Good morning everyone.
It is a pleasure to welcome our distinguished guests from Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
Thank you all for making the journey to Australia and for inviting me to join you this morning.
When I was appointed Assistant Minister within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio, I was delighted to be given responsibility for Latin America.
So it is a privilege to be here with representatives from a region where Australia already has a strong presence—and where we expect that presence to grow in the coming years.
Australia and Latin America share more than many people realise.
We are resource-rich economies, major agricultural producers, and important contributors to global energy and food security. We are outward-looking trading nations that understand the importance of open markets, investment and international commerce.
A strong example of this shared history can be found in my home town of Cairns. Forty years ago, the Cairns Group was formed there with the strong support of the Hawke Labor Government.
Today, the Group brings together 20 agricultural fair-trading countries, including nine from Latin America. It demonstrates our shared commitment to rules-based trade—a commitment that endures to this day.
Indeed, our economic relationship has never been stronger.
Trade between Australia and Latin America has grown significantly in recent years. More than 300 Australian companies operate across the region, with Australian investment exceeding $27 billion.
Importantly, investment increasingly flows both ways, including significant commitments in Australia by Latin American companies.
Our resources sectors remain at the heart of that relationship.
Australian companies have been operating in Latin America for decades. Companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Lynas, PLS, Fortescue and many others have invested heavily across the region. They bring capital, technology and expertise, along with a commitment to long-term partnerships and high environmental, social and governance standards.
Australian mining equipment, technology and services—or METS—companies such as Worley, Ausenco, Orica and Dyno Nobel have also established a strong presence, helping improve productivity, sustainability and safety across the sector.
What makes this partnership particularly exciting is that our strengths are complementary.
Latin America holds some of the world's most significant reserves of copper, lithium, rare earths and other critical minerals.
Australia is also a major producer of many of these resources. We have developed world-leading expertise across the full mining value chain—from exploration and project development through to technology, research, environmental management and mine rehabilitation.
Together, our regions are uniquely placed to support the global energy transition and the supply chains that will underpin future economic growth.
As demand grows for the minerals needed for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and emerging industries, Australia and Latin America have an opportunity not only to supply the world, but to work together to build more resilient, diversified and sustainable global supply chains.
What the last couple of days have confirmed is that the relationship between Australia and Latin America is about more than investment. It is a growing partnership.
We are seeing more collaboration between companies, research institutions, universities and governments. We are sharing expertise, developing new technologies, building skills and supporting innovation. That cooperation is creating benefits on both sides of the Pacific.
The people-to-people connections that underpin these commercial relationships are equally important.
Many Australians work across Latin America, including in the mining and resources sector.
Likewise, Australia's Latin American communities are growing and thriving. They strengthen our links every day through business, education, research and innovation, and family ties. These personal connections often become the foundation for our strongest commercial partnerships.
The opportunities ahead are considerable and exciting.
Australia wants to be a trusted, long-term partner for Latin America. We want to deepen trade and investment, strengthen collaboration across mining and METS, support innovation and skills development, and work together to create lasting prosperity for our regions.
Thank you again for inviting me to join you here this morning. I look forward to continuing our conversations and further strengthening the ties between Australia and Latin America.