Argentina, Chile, Uruguay: countries seminar

The Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in close cooperation with the Embassies of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay as well as the Belgian Economic & Commercial Attachés will organise a seminar covering those 3 countries on Wednesday 14^th of June 2017. The main purpose of this seminar is to let you discover the potential of these 3 Latin American markets in view of a multi-sectoral trade mission in the first semester of 2018.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are part of the Southern Cone. High life expectancy, the highest Human Development Index of Latin America, high standard of living, significant participation in the global markets and the emerging economy of its members make the Southern Cone the most prosperous macro-region in Latin America.

Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world and the third largest economy in Latin America, with a GDP of 583 billion USD and 43 million inhabitants. Due to the high qualification of its workforce, it also has the 2nd highest GDP per capita in Latin America. The country is a founding member of MERCOSUR, South America's most important trade bloc, and a G-20 member. It has signed 58 bilateral investment treaties (BIT), including one with the Belgium–Luxembourg Economic Union. Even though there are still some macroeconomic imbalances to be tackled, the new administration's leadership to manage an inherited complex situation and the introduction of important structural reforms to liberalise trade and attract investment flows are positively viewed by the international business community and other stakeholders.

Chile is a safe place to do business as confirmed by risk ratings agencies which have increased or maintained their high ratings for the country, highlighting its low level of public debt, the health of its financial system and its solid institutions. Its competitive edge and solid economic foundation makes Chile OECD’s first and only South American economy. It is a nation that breathes a dynamic business culture and displays the highest GDP per capita in the region.  Chile is one of the world’s most attractive countries for investment in non-conventional renewable energy projects (NCRE), after USA, China and India. More than 60 multinational companies have chosen Chile as a platform from where to export services to their clients worldwide.

Uruguay is a reliable country to do business in one of the most economically attractive regions in the world. It offers a favorable business climate with social and political stability. The country has a BBB investment grade ratings from the main credit rating agencies (Standard & Poor´s, Fitch Ratings,…). Investors distinguish Uruguay´s world class telecom infrastructure and excellent quality of life. Uruguay´s attractive tax system for services exports, including free trade zones, investment law, free port and airport; qualified and multilingual talent (Spanish, English, and Portuguese); competitive costs, as well as its regional trade agreements, make it one of the best Latin America’s business gateways.

This event will be enhanced by the presence of HE Pablo Grinspun, Ambassador of Argentina and HE Carlos Pérez del Castillo Artagaveytia, Ambassador of Uruguay. It is open to all sectors of activities. The program of the countries seminar will include presentations of the business opportunities for Luxembourg companies, tips on the cultural and business approach, a testimonial of a Luxembourg company already active in the region, as well as a brief introduction to the support programs of Eurochambers for European companies active in Latin America (ELAN Network/IPR Helpdesk) and a panel discussion about the Southern Cone region. Also, as part of the program, companies will have the possibilities to meet both the Ambassadors and the Belgian Economic & Commercial Attachés for bilateral meetings, upon request (See program enclosed).

Interested companies are kindly requested to duly complete the online registration form before Monday 12^th of June at the latest. Due to the limited amount of time, business meetings will be fixed on a first come, first served basis.

For further information about this upcoming event, feel free to contact Mrs. Violaine Mathurin/Sabrina Aksil (Tel: 42 39 39-481/374) - E-mail: latinamerica@cc.lu.