Investors Needed for Renewable Energy Development in Latin America
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF)
Transcript of The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF)
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF) Shanghai, China ∙ September 11th-12th, 2012
Kerry Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai
Draft Agenda
Forum Objective:
In the last 10 years alone, bi-lateral investment between Latin America and China grew by more than 1,400%, totaling over USD 140 billion. Paced by record investments in natural resources, like Chinalco’s USD 2.2 billion deal for Peru’s Toromocho Coppermine and Sinopec’s USD 7 billion acquisition of YPF-Repsol’s Brazilian assets, the relationship has matured to include investments in sectors ranging from automotives to manufacturing. Beyond this, a more complex exchange encompassing RMB fixed-income structures, and significant equity & debt capital flows to sectors driven by Latin America’s changing demographics, has positioned the Latin America-China investment relationship as a driver of the global economy for years to come. Now in its fourth year, The Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF) has cemented its role as the preeminent platform for Latin American companies, governments, issuers and fund managers to meet with their Chinese peers and start the process towards deals, investments and sustainable business relationships. Two days of comprehensive panels and presentations, will be complimented by private and pre-arranged 1-1 meetings at the Forum.
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF)
08.00 – 09.00 Registration and Coffee
09.00 – 09:05 Opening Remarks: Christopher Garnett, President, LatinFinance
09:05 – 09:20 China Keynote Address:
09:20 – 09:35 LatAm Keynote Address:
09:35 – 10:25 Opening Plenary Session: China & Latin America – Building on Recent Success
China and Latin America’s economic relations have matured rapidly in the last half decade. A relationship built on China’s demand
for Latin America’s natural resources, has evolved to include investments in a much wider variety of sectors aimed at providing
Chinese investors with much needed diversification and market share in the regions rapidly growing domestic markets. This
maturation, in conjunction with sound economic management, stable capital markets, and an abundance of natural resources is
driving the China – Latin America investment relationship to new heights. A panel of leading investors, corporates, bankers,
government officials and academic experts will examine the advancement of the relationship, where opportunities exist for
investment, major impediments to growth and how the long-term pace & direction may be influenced by external variables.
What will be the impact of the 12th Five Year Plan (11-15) on investments and relationships in Latin America?
How are economic and financial relations changing; what is the prognosis for trade, FDI and financial investment?
What are the growth prospects for Latin America’s key economies and how well placed are they to weather external shocks?
How will China’s demand for commodities change over the next 5 to 10 years and what are the implications for LatAm?
What needs to be done by LatAm issuers to attract investment from QDII’s and other institutional investors?
How can Chinese investors benefit from new financing tools and structures being used by Latin American corporates and
sovereigns?
Moderated by :
Stuart Allen, CEO, LatinFinance
Participants include:
Carlos Garcia Moreno, CFO, America Móvil*
Bernardo Guillamon, Advisor to the President, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Yu Jianmin, Vice-President, Sinotrans Ltd.
Chen Xin, Head of Project Underwriting Department, China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation – Sinosure
10:25 – 10:50 Coffee Break
10:50 – 11:40 Discussion Group: Fixed Income Investments in Latin America
With US and EU markets strained by prolonged domestic turmoil, LatAm issuers are increasingly turning to
non-traditional sources of capital to help fulfill the regions needs. For Chinese institutional investors, LatAm’s
debt capital markets are a relatively new and unknown destination for the country’s vast capital reserves. With
LatAm’s private & public sector issuers providing investors with relatively higher rates of return, opportunities
for diversification away from traditional markets and a series of issuances in local currency denominated
credits, Chinese investors are increasingly looking to participate in deals. This panel will examine recent
transactions; inform Chinese investors on the opportunities available in LatAm and explain how LatAm issuers
can tailor securities to China-based investors.
What debt structures have been used to entice broader participation? GDN’s, Dim Sum bonds, perpetuals,
Panda bonds? Are they catching the eyes of QDII fund managers?
How are companies like America Movil and sovereigns like Brazil pushing the frontier of the debt market
by issuing or planning to issue in RMB?
What do medium-term funding strategies look like – issue size, issue structure, debt, equity, loans – how
are they best evaluated and most efficiently accessed by Chinese investors?
What are the underlying credit, risk and supply/demand factors that explain this trend?
What are the major impediments – lack of information? FX issues?
