2nd Annual Brazil & Latin America Trade & Commodity Finance Conference

Event Review

This latest installment of Exporta’s flagship South American gathering, the Brazil & Latin America Trade & Commodity Finance Conference, once again found itself positioned as the primary annual event for Latin America’s commodity traders, producers, trade financiers and solution providers, attracting unrivalled support from the region’s leading financial institutions and drawing over 150 leading trade and commodity finance practitioners to the Tivoli Mofarrej, Sao Paulo, on April 23 – 24.

Over the two day conference a varied delegation of local, regional and international attendees discussed the latest trends and priorities within the continent’s most exciting markets, addressing the opportunities and challenges surrounding the Euro crisis, Basel III, local regulatory issues, currency volatility, and the risk profile of key emerging Latin American markets.

Through a varied programme that included individual presentations, panel discussions, focused case studies, and numerous networking breakouts, attendees benefitted from the insight of some of the region’s most active players. Lively debate surrounded prominent issues such as Brazil’s forthcoming investment opportunities (Presalt Oilfields, 2014 World Cup, 2016 Olympics), the trader’s perspective on funding costs and tenor length, corporate concerns over banks’ move away from the Libor when pricing funds, logistical and infrastructural challenges to Brazilian and intra-regional trade, corporate views on the relevance of available financial products, the growing trade credit insurance market in Latin America, key opportunities and concerns when trading with Venezuela, and the yet unrealised potential of trading with Africa.

Attention also turned to headlines in the media, with the event providing a forum for the community’s initial reaction to breaking news concerning regulatory reform in Brazil’s financial transactions taxation, causing some of the delegation’s attending commodity financiers to voice concern that some deals may be killed “stone dead”. Certainly constituting one of the conferences hottest issues, discussion continued amongst attendees into the night of day 1 at the event’s evening drinks reception. Day 2 saw continued discourse on a wide variety of themes, concluding the lively event with a networking lunch.

Description

Following on from the success of its inaugural conference held in Sao Paulo in April 2011, Exporta returns to Brazil in 2012 for a two-day gathering organised to provide a comprehensive update on one of the world’s fastest growing trade and commodity markets.

Over the course of the conference the following themes will be covered:
•Consequences for funding trade in Latin America arising from the Euro crisis and Basel III
•Assessing trade finance availability and how lack of US dollar liquidity has impacted on pricing
•Outlining key hurdles and barriers faced in the transportation and delivery of commodities
•Examining the latest developments in the political risk market and responses to new regulatory criteria
•What do you need to know to when undertaking a service contract in Brazil?
•Developing strategies to manage foreign exchange risk exposure within the commodity sector
•Addressing the deindustrialisation of Brazil and implications for Brazil's current trade policy
•Considering the outlook for the construction sector in relation to the World Cup and Olympics
•Providing specific country case studies on key markets such as Peru and Venezuela
•Tracking the strong growth in trade flows between Brazil and other emerging markets such as Africa and Asia
•Developing intra-regional trade and how increased regional import demand has led to increased volumes
•What are the primary challenges faced by exporters in the Brazilian market at present?

“An excellent introduction to Latin American trade and commodity finance issues”
K. Brownlees, Gallagher London

“Great array of professionals and experts across sectors and industries, good insight on marketing dynamics and trends”
E. Leiber-Faller, BBVA

“Very well organised and very good audience”
V. De Assis, Banco Safra

“Wonderful conference with really great professionals”
R.C. May, Banco Safra

“An event very informative and very rich in details”
G.F. Saldiva Cintra, Multipla Corretora de Mercadorias

Led by Brazil and its role as a global commodity producer, Latin America has enjoyed heightened interest from the international business community, as global corporates and banks seek to gain access and establish a presence on the ground to further their trade activities.

