Drawn To Latin America

China gets the headlines, but Peru’s economy was the world’s third fastest growing in 2008. That makes it a good target for New North companies seeking international business opportunities, says Marianne Johnson, associate professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and coordinator of an upcoming conference on doing business in Latin America.

“Many area businesses have footholds in Mexico and Brazil,” Johnson says. “The countries of Latin America are a natural extension of those efforts.”

The first annual NEW Collaboration: Doing Business in Latin America conference, slated for Friday, Nov. 20 at UW-Oshkosh, will provide a wide array of networking and learning opportunities for New North firms interested in sourcing from, exporting to or collaborating with firms in the rapidly expanding markets of Latin America, with a special emphasis on the Andean Region in South America.

“Transportation costs continue to be a major consideration for U.S. manufacturers,” notes Johnson. “Proximity to the United States, combined with growing wealth of the populations of these countries, make conditions more favorable for expanded growth into the region.”

The challenge for Northeast Wisconsin’s small- and mid-sized businesses is to find the right resources to take advantage of Latin America’s growth potential, says Doug Jarmusz, director of the Center for Community Partnerships at UW-Oshkosh and a partner in the conference. “It’s tough for business leaders to learn the ropes of moving into a new culture and geography. This conference brings together many of the best resources under one roof. The networking opportunities are tremendous.”

Johnson says speakers will cover topics such as:
» the fast-growing economies of Peru and Columbia
» the business culture in countries such as Mexico and Ecuador
» businesses that have used Mexico as a launching point for expansion into the Latin American market
» case studies of successful partnerships, exporters or importers
» cultural issues in managing a supply chain across countries

Johnson’s students have also prepared detailed country profiles that will be available to view as well.