Participants include:
Alexei Remizov, Managing Director – Latin America Global Capital Markets, HSBC
Edmar Lopes, CFO, GOL Airlines (Brazil)
Adrian Cosentino, Undersecretary of Finance, Ministry of Finance of Argentina* (Argentina)
Milson Mundim, CFO, Hidrovias do Brasil (Brazil)
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities
11:40 – 12:00 Special Presentation: Equity Investments In Latin America
Latin America equity markets have developed rapidly in recent years. The changing global assessment of risk
and desire for diversification has brought the region further into focus. This interactive presentation will analyze
the opportunities LatAm equities presents and explore the opportunities and challenges for Chinese investors
seeking to understand the companies behind the markets.
One-to-One
Meetings
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF) Day One [cont.]
12.00 – 12:50 Discussion Group: International Trade and Export Facilitation
Trade between Latin America and China is of huge importance to both producer and consumer. As links
continue to strengthen, structures and financing techniques are becoming ever more innovative, technical and
beneficial to importers and exporters alike. The introduction of new financing solutions is addressing problems
with traditional funding and facilitating the growth in trade between China and Latin America.
Specific issues financing China-Latam trade in leading sectors: soft commodities; metals and industrial
minerals; oil & energy
Strategies for the efficient use of cross border RMB settlement
What structures/products are being used successfully in the current constrained environment?
Managing forex risks & volatility issues as the RMB band widens
The role of ECAs?
Participants include:
Dong Xia, Division Chief – Overseas Investment Division – Project Underwriting Department, Sinosure
Hyun-Chan Cho, Country Manager – China, IFC
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities
12. 50 – 13:50 Luncheon
13.50 – 14.40 Discussion Group: China & Latin America - Natural Resources
China’s interest in Latin America’s abundant extractive resources is clear.. During 2010 alone Sinopec,
CNOOC, CNPC and Sinochem all signed deals in Latin America, together totaling more than $14.4bn. With
China in search of even greater reserves to sustain its rapid economic growth and fuel manufacturing,
additional investments in Latin America’s oil & gas sector will certainly be necessary. A panel of corporate
leaders, financiers and advisers will explore the current state of Chinese investment in Latin America’s oil & gas
and mining sectors, and examine which countries offer opportunity for future investments.
What role will China play in the in the exploration, extraction and financing of Brazils vast offshore Pre-Salt
reserves?
Beyond Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela, which countries offer the best opportunities for Chinese
investors? Chile, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador?
What are the risk/reward considerations of producing assets versus exploration and Greenfield projects?
How can Chinese companies play a role the in the development and financing of projects for local
markets?
What are the key risks for Chinese investors and LatAm commodity producing companies?
What infrastructure projects are required to support the development of the oil & gas sector?
Participants include:
Hugo Farias , Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank
Erik Bethel, Managing Partner, SinoLatin Capital
Carlos Villegas Quiroga, Executive President, Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB)*
Zhang Suwei, Deputy General Manager, Shanghai Fosun
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities
14.40 – 15.30 China-Brazil: Opportunity & Partnership
Since 2010 Chinese firms have invested nearly $14bln in Brazilian natural resources. While investments in
hydrocarbons, mining, and agribusiness still represent the majority share of China’s interest in Brazil, the
relationship has grown considerably and evolved to encompass market- and efficiency-seeking positions by
Chinese investors eager to share in Brazil’s remarkable growth and demographic transformation. This opening
panel will explore the origins, pace and direction of these developments, and discuss opportunities for future
Sino-Brazilian cooperation.
What are the main growth prospects for the Brazilian economy? What are the principal concerns regarding
a slow down?
What are the major impediments to investment in Brazil? What steps, if any, have been taken to remove
them? Are Chinese investors concerned about a trend toward protectionism in Brazil?
What type of bilateral trade and investment relationships already exist between China and Brazil? Which
relationships are seen as successes? Sany Heavy Industry – Sao Paulo? Embraer – Harbin? Foxconn –
Jundiaí? WEG – Nantong?
What role will China play in the overhaul of Brazil’s infrastructure? Will its reliance on Brazilian
commodities require it to play a more central role? What role does government-level interaction play in
determining large-scale infrastructure or related investment?
To what extent do the sectors being driven by Brazil’s emerging consumer base offer diversification for
China-based investors?
Participants include:
Alex Chequer, Partner, Mayer Brown
BIN SU, Vice-Director of CDB South America & Commissioner for Int. Cooperation, China Development Bank
David Mathewson, Sr. Managing Director – Finance and Corporate Operations, Darby Overseas Investments
Martin Xiang, Director of Overseas Business Development Dept., Geely International
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities.
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF) Day One [cont.]
