Amy Barklam highlights UK-Latin America trade priorities

Canning House welcomed Amy Barklam, HM Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, for a roundtable discussion with invited guests. The conversation provided an opportunity to hear directly from the Commissioner about her priorities for strengthening the UK's commercial relationships across the region and the opportunities that lie ahead for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

Appointed HM Trade Commissioner in April 2026, Barklam leads the UK Department for Business and Trade's activity across Latin America and the Caribbean, with responsibility for strengthening trade and investment ties, supporting UK businesses in regional markets, and advancing the UK's economic partnerships throughout the region. Based in São Paulo, she also serves as British Consul General.

The discussion explored several core dimensions of her role including helping UK companies increase exports to Latin America and the Caribbean, while also encouraging greater investment from the region into the United Kingdom. Barklam highlighted the significant growth potential of UK-Latin America trade relations and emphasised the importance of maintaining long-term engagement with regional markets.

A key theme of the conversation was the remarkable pace of technological innovation taking place across Latin America. Barklam noted that the region is increasingly becoming a hub for entrepreneurship, digital transformation and new business models, creating opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration between Latin American and British firms. Participants discussed how stronger commercial links could help both regions benefit from shared expertise and innovation.

The roundtable generated a lively discussion on how trade and investment relationships between the UK and Latin America can be further strengthened. Participants exchanged views on the barriers and opportunities facing businesses, as well as the importance of fostering long-term partnerships based on trust, dialogue and collaboration.

Encouraging continued engagement between investors, businesses and policymakers, Barklam stressed the value of ongoing conversations to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and build sustainable economic relationships that deliver mutual benefit.

Canning House thanks Amy Barklam and all participants for contributing to an engaging and insightful discussion on the future of UK-Latin America trade and investment.