Member Article

Latin American business opportunities on menu with UKTI at IFB 2014

All eyes are on Brazil this week in the run-up to the World Cup, and for businesses there will be the chance to explore enterprise across the whole of Latin America at a conference organised by UK Trade & Investment (UTKI) as part of the International Festival of Business.

The World Cup and Olympic Games in Brazil will provide high value opportunities in infrastructure as well as stadia, security and related products and services, but there are also plentiful prospects in other markets in the region.

The event offers keynote speakers, a business panel focusing on the Pacific Alliance markets of Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru - and the opportunity to network with speakers and delegates.

The IFB is the UK’s largest business event in the UK during 2014, and will highlight the benefits of exporting for businesses large and small with over 200 events running back-to-back.

The festival is part of the Government’s ambition to promote economic growth rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020. UKTI is holding 16 major events across the IFB.

Paul Eadie, MBE, UKTI’s Specialist Adviser for Latin America, says: “Brazil is receiving a lot of publicity right now, but there are many opportunities in the whole of Latin America in a range of sectors.

“Chile is one of the best run economies in Latin America and is the 37th easiest country to do business with worldwide. Mining, infrastructure, consumer goods, healthcare and defence equipment are all important.

“Argentina is another vibrant market, and the UK has been a regular supplier of automotive, healthcare, IT and mining equipment there for many years.

“Venezuela has more proven oil reserves than anywhere in the world, and Panama boasts major high value opportunities with the widening of the Panama Canal and extension of the underground system.

“Our seminar at IFB has been lucky to attract major speakers and panelists from Panama, Chile, Peru and Mexico, and we will be following up with a market visit for North West companies to Mexico, Columbia and Peru in November.

“The UK needs to increase its market share in Latin America, and we are here to help businesses achieve this”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .