The Australia-Latin America Business Council (ALABC) is a premier non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening trade, investment, and business collaboration between Australia and the countries of Latin America. Headquartered in Sydney, ALABC serves as the leading bilateral platform connecting Australian enterprises with emerging and established markets across Latin America, supporting economic diplomacy, commercial engagement, and strategic partnerships since its foundation in 1989.
Core Business
ALABC's key areas of operation include:
- Trade and Investment Facilitation between Australia and Latin American countries
- Bilateral Business Development Support through events, market insights, and introductions
- Membership-Based Services offering direct access to industry intelligence, networking, and government stakeholders
- Policy Advocacy and Representation at diplomatic and institutional levels
The council works across various sectors such as mining, agribusiness, education, energy, infrastructure, and technology, facilitating two-way business opportunities.
Product and Service Portfolio
As a business council, ALABC offers a wide array of member-driven services:
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Membership Services:
- Access to key market insights and business intelligence
- Facilitation of connections with government, industry leaders, and trade experts
- Advocacy for improved bilateral trade policies and regulatory alignment
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Events and Engagements:
- High-level business forums and trade briefings
- Webinars on emerging market opportunities
- Annual flagship events such as the ALABC Gala Dinner and Latin America Business Forum
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Resources and Publications:
- Regular e-newsletters featuring economic and business updates
- Country-specific market reports and insights
- ALABC member directory and business introduction services
These offerings position ALABC as a vital resource for businesses exploring or expanding into Latin America.
Specialisation and USP
ALABC’s unique value lies in its:
- Sector Agnostic Network: Reaches across mining, agri-foods, education, clean energy, fintech, and logistics
- Multilateral Diplomatic Access: Collaboration with over 15 Latin American embassies and consulates
- Business-to-Government (B2G) Liaison Role: Acts as a conduit between businesses and relevant authorities
- Market Intelligence: Curated insights and expert briefings not readily available in public channels
The council also facilitates joint missions, roundtables, and inbound delegations, allowing its members to interact directly with key regional decision-makers.
Financial and Market Footprint
As a non-profit, ALABC does not disclose revenue figures but sustains operations through:
- Annual Membership Fees (tiered by organization type)
- Sponsorship and Event Revenue
- Strategic Partnerships with government agencies such as Austrade and DFAT
The council’s growing member base includes ASX-listed companies, SMEs, universities, and industry groups, indicating significant trust and traction within the business community.
International Collaboration
ALABC serves as a bilateral bridge supporting:
- Australian businesses investing in Latin America, particularly in Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru
- Latin American companies seeking partners or capital from Australia
- Cooperation with regional trade promotion bodies and chambers of commerce
This positions ALABC as an essential hub for trade promotion and private-sector diplomacy.
Target Market
ALABC’s primary stakeholders include:
- Australian Exporters and Importers
- Latin American Companies Entering the Australian Market
- Educational Institutions with International Engagement Strategies
- Multinational Corporations in Energy, Mining, and Infrastructure
- Bilateral and Multilateral Development Agencies
The organization supports businesses at every stage—from market entry to expansion and policy engagement.
Capabilities
- Business Matching and Delegation Support
- Market Entry Advisory via Partner Network
- Online and In-Person Events Management
- Policy Submissions and Stakeholder Briefings
- Trade Mission Coordination
ALABC also collaborates with government trade agencies, investment promotion offices, and regional multilateral groups such as Mercosur, Pacific Alliance, and ProChile.
Certifications & Compliance
As a registered non-profit in Australia:
- ALABC operates under ACNC guidelines (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission)
- Complies with corporate governance standards and member transparency
- Follows ethical practices in accordance with Australian business conduct regulations
Testimonials and Impact
While formal testimonials are not publicly listed, ALABC’s impact is evidenced by:
- Long-standing partnerships with major Australian corporations, including mining, engineering, and academic institutions
- Regular participation of Latin American diplomatic representatives in ALABC events
- Support for successful bilateral ventures, including mining projects in Chile and education partnerships in Brazil and Colombia
Major Achievements
- Over 30 years of continuous operation, growing Australia–Latin America business ties
- Hosted high-profile delegations and ministerial-level meetings across multiple industry verticals
- Played a strategic role in supporting Australia’s engagement with the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur blocs
- Published numerous market opportunity reports and sector-specific trade analysis
The Australia-Latin America Business Council continues to be the definitive gateway for Australian companies aiming to explore and engage with Latin America, backed by trusted networks, policy alignment, and economic insight.
