The Airport Economist: Next stop, doing business in Latin America by Tim Harcourt

Between 2016 and 2017, Tim Harcourt hosted a popular and interesting show called ‘The Airport Economist’. The show, sponsored by major Australia companies, examined the economic trends in Asian, focusing on ‘doing business’. Additionally, the series looked at how both Australian and international companies entered and operated in the various marketplaces in the region. During the series, Tim found that there was a range of diverse commercial opportunities for foreign companies looking to commence operations in the region.

Despite the attractiveness of the various economies in Asia, there was a region that stood out in terms of openness and opportunity – Latin America.

Shortly, Tim and the Airport Economist Team will be launching their next series (which will be shown on Sky news). Various groups, both public and private have jumped at the opportunity to be part of this, including LATAM airlines, The Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CSIRO amongst other. Even current Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, has provided ‘Latin Lessons’ to the Airport Economist as a method of preparation.

The Airport Economist plans to delve deep into the varying regions encompassing Latin America, examining how business is conducted and how Australian and international companies manage their commercial operations on a day-to-day basis. 

Peru is one region that stands out, with one particularly strong sector being its agricultural sector. Peru has earned itself the reputation as the ‘superfood powerhouse’ of not only Latin America, but the world. Australia Ambassador to Peru, Nick McCaffrey, will be interviewed in regards to various opportunities for Australian companies in Peru which have been enhanced recently given the FTA between Austral and Peru (PAFTA). 

Chile will also be explored in depth, with a focus on the government’s commitment to foreign participation, but also the regions varying FTAs that provide it with access to 80% of the world economy. Australia and Chile have always had a close relationship, however, one sector that has been at the forefront of this relationship has been mining. Every 2 years, Chile hosts ‘Expomin’, a large mining show which attracts over 1300 exhibitors. Australian mining companies have always had a strong presence at this event, and the Airport Economist was able to interview a number of mining engineering, technology and services companies involved in the Latin American mining sector. Tim was also able to speak to Australian Ambassador, Robert Fergusson, regarding Australias strong and historical economic ties with Chile.

In addition to Chile and Peru, The Airport Economist will examine other diverse LATAM markets such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay

The LATAM region is large, powerful and full of potential, too great a force to be overlooked and having a raft of business opportunities and attractive sectors such as agriculture, mining, technology, professional services. The region has become a natural Allie with Australia, with shared associations such as WTO, G20, APEC and the Pacific Alliance, providing sufficient platforms to increase both commercials, political and educational relations between the two great regions. 

For the full article, please see the following.

For more information, please reach out to Tim Harcourt personally at tim.harcourt@unsw.edu.au or via the Airport Economist website.