Business Intelligence from LatAm
Dear Readers,
In this issue, we explore President Javier Milei’s bold move to position?Argentina as a “Global Partner”?of NATO, marking a significant departure from previous geopolitical alliances.?
Meanwhile,?Mexico has been in election mayhem. Set against a backdrop of political polarisation, fuelled by concerns over perceived democratic erosion, Sheinbaum took?the win and became Mexico’s first female president.
On the global stage, the?Bridgetown Initiative, spearheaded by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, seeks to reform the financial system to support developing countries in transitioning to a green economy.?
Closer to home, Latin American companies are embracing?Environmental, Social?and Governance?(“ESG”) regulations to enhance their competitiveness and brand positioning in foreign markets. Despite implementation challenges and regulatory complexities, sustainable practices drive innovation and reshape industry standards.
Let’s get boxed in with the?packaging industry?in Latin America. This sector anticipates robust growth driven by economic recovery and increasing consumer demand. Brazil emerges as a key player in this landscape, with sustainability initiatives gaining traction amidst regulatory hurdles and supply chain constraints.?
Now, to the seedy underbelly of?sex tourism in Colombia. With increasing gang involvement and several Americans murdered after meeting sex workers, the mayor of Medellin prohibited prostitution in certain neighbourhoods. But do reactive measures actually work or even help?
At Tidings, we are?dedicated?to promoting informed discourse on important issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. We also love to hear from our readers, so please feel free to send an email with a topic request or comment?here.
Happy reading,
Jess
Jet stream: Milei’s westward shift and NATO ambitions.
In April, President Javier Milei requested Argentina’s inclusion as a “Global Partner” of NATO, signalling a geopolitical shift towards the West. Milei’s administration aims to distance Argentina from China, strengthening ties with the US, Israel?and Ukraine. This shift is evidenced by recent defence acquisitions and the establishment of a US naval base in Ushuaia, despite economic challenges.?
All eyes on you: Sheinbaum’s 2024 Mexican presidential race.
Despite polls showing Xóchitl Gálvez closing in, Claudia Sheinbaum won the election to become Mexico’s first female president.?Political polarisation, driven by AMLO’s perceived undermining of democracy, frames the election. Sheinbaum is likely to continue AMLO’s policies but with a stronger focus on renewable energy and economic growth through nearshoring and foreign investment, promising a more sustainable and robust Mexico.?
Building bridges: The Bridgetown Initiative deserves financial support.?
The Bridgetown Initiative, launched by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley in 2022, seeks to reform the global financial system to better support developing countries in the green transition. Despite some progress, such as the creation of a UN “loss and damage” fund, substantial actions and funding are lacking. Global economic issues and geopolitical tensions hinder the initiative’s success, necessitating stronger international cooperation and clearer funding strategies.?
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The big G: Navigating ESG compliance in Latin America.
Latin American companies are updating processes to comply with Environmental, Social?and Governance (“ESG”) regulations in foreign markets, exemplified by CEMEX and Amaggi’s sustainable practices. Despite associated costs, ESG compliance enhances brand positioning, investor access and market competitiveness. Brazil leads in regulation with a 2026 sustainability reporting mandate. Challenges include high implementation costs, limited technical know-how?and inconsistent reporting frameworks.?
Thinking outside the (recycled) box: Navigating sustainability in Latin America’s packaging industry.?
Latin America’s packaging industry anticipates robust growth driven by economic recovery and rising demand. Brazil emerges as a focal point due to increased consumerism and foreign investment. Sustainability, pivotal in this sector, faces multifaceted challenges. Yet, with growing awareness and regional market expansion, opportunities abound. Investment in innovation and consumer education is vital for navigating these complexities and fostering a sustainable packaging revolution in Latin America.?
Sex Pest: Unmasking the depths of?Colombian sex tourism.?
In recent months, sex tourism in Colombia, particularly in Medellin, has seen increased gang involvement. Several Americans were murdered after meeting sex workers?and an American man was found with underage girls in his hotel room. The mayor of Medellin prohibited prostitution in certain neighbourhoods, but critics argue that these reactive measures don’t address the root causes. Structural inequality and criminal organisations contribute to sexual exploitation with?more comprehensive strategies needed to tackle this complex problem.?
Chile’s economy has a new BFF: Opportunities for local production (and consumption) of Green Hydrogen.?
Green hydrogen in Chile has gained prominence as a key player in the country’s economy alongside lithium.?The country aims to become a major global player in this industry, with estimates suggesting it could generate up to USD 330 billion in private investment opportunities and USD 30 billion in exports by 2050.
Despite the potential, progress has been slow?and challenges include water supply restrictions, regulatory complexity?and community distrust. The transportation of green hydrogen remains a significant hurdle, with technical and economic difficulties to overcome.?While exportation is a focus, internal consumption, particularly in the mining industry, may offer a more secure approach.
Thank you to our contributors,?Gonzalo Blumel?and?Lorenzo Iglesias.
Gonzalo Blumel is a civil environmental engineer and former Chilean minister who served as Minister Secretary General of the Presidency and Minister of the Interior and Public Security during the second government of President Sebastián Pi?era. He is the general manager and founder of?Susterra,?a project development company focused on creating sustainable solutions in electrical generation, water desalination, green hydrogen and energy storage.
Lorenzo Iglesias is an electrical civil engineer from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He currently works for Susterra?and his studies focus on green hydrogen and electrical storage initiatives.