Britain’s Latin America Strategy

Chris Elmore MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Latin America and the Caribbean, joined Canning House and explained British priorities and opportunities in the region.

In a period of rapid global change, Latin America represents a region of great potential for Britain, the Minister explained. Latin America will drive global growth in the coming decades, and the Minister is keen that Britain remains a reliable partner in that process. Britain already has a valuable reputation as a stable destination for business and investment, which it can leverage to build partnerships in the region and fuel business at home.

British expertise and industry already match the priorities and opportunities within Latin America. Businesses around the table highlighted the enormous appetite for financial innovation in the region, and the wealth of British expertise that is ready to be called upon, particularly in the growing area of green finance. Likewise, the development of critical minerals is set to keep expanding in Latin America, and UK firms are well placed to facilitate this growth and develop the technologies of the future. Education was identified as another key lever of British soft power: Latin America has a young population eager to learn new skills, and Britain has a wealth of educational institutions and businesses ready to meet that demand.

The conversation turned to Britain’s diplomatic plan. The Minister explained the ongoing work to make the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office more streamlined and efficient. Furthermore, he explained that the UK remains strongly committed to Latin America and is involved in ongoing responses to the situations in Venezuela and Cuba.

Canning House thanks Minister Elmore for his insights and engagement with the business community.