Utilising the proven Exporta format based on detailed content, high level discussion and informal networking, the conference will focus on the extensive growth enjoyed in the region, and how the benefits enjoyed through increased global commodity trade have furthered the activities of Brazilian companies and banks both at home and abroad.

Who should attend?
•Local and international banks
•Multinationals and SMEs
•Independent financiers
•Commodity brokers and traders
•Insurance brokers and underwriters
•Export credit agencies
•Lawyers and consultants
•Solution providers
•Multilaterals
•Market analysts and policy advisors

At the close of Day One delegates will have the opportunity to continue their discussions through an evening reception, with strong emphasis placed on the importance of networking.

Event Photos

Brochure

Day 1

08.00 Registration and refreshments

09.00 Chairman’s opening remarks
Brendan Herley, Director, Syndications, Capital Markets, Americas, Standard Chartered Bank

09.05 Keynote: Continuing the appeal of Brazil and Latin America
Élcio Gomes Rocha, Chief Economist, Banco do Brasil
• Providing an overview on prospects for the Brazilian and wider Latin American economy
• Highlighting new initiatives such as the 'Bigger Brazil' project and judging their effectiveness
• Assessing measures being taken against overvalued currencies and slowing industry output
• Improving economic conditions for underperforming sectors and favouring local products
• New measures including increased funding and better credit conditions for corporates 

09.30 Panel discussion: Trade and commodity finance challenges across the local market
Moderator: Eddy Leiber-Faller, Vice-President, Structured Metals & Energy Finance, ING
Daniel Mundt, Deputy Head, International Department, Banco Pine
Reinaldo Lima, Head of Structured Finance & Syndication, Banco do Brasil
Martin Schmitz, Executive Director & Head of Commodity Finance, Latin America, WestLB
Stephen Pout, Director, Gavilon do Brasil
Lyndon Skinner, Vice-President, Trade & Commodity Finance, KfW IPEX-Bank
• Assessing trade finance availability and how lack of US dollar liquidity among European banks has impacted on pricing
• Tracking the increasing role of Brazilian banks in financing trade outside the region
• Considering the importance of infrastructural development in continuing Brazil’s trade and commodity success
• Highlighting the increasing role of structured finance as a means of raising lower cost capital
• Developing strategies to manage foreign exchange risk exposure within the commodity sector
• Changing roles from commodity importer to exporter: Is dependence too heavy on the ‘softs’ market?

10.20 The Latin American political and economic climate in 2012
Nick Robson, Deputy Chairman, Financial Risks Division, Jardine Lloyd Thompson
• Assessing the consequences for funding trade and investment in Latin America arising from the Euro crisis and Basel III
• Highlighting key political and economic risk trends in Brazil 
• Considering Brazil's position in the wider Latin American region
• The 2012 calendar of country risk in Latin America: Predictable threats and emerging crises
• Who are the buyers for Latin American credit and political risk and how should you engage them?

10.45 Networking break

11.25 Panel discussion: Financing challenges and opportunities for exporters
Moderator: João Costa Pereira, Chief Executive Officer, BrasilFactors
Luis Guilherme Monteiro, Chief Financial Officer, Cosipar
Fernando Celso Nogueira, Chief Operations Officer, BICBANCO
Daniel Nobre Martins, Commercial Director, CESCEBRASIL
• Tracking the latest trends in financing corporate growth and overseas expansion
• What new measures are banks and other providers taking to assist companies and meet their needs?
• Examining how Brazilian companies have had to adapt in light the Eurozone crisis and falling US growth
• Overcoming obstacles faced in obtaining financing for capex plans and increased export
• What are the primary challenges faced by exporters in the Brazilian market at present?

