Australia, New South Wales, 2000, Australia

Register here to attend in person or virtually. 

Cruise with the Australia-Latin America Business Network on Sydney Harbour 2021

Join us and celebrate this Christmas in a unique event where you can expand your business network while you enjoy the majestic views of Sydney Harbour, live music, drinks, and canapés onboard a luxury boat.

Organised by Veta Travel and proudly supported by the Australia-Latin America Business Council, this inaugural Christmas Party provides an excellent opportunity to mingle with ALABC members and friends in a relaxed setting.

Invite your friends and BOOK your tickets today. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE.

Date: Thursday 16th December 2021

Time: 12pm - 4pm (AEDT)

Location: Darling Harbour (King Street Wharf)

Dress: Smart Casual

SAVE THE DATE:

ALABC Melbourne Annual Dinner 2022

Please save the date for our upcoming Annual Melbourne Dinner on Monday 31st January 2022. 

This event will be an execellent way for our network to kick start the year 2022 for business operations between Australia and Latin America. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

SAVE THE DATE:

ALABC Brisbane Annual Dinner 2022

Please save the date for our upcoming Annual Brisbane Dinner on Thursday 17th March 2022. 

This event will be an execellent way for our network to kick start the year 2022 for business operations between Australia and Latin America. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sydney Annual Dinner - Latin American Leadership Award and ALABC-COALAR Business Excellence Award

Date: Thursday 28th April 2022

Time: 6:30pm - 10pm

Location: Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Tristan Pascall Explains Why We Need Mines Like Cobre Panama to Meet the Challenge of Climate Change

First Quantum was born in Africa and is now present in eight other countries around the world. Prior to our involvement at Cobre Panama, we had some exploration projects in the region, so we had already put boots on the ground. But now our presence in Latin America is dominated by Cobre Panama. We own 90% of the asset alongside our 10% partners KOMIR and together we have invested $6.7billion in developing a mine that will be running for at least 35 years. 

Financial advisory for the critical moments that define your businesses’ success.

Throughout the course of your business life, you will face defining events that shape the future of your organisation and drive its future value. You may be seeking to close an M&A transaction, conduct a forensic investigation, contest an issue in court, restructure your business or even finance a major investment.

Our team of financial advisory experts is well-versed in the financial challenges you will face and will work closely with you to provide tailored, practical and technical advice to guide you through these critical moments. Want to know more? Speak to a Mazars Financial Advisory expert today.

Trade and Investment Commissioner Update: Craig Ford — Austrade Mexico

Craig Ford, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Latin America shares a region update on opportunities for education organisations across ELICOS, VET and higher education across Latin America. The top five region trends outline how Australian education providers can share their marketing messages in engaging students from the region.

Find out more: www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Education/News

Geo Oceans

Geo Oceans is an industry-leading asset deployed mini-ROV technology and services company. Our team is driven to bring innovative solutions to the subsea and environmental markets, ultimately reducing our risk, cost, and time.

Geo Oceans is part of the Vertech Group which includes complementary and specialist service providers including; Vertech (AU, NZ, and USA) who deliver a comprehensive array of inspection, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and maintenance packages; Sonomatic who is recognised as a global leader in specialised NDT, both topside and subsea; and Abseil Access a specialist infrastructure, geotechnical and bridge design provider located in New Zealand.

Fast Facilities

Fast Facilities Services Pty Ltd (FFS) is a privately-owned provider of Commercial and Strata Integrated Cleaning and Facility Services company who aspires to build a carefully structured team of workers, who are honest and dependable at all levels of our operation. We continually train our employees and keep them abreast of all procedures and process changes, ensuring that our clients get the top-level service they deserve.

To ensure our clients receive the best we carefully select and engage our workforce as direct employees only who have met our stringent standards for OHS policies, quality assurance and environmental management.

We are big enough to provide, small enough to care'. FFS provide end-to-end property management solutions and have the flexibility to meet every customer’s needs.

ALABC & CR Mining - Young Mining Professionals Event: Digital Technology in Mining

ALABC in collaboration with YMP Brisbane was delighted to host a networking event in Brisbane for young mining professionals, members and stakeholders of ALABC with a technology and innovation focus.

This valuable networking event allowed for indivduals to hear from experts who are currently operating in the mining technology space and to newtork together to generate business growth and opportunity.  

ALABC Member's App to help you stay connected

Staying in touch has been difficult for all of us during this pandemic. With the Member's app, you can interact with fellow members anywhere from your mobile device, update your member profile, including your address, phone, email and Linkedin. You can even email and call fellow members, so it’s easier for you to stay in touch and build a community.

You will find it easier than ever to register and attend events using the mobile app. You can view your event calendar and event details, and register for events directly from the app.

You can also keep on top of your existing event registrations by viewing your tickets, adding events to your calendar, and make online payments.

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

Benefits of Membership

• Generate new opportunities
• Make valuable connections
• Have your finger on the pulse
• Gain access to experts
• Be supported in your business challenges

How to join: Please review our fees and benefits below and then submit your application here.