June 2021 ALABC E-Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends,

Welcome to our June 2021 Newsletter.

We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new Soft Landing Platform.  If you are member of ALABC, do not miss this opportunity to engage and assist Latin American companies and scale ups setting up in Australia. This is an ALABC initiative supported by COALAR to assist our members in gaining access to Latin American companies looking to transition into the Australian market.

If you are an ALABC member and would like to get involved in this program, please register your interest here and follow the registration instructions here. 

For more information regarding this program, please click here.

The ALABC Annual Report for 2021 is also available to read and download. Please download the report here to read about ALABC's achievements during the last 12 months and our plans for the upcoming year. 

 Newsletter June 2021: 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. 
• 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 in social media. 
• Event Sponsorship Opportunities - Provide more exposure to your business by sponsoring an ALABC event through event partnerships and marketing strategies. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have collaboration opportunities. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Yours sincerely,

Marcelo Salas

Chief Executive Officer 

Australia-Latin America Business Council

ceo@alabc.com.au

Why was Latin America hit so hard by covid-19?

WHY HAS Latin America been the region hardest hit by the pandemic? Carlos Castillo-Salgado of Johns Hopkins University blames the informal economy and the example set by Donald Trump. Tulane University’s Valerie Paz-Soldán explains why Peru has been affected the worst.

China’s trade with Latin America is bound to keep growing. Here’s why that matters

The rise of China as a trade powerhouse has had profound implications for global commerce over the last 20 years, with key economic sectors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) among the biggest beneficiaries. Between 2000 and 2020, China-LAC trade grew 26-fold from $12 billion to $315 billion.

Victoria launches a Mining 4.0 virtual trade mission to Chile and Peru

Covid19 has accelerated the transition to a 4.0 mining industry in Latin America. Logistical and health concerns are forcing operations to operate remotely and incorporate new technologies.

During the months of May and June, the Victorian Government will connect a cohort of highly innovative Victorian mining equipment, technology, and service providers (METS) with key mining stakeholders in Chile and Peru.

Central American Bank for Economic Integration to Help El Salvador Implement Bitcoin as Legal Tender

The head of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) expressed his support for El Salvador’s bitcoin law Monday. CABEI Executive President Dante Mossi said that the bank will give El Salvador technical assistance to implement bitcoin as legal tender. Last week, El Salvador became the first country in the world to pass a law making the cryptocurrency legal tender.

Will Bitcoin Be El Salvador's Passport to Riches?

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s populist, social media-savvy president, has bedazzled the ruby-red laser eyes that dot the Twitter profiles of Bitcoin fanatics. They’re cheering his decision earlier this month to hitch his country’s wagon to the cryptocurrency. Beyond the true believers, however, the reception has been chillier. And that’s what should be on his mind.

This village in El Salvador offers a glimpse into the crypto economy

After El Salvador’s congress made bitcoin legal tender this month, eyes are turning to the rural fishing village of El Zonte on the Pacific coast. Known to surfers for its pounding waves, El Zonte has had the cryptocurrency in its economy for the past year.

Could Uruguay Be the Next Country to Make Bitcoin Legal Tender?

Bitcoin is winning hearts in Paraguay – Bill of approval to be tabled next month

It appears that more nations are waking up to smell the coffee in regard to Bitcoin’s global power. The top crypto has been winning hearts in numerous corners across the world. Just a few days ago, El Salvador, a country in Central America, resolved to approve Bitcoin as legal tender to be used by its citizens.

Tedagua begins the operation and production of BHP’s Spence copper mine new desalination plant in Chile

The Detailed Engineering for the plant was developed by Pares&Alvarez in 2017-2018 for the Spanish group Tedagua/Cobra, and the plant started operation in March 2021.

The plant, which considers the use of desalinated water for 100% of the mining process, is reverse osmosis technology. The BOOT contract will transfer ownership to Spence after 20 years.

Path to Net Zero: Chile

Chile was the first South American nation to pledge net zero emissions by 2050. Here's why that means a rethink of its forestry industry

New experimental chamber pathway to ground-breaking discoveries

It’s not easy to predict how rock will fracture when exposed to a blast hundreds of metres below the earth’s surface, but a piece of experimental equipment will take away the guess work for The University of Queensland’s blasting and fragmentation technology team.

Castillo holds narrow lead over Fujimori in Peru’s tight presidential election

LIMA, Peru — Left-wing teachers union leader Pedro Castillo has claimed victory over right-wing former congresswoman Keiko Fujimori in Peru’s closely fought presidential election. But Fujimori has not conceded, and neither election officials nor pollsters or media outlets have declared a result.

ALABC Perth Dinner: Lithium and Electromobility Panel of Experts and Latin American Leadership Award Presentation

Please join ALABC with the Australia-Chile Business Council at the Perth Annual Dinner 2021 for a celebration of the growing relationship between Australia and Latin America. 

This event will have special guests from the Lithium and Electromobility sector who will participate in a panel specially curated for the links between the two regions. 

Please register early as places are limited.

