December 2022 ALABC E-Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends,


On behalf of the Board of Directors of ALABC, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our last newsletter for 2022 and send you our best wishes for the festive season and a Happy New Year 2023.

At ALABC, we are very proud for our achievements during 2022. We were able to continue adding value to our members, fulfilling our mission and vision.

We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our members and sponsors, who renewed their commitment to the Latin American region this year. We are also very grateful to the Australian Federal Government and we feel very proud of our partnerships with Global Victoria, Trade and Investment Queensland and Investment NSW.

Marcelo Salas

Chief Executive Officer

Australia-Latin America Business Council

Connect on LinkedIn >>

For 2023, We will soon re-launch the Latin American Business Excellence Award competition and continue our very successful Soft-Landing Program for Latin American companies wanting to grow their business presence in Australia. We will continue improving our alliances with like-minded organisations based in Latin America, supporting further flight connections with the region and consolidating the network of free trade agreements including the Pacific Alliance, CPTPP.

ALABC will continue working with our key stakeholders in government, industry and academia to deepen the business engagement between Australia and the Latin American region, building new and innovative programs to enhance knowledge and mutual understanding.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period. We hope that 2023 brings good health and recovery as we continue working towards growing the business links between Australia and Latin America. I look forward to connecting with you all in the new year.

Best regards,

Marcelo Salas
Chief Executive Officer 
Australia-Latin America Business Council
ceo@alabc.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE 

  • 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. 
  • New Members - Get in contact with our new member companies to create new business opportunities. 
  • Featured Members - Find out which companies are being featured this month. 
  • 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. 

    Australia-Colombia Tax Treaty

    The Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Treasurer, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, announced on 16 November that the Albanese Government will expand Australia’s tax treaty network to 7 countries, including Colombia. Treasury is therefore seeking submissions from stakeholders to support the expansion of Australia’s tax treaties network. Submissions are sought on the key outcomes Australia should seek in negotiating these tax treaties and any other issues related to Australia’s tax treaty network.

    ALABC will submit its response, ensuring the provisions of the Tax Treaty to be negotiated cover the most important tax matters for organisations and individuals in Australia and Colombia.

    Responses to this consultation can be submitted up until 23 December 2022. Interested parties are invited to comment on this consultation.

    More information in the link below:

    Read more >>

    Australia Letter of Credence - Ambassador of the Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Ambassador in Japan (@rdenjapon), H.E. Robert Takata (@robert_takata) presented letter of credence for the first time for a Dominican Ambassador in Australia, in capacity of concurrent Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia.

    H.E. Takata presented the letters in front of H.E. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and his Spouse, Ms. Linda Hurley. In the ceremony, Ambassador Takata expressed the warm greetings on behalf of the President of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Luis Abinader @LuisAbinader, and on behalf of the Dominican people. At the same time, Ambassador manifested the intention of continue working in priority areas for both nations, which in this 2022 reached the 25th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations establishment.

    The Dominican Republic and it's four pillars - H.E. Robert Takata, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Australia

    Economical and political stability: Despite the negative effects generated by various international factors such as: financial crisis, natural disasters, international conflicts and, recently, the multidimensional effects of the pandemic, the Dominican Republic has been proving to be a resilient and stable economy, having a solid recovery in its GDP of +12.3% (2021) and an average growth around 5% during the last decade.

    Not to mention the stability of the government system and the democracy, freedom and human values, which we are committed to protect.

    Read more >>

    LATAM Airlines goes daily from Sydney, Melbourne restart revealed

    LATAM Airlines is boosting its Sydney to Santiago via Auckland for the second time this year, with its now daily service opening up even more opportunities for Australians to discover the history and culture of South America. 

    Initially returning three times a week in March following a two year break, and later ramping up to five times weekly in July, the new daily Boeing 787 connection unlocks over 120 destinations including Buenos Aires, Lima and Rio De Janeiro.

