The Chambre de Commerce in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, in close cooperation with the Embassies of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay as well as the Belgian Economic & Commercial Attachés, is organising a countries Seminar on Argentina, Chile and Uruguay on Wednesday 14 June 2107 from 08:30, with a focus on ICT, Logistics, Space, Financial services and Renewable energies.

The main purpose of this seminar is to let Luxembourg companies discover the potential of these three 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, HE Raúl Fernández Daza, Ambassador of Chile and HE Carlos Pérez del Castillo Artagaveytia, Ambassador of Uruguay. It is open to all sectors of activities. The programme 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 programmes 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 programme, companies will have the possibilities to meet both the Ambassadors and the Belgian Economic & Commercial Attachés for bilateral meetings, upon request.

PROGRAMME

08:30 Arrival of the guests - Welcome coffee and breakfast
08:55 Group picture of all the speakers and signature of the Golden Book
09:00 Welcome address: Carlo Thelen, Director General, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

1st part: Argentina
09:05 Opening speech about Argentina: HE Pablo Grinspun, Ambassador of Argentina to Belgium and Luxembourg
09:10 Business Opportunities in Argentina with a focus on ICT, financial services, space and renewable energies: Pablo Castagnino, First secretary, Embassy of Argentina to Belgium and Luxembourg
09:25 Cultural & business approach of the Argentinian market: Martin Cardoen, Economic & commercial Attaché, AWEX, Buenos Aires

2nd part: Chile
09:40 Opening speech about Chile: HE Raúl Fernández Daza, Ambassador of Chile to Belgium and Luxembourg
09:45 Business Opportunities in Chile with a focus on Global Services and Energy: Susana Véliz, Commercial Representative, Prochile, Brussels
10:00 Cultural & business approach of the Chilean market: Liliana Herrera, Economic & commercial Attachée, AWEX, Santiago

10:15-10:30 coffee-break

3rd part: Uruguay

10:30 Opening speech about Uruguay: HE Carlos Pérez del Castillo Artagaveytia, Ambassador of Uruguay to Belgium and Luxembourg
10:35 Business Opportunities in Uruguay with a focus on logistics, financial services and ICT: Fiorella Bafundo, Business Services Specialist, Uruguay XXI, Uruguay Investment and Export promotion agency
10:50 Cultural & business approach of the Uruguayan market: Jimena Villar, Economic & commercial Attachée, Brussels Investment & Trade, Montevideo
11:05 The support programs of Eurochambers for European companies in Latin America: ELAN Network/IPR Helpdesk: Nicoletta Favaretto, Senior Project Officer, International Affairs, Eurochambers
11:25 Testimonial of a Luxembourg company active in Latin America: Marc Tkatcheff, Senior Associate, in charge of the Luxembourg-LatAm desk, Avocat à la Cour, Allen & Overy, Buenos Aires
11:40 Panel discussion and Q & A session: “Why should the Luxembourg companies be interested in the Southern Cone region? What are the usual misconceptions about the region?...”: Moderator: Jeannot Erpelding, Director, International Affairs, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
• HE Pablo Grinspun, Ambassador of Argentina to Belgium and Luxembourg
• HE Raúl Fernández Daza, Ambassador of Chile to Belgium and Luxembourg
• HE Carlos Pérez del Castillo Artagaveytia, Ambassador of Uruguay to Belgium and Luxembourg

12:30-14:00 Networking lunch in presence of the 3 Ambassadors

Afternoon: Time for individual bilateral meetings upon request with the Ambassadors of the 3 countries, together with the respective Economic & Commercial Attachés. Meetings will be organised on a “first come, first served” basis for the companies, which will be requested to ask their questions in advance. Those bilateral meetings should last +- 30 min, depending on the number of requests the organisers will receive.

To attend this conference to discover the potential of these three countries of the Southern Cone, register by 12 June online at http://bit.ly/2qWnD2c

For further information, contact Mrs. Violaine Mathin/Sabrina Aksil (Teurl: 423939-481/374) or E-mail: latinamerica@cc.lu