15.30 – 16.20 Discussion Group: Ecuador & China
In recent years Chinese firms have made substantial investments in Ecuador’s natural resource sector. These
include the $1.7bn commitment by China Railway/ EcuaCorrientes to develop the Mirador copper project and a
$2bn CDB loan to PetroEcuador. Beyond projects in extractive resources, Ecuador offers a substantial pipeline
of opportunities for investors in the development of the country’s transport infrastructure, telecommunications
industry, renewable energy sector, and specialized agribusiness segments. A panel of investors, business
leaders, and government officials will explore the current state of the China-Ecuador investment relationship and
the prospects for future investments.
How can Ecuador present itself as a transhipment point connecting LatAm and China? What projects are
already underway to make this a reality?
Which infrastructure segments provide the greatest opportunities and how can Chinese EPCs participate in
the development?
Do opportunities exist for Chinese Oil & Gas companies in developing Ecuador’s hydrocarbon reserves?
Can Ecuador be a primary supplier of high quality agribusiness products to the Chinese market?
What incentives exist for Chinese investors looking to invest in “Projects in Strategic Sectors”? Income tax
exemptions? Financing assistance?
Moderated by :
Hector Villagran, Chief Economic Attaché, Embassy of Ecuador in China
Participants include:
Santiago León, Minister of Production, Employment and Competitiveness, Republic of Ecuador
Wu Guoping, Assistant Director-General, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences – ILAS
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings
for participating
Latin American
and China-
based entities
16.20 – 17.10 Discussion Group: Infrastructure in Latin America
Improving Latin America’s infrastructure is essential to the economic growth and overall competitiveness its economies. Upgrading
regions power grid, rail-links, ports and roadways will be a critical component in sustaining the rapidly expanding energy,
agribusiness, mining and manufacturing sectors. A forward looking discussion will explore the needs critical to Latin America;
reoccurring challenges faced by Chinese firms in the region; the evolving investment environment; and how Chinese investors and
companies can partner with Latin America entities in the development of the regions infrastructure.
What are the main challenges for Chinese infrastructure companies undertaking projects in LatAm? Access to skilled labor,
environmental regulations, public opposition, perceived political risk, guarantees?
How will sustained economic growth in Latin America impact demand for power and transportation infrastructure?
To what extent are China’s large infrastructure projects in Latin America an element of “economic statecraft” – or an effort to
promote long-term relations with the region?
What structures do Chinese investors embrace in Latin America? EPC, BTO, BOT and other concessions; JVs, equity
investment?
Can LatAm governments attract even greater investment by providing guarantees? Which entities are providing guarantees
and what are the structures being used?
Participants include:
Tu Shuiping, Country Manager – Argentina, HYDROCHINA*
Hans Schulz , General Manager – Structured and Corporate Finance Department, IDB
Rui Guimarães, Chairman, Mota-Engil Peru*
17.10 – 18.00 Discussion Group: Power Generation & Renewable Energy In Latin America
Demand for electricity in Latin America has increased exponentially over the last decade as industry has grown and living standards
have improved. While the majority of Latin America’s electricity is still generated by traditional means, there has been a focus on
capitalizing on the regions vast rivers and open spaces to produce the needed power by renewable means. A panel of leading Latin
American and Chinese corporates and financers will examine opportunities for investment in Latin America’s Hydro, Wind, and
Solar projects.
What incentives exist for Chinese firms looking to help build Latin America’s clean energy sector?
How are technological advancements made by Chinese firms in wind and hydropower being actively applied throughout Latin
America? What opportunities do they provide for investors?
What role will wind power and other renewable energy sources play in meeting the medium-term power needs of Latin
America’s major economies?
Can LatAm Gov’s and regulators streamline bidding processes and clarify regulation to entice more investment?
Participants include:
Felix Zhang, CFO & Executive Director, Envision Energy
Eduardo Wallentin, Chief Strategist – Latin America & the Caribbean, IFC
Haihua Tian, Senior Vice President, Sinohydro
18.00 Cocktail Reception
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF) Day Two
08.30 – 09.00 Registration & Coffee
09.00 – 09.05 Introductory Remarks: Stuart Allen, CEO, LatinFinance
09.05 – 09.15 China Keynote Address:
09.15 – 09.30 LatAm Keynote Address:
09.30 –10.20
Investment Thesis: Mexico – Sectors, Products & Strategies
With a GDP of $1.2bln, Mexico is Latin America’s second largest economy. Home to sophisticated capital markets, a diverse & well
trained manufacturing base, and an established natural resource sector, the Mexican economy is generating varied opportunities
for informed Chinese investors. While FDI from China has traditionally lagged behind its Latin American peers, recent investments
like Foton Motor’s $250mln plant near Veracruz and Dragon Marts $150 development in Cancun are signalling a shift in this trend.