    Read more >>

    This metal is essential for the transition to renewable energy. Experts say a shortage is looming

    In November, the Global Carbon Project released its latest stocktake figures of the world's total greenhouse emissions. According to the report, the world will, at the current trajectory, exceed the carbon limit for a global warming of 1.5 degree Celsius within nine years.

    Some data suggests that, if the world was to warm by just 2 degrees, an additional 177 million people would face water scarcity and an extra 62 million people would experience severe droughts.

    Read more >>

    Court approves offshore oil exploration projects off coast of Buenos Aires Province

    A court in Argentina has authorised oil exploration projects in three maritime areas off the Atlantic coast of Buenos Aires Province, while demanding that the "maximum level of control on operations" be applied.

    In a ruling reported in the local press, the Federal Court of Appeals (second instance) in Mar del Plata authorised "the continuation of prospecting activities involving the project," removing an injunction put in place by a local judge. 

    Read more >>

    Lithium Power International acquires water rights for Maricunga Lithium Project

    Lithium Power International Ltd (ASX:LPI) has completed the acquisition of water rights covering its Maricunga Lithium Project in Chile.

    The acquisition of the 62 litres/second CAN 6 rights, gives LPI the ability to replace a long-term lease previously held for part of its water requirements.

    LPI has now secured the supply for future needs of its Stage One project and any future expansions and with this ownership, LPI is able to control its future water consumption without the risk of external interference from third parties.

    Read more >>

    Solar technology heralds greener future in Chile

    Chile continues to work on the development of its green hydrogen business model. As part of this, CORFO (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción – in English, the Production Development Corporation) has worked to better coordinate the public sector in order to promote the most sustainable growth model for the country and continue to be a forerunner in the field of energy transition.

    In the words of Corfo’s executive vice-president, Miguel Benavente, Chile is quite advanced and is a pioneer in regards to use of green hydrogen. However, being a pioneer brings a lot of uncertainties which must in turn be addressed. A key role of the public sector is to be able to mitigate these uncertainties.

    Read more >>

    Peru is tackling water scarcity with nature-based solutions, leading the way in Latin America

    Josefa Mería has lived in the Peruvian city of Moyobamba, where the Andes meet the Amazon rainforest, for more than 30 years. Even in this humid tropical climate, she remembers when some 20 years ago there was such little water that services to the city were frequently cut off, angering the entire city.

    “There was a lot of frustration, because, you know, you can lack everything, except water,” Mería tells Mongabay by phone from Moyobamba, adding, “the problem was already becoming more and more serious."

    Read more >>

    Bet on Brazil


    Brazilians across the political spectrum reacted passionately to socialist Lula’s election victory. The supporters of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took to the streets across Latin America’s largest economy to celebrate with red flags and convoys of honking cars. Meanwhile those of his defeated rival, outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro held mass prayer meetings for their country’s impending challenges.


    Read more >>

    Lake Resources


    Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE; OTC:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. Lake’s four projects cover 2,200 sq km in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world’s lithium is produced at the lowest cost.

    An Australian public company, Lake aims to become an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium. Lake’s projects are readily scalable and its battery-quality product is in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle (EV) makers and battery makers worldwide.


    Read more >>

    Mast Pty Ltd ATF HDE Migration Trust

    Mast Pty Ltd ATF HDE Migration Trust


    Maree is an experienced registered migration agent and has assisted many Spanish speaking visa applicants to gain permanent residence and Australian citizenship.


    Maree has a long history assisting visa applicants from Latin America and have close ties to the Latin American community in Brisbane and surrounds.


    Read more >>

    Microlote Coffee

    Micro Lote Coffee is purchased directly from Cooperatives in the South and Center of Colombia.

    These Cooperatives are owned by small coffee farmers with an average landholding of 2 hectares per family who work together to receive a fair price for their coffee.

    Eliminating the middle man from the supply chain allows MICRO LOTE COFFEE and the Cooperatives to show a commitment to the wellbeing of farmers and their 600 families and to protect the environment by discouraging land clearing and preserving precious water reserves.

    Our mission is to work and support sustainable and small farming in Colombia, striving to achieve the balance in the coffee industry and to bring the best to Australia.

