Moves to build ties with Latin America

Monday, 11 August 2008

South Australia and countries of Latin America will be exploring opportunities for closer ties and collaboration at a special seminar organised and hosted by the University of Adelaide on Wednesday 13 August.

Premier Mike Rann will open the seminar and welcome Heads of Mission from Chile, Argentine Republic, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela.

There will be discussion around opportunities for collaboration in four broad areas: the bilateral relationship between Australia and Latin America; mining and engineering; energy, environment and water management; and agriculture, food and wine.

Keynote speakers for each area are: Mr Andrew Byrne, Assistant Secretary for Canada and Latin America, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr Dean Dalla Valle, President and Chief Operating Officer for Olympic Dam, BHP Billiton; Mr Joe Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, Water Industry Alliance; and Professor Stephen Tyerman, University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.

Taking place in the panel discussion will be Chile Ambassador Mr Jose Luis Balmaceda, Argentine Ambassador Mr Pedro Villagra Delgado, Brazil Ambassador Mr Fernando De Mello Barreto, Mexico Ambassador Mrs Martha Ortiz de Rosas, and Venezuela Charge d'Affaires Mr Nelson Davila. Executive Director of the University's Institute for International Trade Mr Andrew Stoler will be Master of Ceremonies.

"When the Brazilian Ambassador suggested the University of Adelaide hold this seminar, we thought it would be a great opportunity for South Australia and the University of Adelaide to demonstrate our commitment to building our relationship with Latin America," said University of Adelaide Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fred McDougall.

"Latin America is an important region of the world and shares many industry strengths with this State reflected in the four key themes that will provide a focus for discussion.

"The University of Adelaide believes there are great opportunities to utilise our respective strengths to work together in research and academic collaboration to develop new and innovative approaches to some of the world's biggest challenges such as the issues surrounding climate change."

The seminar will take place at the Auditorium, Art Gallery of South Australia, Wednesday 13 August, 8.30am to 3pm. For further information contact Ms Stephanie Glue, (08) 8303 0176 or stephanie.glue@adelaide.edu.au

The seminar will also mark the start of an eight-day Latin American Film Festival, held by the University of Adelaide. Films will be held each evening Wednesday 13 August - Friday 15 August and Monday 18 August - Friday 22 August, in Room 208 Napier Building, North Tce Campus at 5.45pm for a 6pm start. For further information contact jorge.paredes@adelaide.edu.au

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