Seizing the moment: boosting links between Australia and Latin America

Relations between Australia and Latin America are set to be given a boost with a major new forum bringing industry leaders, government, entrepreneurs, investors and academia together to focus on opportunities to deepen relations and boost trade.
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The forum will be opened with an official welcome by the Mayor of Melbourne, Nick Reece, followed by a keynote address from the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, who will set the strategic context for the day. The event will feature more than 30 key leaders and panel discussions led by expert moderators, including the AFR's National Affairs Columnist Jennifer Hewett.

At a pivotal time in global history, the forum is designed to seize the moment and elevate links between Australia and Latin America to a new level. Australian companies already have a strong presence in Latin America with major investments in the region’s mining, infrastructure and services sectors and more than 200 ASX-listed companies active across Latin America.

There is great potential for expansion as Latin American economies represent USD 7.3 trillion in output and about 7% of global GDP and are home to about 40 per cent of the world’s copper production and almost half of the world’s lithium reserves.

Hosted by the Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC), the forum will take place on 16 June 2026 at Melbourne Town Hall. The forum is supported by the Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

ALABC CEO Kim Prior said the Australia–Latin America corridor was emerging as one of the most strategically significant partnerships of the coming decade.

“Australia and Latin America share complementary strengths across critical minerals, renewable energy, agriculture, innovation and education,” Ms Prior said.

“This forum is about moving beyond goodwill and positioning both regions at the centre of the next economic cycle as dependable trade and investment partners.”

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The Latitudes of Opportunity: Australia–Latin America Forum 2026 will feature about 250 senior leaders from business and investors (critical minerals, renewables, education, finance); government and trade officials (Australia/Latin America); academia and think tanks (geopolitics, energy transition); Indigenous and community leaders; and innovation and R&D heads, to forge connections, build partnerships, and act on emerging opportunities.
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Some of the speakers include Orica's Australia Pacific President Germán Morales, Dr Paul Grimes PSM, CEO of Austrade, Qantas' Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent, Professor Rick Valenta, Director of the University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute, Mary Raynes, Senior Markets Manager – Barley and Pulses, Grains Australia, and Prof. Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and External Engagement, Adelaide University, with many more to be announced on our website.

The forum will focus on three major discussion streams covering trade diversification, energy transition opportunities, as well as innovation and technology collaboration.

At a time when the global economic order is being reshaped at an accelerating pace, strengthening ties between Australia and Latin America is not just an opportunity — it is a strategic imperative that cannot be deferred.

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For media
Media are invited to attend the forum. Interview opportunities with ALABC CEO Kim Prior and keynote speakers are available upon request. To request interviews or more information, please email media@alabc.com.au copying in pr.australia@alabc.com.au.
The event website is www.latitudesofopportunity.com.au
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About ALABC
The Australia–Latin America Business Council (ALABC) was established in 1989. Its membership comprises leading companies and individuals forging business links across resources, mining services, technology, education, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and professional services.
Learn more: www.alabc.com.au

About COALAR
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR), established by the Australian Government in 2001, enhances Australia’s economic, political and social relations with Latin America by directing effort and resources toward priority areas of mutual interest.
Learn more: www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/foundations-councils-institutes/coalar

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