    Read more >>

    22 November 2022

    ALABC COALAR Canberra Networking Day

    It was a great privilege to welcome the Honourable Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, to our Annual Canberra Networking Day for 2022.

    The Australia-Latin America Business Council, in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) hosted our flagship event for 2022 on the 22nd of November at Parliament House.

    With thanks to the Hon. Tim Watts, our Chairman Richard Andrews along with an exclusive group of Latin American Ambassadors, Government officials, Patron members and the ALABC Board had the chance to hear about the Australian Government's priorities to working with Latin America and the value of engaging with the people who will continue to develop and grow the relationship between the regions.

    Over 40 people attended this exclusive and private event, including 14 Latin American Ambassadors and Heads of Mission.

    The transcript from all presentations is now available via this link >>

    View photos >>

    2 November 2022

    IMARC Latin America Mining Dinner

    The ALABC Latin America Mining Dinner was held on the opening day of the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC).
    Many of our special guests and speakers had travelled from overseas and interstate to take part in IMARC and this event, with delegations from Chile, Peru, Argentina and Ecuador 
    to which was well received last night with over 240 people in attendance.

    Our guests had the opportunity to hear from 5 exceptional speakers and experts in the mining and resources industry:

    The Hon. Madeleine King MP, Australian Federal Minister for Resources,
    Ms Maria Fernanda Avila, Secretary for Mines of Argentina,
    Mr Darryl Cuzzubbo, CEO of SolGold Plc
    Mr Darrell White, Executive General Manager - Americas at Thiess
    Mr Carlos Castro Silvestre, Manager - Corporate Affairs and Business Development at MMG Limited Las Bambas 

    GOLD SPONSORDuratray International

    Duratray International is a leading global designer and manufacturer of high-efficiency customised dump bodies for haulage equipment.

    From its headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria, Duratray has been operating in Australia since 2001, when it was acquired by Chilean holding Conyment International Group. Since inception, the company has grown its international footprint to more than 35 countries and established offices and manufacturing facilities in a number of locations including South Africa and Canada. Duratray's dump bodies have a high level of acceptance in large-scale open-pit mineral mines such as bauxite, coal, copper, diamonds, nick, gold and iron ore.

    Currently, there are over 2,000 high-efficiency customised Duratray dump bodies operating globally, ranging in sizes from 40 to 400 tones for all major truck manufactures, including Caterpillar, Komatsu and Liebherr.

    SILVER SPONSORS: EucoClean Australia and Intermodal Solutions Group. 

    BRONZE SPONSORS: Andes AgileLake Resources, LQG Energy & Mining Consulting.

    View photos >>

    20 October 2022

    Perth Annual Dinner

    Our guests had the opportunity to hear a keynote address by Ms Jessica Shaw MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier of WA and guest speaker's address by Ms Florence Drummond, Co-Founder of IWIMRA and Indigenous Engagement Advisor at Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd

    Thank you to both our wonderful speakers for providing insight into the importance of the connection with Latin America and speaking about their own experiences in the region.

    GOLD SPONSOR: Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers

    Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF) is growing a portfolio of leading, sustainable businesses that operate in domestic, national and international markets. Each of our nine businesses are recognised as safe, reliable and innovative organisations that are leaders in their respective industries with a strong commitment to their customers.

    WesCEF entered into the growing lithium sector in 2019 in a joint venture with Chilean company SQM. The Mt Holland Lithium project will see the business deliver one of the world’s highest quality integrated hard rock ore to refined lithium chemicals projects in the world. WesCEF is part of Wesfarmers Limited, a diversified conglomerate listed on the ASX and one of the nation’s largest employers with more than 100,000 employees.

    SILVER SPONSOR: Latin Resources Limited

    BRONZE SPONSOR: SolGold

    View photos >>

    18 October 2022

    Boardroom Luncheon with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina

    On Tuesday 18 October ALABC welcomed the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, Ambassador Pablo Tettamanti.

    This event was well attended by guests and members at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in Sydney. 

    View photos >>


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