Date: Thursday 29th July 2021

Time: 6pm - 10pm (AWST)

Location: Pan Pacific Hotel, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000

Dress: Business attire

Boardroom Luncheon with Jose Blanco AM

Despite the adverse health, social and economic impact of Covid-19, Latin America continues to hold opportunities for Australia. In the face of economic setbacks, the region is producing more entrepreneurs and generating exciting innovations. Doing business in or with the region varies from country to country, and is definitely not plain sailing, but the potential rewards justify engaging with the region.

Date: Wednesday 4th August 2021

Time: 12 pm - 2 pm

Location: The Brisbane Club, 241 Adelaide St, Brisbane QLD 4000

Green Hydrogen Australia -Chile Why it matters for your business

Please join the Australia-Chile Business Council for a webinar on the Green Hydrogen efforts in Chile and why it matters for your business. 

Date: Thursday 5th August 2021

Time: 7am - 9am

Location: Webinar

The Melbourne Annual Ibero-American Business Networking Event

ALABC in partnership with La Camara is pleased to extend an invitation to our members and friends to attend this business networking event over drinks and canapés. 

Date: Thursday 19th August 2021

Time: 6pm - 7:30pm

Location: Bomba Bar, 103 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000.

Mining ESG-What comes next in Brazil, Chile and Peru

This Mining ESG Forum, hosted by ALABC and PwC, will discuss key challenges and opportunities in these three locations' mining sector as awareness and understanding of ESG grows, while a changing landscape adds more complexities for organisations and investors.

Date: Thursday 26th August 2021

Time: 8:30am

Location: Zoom Webinar

ALABC Canberra Networking Day 2021

Exclusive invite for ALABC Patron & Large Corporate Members to participate in our 11th Annual Canberra Networking Day 2021. Please join us at Parliament House in Canberra bringing together our Patron and Large Corporate Members with the Latin American heads of mission, the directors of the ALABC, representatives of key allies (e.g. Department of Industry, Department of Home Affairs, DFAT, state governments, Austrade, etc.) and guests from both the public and private sectors.

Date: Wednesday 27th October 2021

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Location: Parliament House, Canberra ACT

Pares&Alvarez

City Tattersalls Club

GHD

GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings and transportation. We provide engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to private and public sector clients. Through our offices in Santiago, Chile we are able to support a range of international and national clients in Chile and more broadly in Latin America.

Ausenco

Today we are a global company providing consulting, engineering, project delivery and asset operations, management and optimisation solutions to the minerals & metals, oil & gas and industrial sectors. We add value to our clients’ projects and deliver results, even in the most challenging environments. Our global team is based across 26 offices in 14 countries and many project locations.

South Pole

South Pole's range of climate solutions empower organisations to seize the opportunities climate change presents and to mitigate climate-related risks. We identify and implement the right steps for transforming our global society and economy.

Plotlogic

Plotlogic was established in 2016 to develop and implement high quality ore characterisation systems for the mining industry. In the short history of plotlogic, early stage funding has been secured, patents filed and protoypes developed.

SolGold

SolGold is a leading exploration company focussed on the discovery and definition of world-class copper-gold deposits. SolGold has a first mover advantage in Ecuador, a highly prospective yet under-explored section of the Andean Copper Belt, home of multiple Tier 1 copper and gold projects and half of the world’s copper resources. SolGold has the right team, track record and resources to succeed.

Pretium Tax

My clients need personalised and global advice which not many tax advisors can offer in Australia.

I am a Public Accountant, MBA, Member of the Institute of Public Accountants and a Registered Tax Agent in Australia. I am also a Board Director of the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC).

Welcome Students Group

Welcome Students Group is a registered education agency that has been helping international students since 2015. We work face to face and via phone and email with customers all around the world to help them find the courses and institutions that best suit their needs.

World Kinect

World Kinect Energy Services is trusted by customers worldwide to deliver conventional and renewable liquid fuels, lubricants, electricity and natural gas. With 35 years of experience delivering on time and in full, we are there when you need us, where you need us. Today, we facilitate fuel, wind and solar power, along with sustainability services and data management for international brands and local businesses.

ALABC Sydney Annual Dinner 2021

On the 27th May 2021, ALABC hosted our first Annual Dinner for 2021. We would like to thank our wonderful guest speakers Sandra Martínez, CEO of Nestlé Australia and The Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and for COVID Recovery for presenting very useful and relevant insights on the trade and investment opportunities between Australia and Latin America. 

A big thank you to our Gold sponsor, Austrade, Silver sponsor, DFAT and Bronze sponsor, Oceania Legal for making the night possible. We are very grateful for the opportunity to work together and continue promoting Latin America as a great business opportunity. 

The photos from the night are now available on our website. Please feel free to share with your friends and colleagues through social media. 

Please don't forget to check our calendar of upcoming events to secure your place at the next ALABC event. 

Fintech in Mexico: Is the sector ready for Australian and New Zealand businesses? 

On the 13th May 2021, ALABC in collaboration with ANZMEX hosted a webinar on Fintech opportunities in Mexico. ALABC would like to thank our amazing panel of experts who joined the call to share their insights on opportunities in this industry between Australia and Latin America. If you missed the webinar, please click the link below to watch the recording. 

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