China’s investment in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has steadily grown in recent years, drawing attention from government and private-sector leaders throughout the region as well as the United States. As policymakers navigate the opportunities and challenges in working with China, Pepe Zhang, an associate director and fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, interview Alejandro C. Mesa Neira, a Bogotá, Colombia-based partner at the law firm Baker McKenzie, and José Roberto Martins, a São Paulo, Brazil-based partner at the law firm Trench Rossi Watanabe Advogados, which has a strategic cooperation with Baker McKenzie.
Some highlights from their conversation:
- Chinese merger and acquisition activities abroad have been falling since their 2017 peak, with Europe and North America in particular experiencing significant decline. However, deal flows to Latin America held relatively steady.
- Consumer products and services, infrastructure, and energy topped the list of dominating sectors for Chinese mergers and acquisitions.
- Clear communication, mutual respect for cultural nuances and overcoming bureaucracies in obtaining licenses are important factors to overcome hurdles between Latin American companies and governments when dealing with Chinese investors.
What's ahead? Read the complete interview at the Atlantic Council Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.
Trench Rossi Watanabe and Baker McKenzie have executed a strategic cooperation agreement for consulting on foreign law
The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.