A panel of leading corporates, bankers and government officials will analyze recent progress and highlight which sectors in Mexico
present the best opportunities for Chinese investors looking to invest.
What are the most salient risks and opportunities in Mexico’s leading sectors? Which ones are prime targets for M&A?
How can Mexico provide Chinese manufacturing with efficient access to the US market? What examples of this already exist?
Sinatex in Sonora? Lenovo in Apodaca?
Which infrastructure projects would have the biggest impact on the Mexican economy? How can Chinese firms take part?
Is there a role for Sinopec, PetroChina, CNPC, CNOOC and Sinochem in Mexico’s oil & gas sector?
Participants include:
Gabriel Ceballos , Managing Partner, Cibola Group
10.20 – 11.00 Discussion Group: Chile & China – Pragmatic Growth
Chile is one of Latin America’s most stable and sophisticated economies. Endowed with a wealth of mineral
deposits, thriving renewable energy sector, ideal agricultural climate and business friendly environment, Chile
is a natural target for Chinese investment. Despite these synergies, there still exists a broad knowledge gap
and the opportunity for both sides to improve the overall business and investment relationship. This panel will
examine the pace and direction of Chinese investment in Chile, and highlight what can be done by both sides
to increase investments moving forward.
Where are the opportunities for trade beyond extractive resources?
How can Chinese firms gain access to the Chilean agribusiness sector?
Understanding Chilean tax, regulatory and legal system and how it relates to foreign investment
What sectors in Chile offer investments that are capital intensive and offer stable long-term returns?
Analyzing and identifying investments in mining, ports, infrastructure and energy
Where and how can Chinese companies participate in the construction of mines?
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities
11.00 – 11.20 Coffee Break
The 4th Latin America China Investors Forum (LA-CIF)
Day Two [cont.]
11.20– 12.10 Investment Thesis: Emerging Colombia
For Colombia, sustained political stability has resulted in impressive economic growth. The product has been a
wave of investment from Chinese companies and investors. In 2010 China’s inflow to Colombia topped $5bln;
targeting into a variety of sectors including mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and oil & gas. More recently
Chinese firms have reaffirmed their commitment to the country with deals like Sinochems $1bn acquisition of
Total SA’s Colombian subsidiary TEPMA BV. This panel will analyze Colombia’s growth, highlighting its
strongest sectors, and explain what considerations should be made by Chinese investors.
Where can Chinese investors turn when looking to understanding and managing the salient taxation and
regulatory issues related to investing in Colombia?
What are the political and security considerations for investors considering Colombia? Is historical stigma
still relevant?
Beyond primary resources which sectors provide interesting opportunities for Chinese investors looking to
expand in Colombia, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, clean energy, etc?
How much of a reality is a 136 mile “Dry Canal” rail -link connecting Colombia’s Pacific and Atlantic?
Would this provide a real alternative to the Panama Canal?
One-to-One
Meetings
Private one-on-
one meetings for
participating
Latin American
and China-based
entities
12.10 – 13.00 Discussion Group: Agribusiness
On paper the competitive advantages of Latin American agribusiness based on relative demand, climate and geography, and
China’s growing demand for food and concerns over long-term food security are the variables for what would seem like a perfect
investment relationship. Unfortunately, this equation has struggled to transfer as easily in practice. Concerns over territorial
sovereignty have given way to increased regulations and protectionist measures in many Latin American countries, complicating
and even threatening current and future investments. In response, new models and more sophisticated investments are targeting
production, supply and infrastructure. A panel of leading producers, investors, traders and academic experts will examine recent
developments in China-LatAm agribusiness relations, discuss the effects of pending regulations and explain how the sector is
evolving to facilitate investment.
What are the benefits of investing in LatAm agribusiness companies instead of directly in land?
Can Chinese investors, by integrating China-LatAm agro-industrial value chains, increase their returns?
What are some existing mechanisms and institutional agreements available to Chinese firms looking to channel their
investments, and how are new regulations impacting these conduits?
How do agribusiness opportunities Latin America compare with EMEA and Australia? Do recent changes in legislation negate
the regions competitive advantage?
Is Latin American export infrastructure adequate to meet growing demand?
Moderated by :
Gina Caballero, Executive President, LatinChina Network for Development
Participants Include:
Alvaro Cabrera Galvis, Managing Director, Promotora Palmas de Puerto Gaitán (Colombia)
Gabriel Gurovich Steiner, CEO, FoodLinks (Chile)
13.00 End of Conference