About us

The LATIN AMERICA NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS COUNCIL INC. was formed in 1991, from a merger of the previous Mexico/NZ and Chile/NZ Business Councils. It is a voluntary grouping of New Zealand business people interested in supporting and encouraging business links between the countries of Latin America and New Zealand.  It receives no funds from the Government, and operates totally independently from the Government.

The Council operates as an incorporated society. Its affairs are supervised by a Board drawn from the membership, one of whom acts as Chair of the Council. On a day-to-day basis a Director administers the Council and its activities.

Following many years of neglect, particularly in the 1980s, Latin America has transformed itself, becoming one of the world’s fastest growing regions.  Further, it has achieved this in an environment of increasing freedom, with democratic governments in all countries (except Cuba). The Latin American business environment is more similar to the New Zealand context  than most people realise.

The objectives of the Council are primarily to:

• Promote and encourage trade, investment, technical and economic cooperation and also tourism between Latin American countries and New Zealand;

• Promote bilateral agreements between New Zealand and Latin American countries where appropriate, and encourage New Zealand businesspeople to cooperate in joint ventures, technology transfer, licensing agreements and the establishment of third country projects;

• Maintain liaison with the Governments of Latin American countries and New Zealand in promoting trade, and to act in an advisory capacity on problems/issues affecting trade;

• Provide networking opportunities for members so that they can learn from one another and from visiting experts about doing business with the region;

• Supply members with up-to-date and timely information relevant to trade with the region;

• Lobby on behalf of members on trade-related issues with respect to Latin America, and advocate measures to stimulate trade.

The Council is building relationships with a number of counterpart organisations in Latin America so members can access some of the services of these organisations.

In New Zealand the Council also works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NZ Trade & Enterprise and the Latin American embassies based in Wellington.

The Council invites all interested persons who wish to develop links with Latin American countries to join the Council in order to promote common goals, pursue common interests, and exchange information.

The affairs of the Council are directed by a Board administered by a Director.

Membership Benefits:

• Access to a business database and source of new contacts in New Zealand and Latin America

• Network of business people and government officials dealing with Latin America

• Participate in trade missions

• Regular consultation and contact with NZTE, MFAT and the Latin American Embassies in NZ

• A convenient, relevant and elective forum for raising matters of concern with the relevant authorities

• The Council’s monthly email bulletin of news from the NZ end

• Full access to website features

• Daily email bulletin in English of trade/economic news from the region