12.05 Brazilian infrastructure: Up to the challenge?
Bruce Glazier, Director, Perform Management Services
• Outlining key hurdles and barriers faced in the transportation and delivery of commodities
• Reducing the benefits of cheap production costs through increased cost of delivery
• Tracking existing initiatives being undertaken to develop bridges, ports, airports and power stations
• Meeting requirements in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics and subsequent trade and export opportunities

12.30 Panel discussion: Trade credit and political risk in Latin America
Moderator: Nick Robson, Deputy Chairman, Financial Risks Division, Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Fredrik Murer, Head of Americas, Political Risk & Credit, Ace Global Markets
Tom Kane, Executive Vice-President, Latin America, Latin American Underwriters
Andreas Hillebrand, Head of Credit Underwriting, Swiss Re Corporate Solution
Xander Willemsen, Head of Metals Commodities South America, ABN AMRO
• How effective are current initiatives to protect against trade credit risks and increase appeal to the private market?
• Examining the latest developments in the political risk market and how it is responding to the challenges presented by the credit crunch and new regulatory criteria
• Assessing the prospects for Basel III and how insurers are working to meet this challenge
• What are the views of banking users on current insurance pricing?
• Considering the latest government regulations and what they mean for both the insurance and reinsurance market
• Providing an overview of market performance in 2011 and predictions for 2012

13.20 Lunch

14.30 Risk and reward in Venezuela: A country case study
Bruno Reis, Managing Director (Brazil), Exclusive Analysis
• Highlighting political and economic risks for doing business in the market
• Key issues including expropriation of assets and shortage of foreign currency
• How Venezuela’s high risk portfolio limits the country's 'new business appeal'
• Subsequent opportunities provided for established companies to dominate the market

15.00 How can corporates and financial institutions increase operational effectiveness?
Claire Buchanan, Senior Vice-President, Global Operations, Bolero
• What is the real benefit of increasing letter of credit (LC) automation efficiency?
• Is there a way to mitigate risk and reduce time to cash?
• Considering ways to simplify LCs whilst increasing operational efficiency

15.30 Networking break

16.00 Recent trends in collateral management within emerging markets
Márcio Tinoco, Commercial Manager, Trade Finance Services, Cotecna
• Highlighting the risks and mitigation actions relevant to the sector at present
• Challenging investor perceptions on the security of collateral management operations
• Ensuring that all relevant aspects are evaluated when undertaking the management process
• Presenting different country characteristics (infrastructure, restrictions) when making an assessment

16.30 Panel discussion: Meeting surety needs in line with infrastructural development
Moderator: Gustavo Krieger, President, Afianzadora Latinoamericano
Rogerio Vergara, Executive Director, Bonding and Credit Insurance, Mapfre
Filipe Bonetti, CEO, Country Head, Brazil, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions
Luis Barretto, Vice-President, Surety Bonds, Trade Credit & Political Risk Insurance, Odebrecht
• Considering the outlook for various industries and the role of surety in protecting stakeholder interests
• Addressing the specific needs of the construction sector in relation to the World Cup and Olympics
• Is there enough market capacity to meet related surety needs?
• Sharing experiences in Brazil with regard to surety legislation/regulation
• Assessing reinsurance capacity, meeting client needs and risk syndication

17.20 Close of Day One followed by evening networking reception

Day 2

09.00 Chairman’s morning remarks
Andreas Dobner, Head, Origination, Bank Trade & Infrastructure Finance Americas, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions

09.10 A growing concern? Addressing the deindustrialisation of Brazil
Welber Barral, Senior Consultant, Barral M Jorge & Associates
• Considering the impact of reduced heavy industry on the economy and implications for Brazil's current trade policy
• How currency appreciation has rendered Brazilian exports more expensive and imports cheaper in the global market
• The impact of US dollar appreciation, lower domestic interest rates and improved fiscal environment in reversing this trend
• Assessing the regulatory environment and its role as a deterrent for overseas investment in Brazilian industry
• Has Brazil become a victim of its own success?

09.40 Panel discussion: Legal and regulatory challenges faced in the marketplace
Moderator: Christian de Lima Ramos, Partner, Ramos, Zuanon e Manassero Advogados
Domicio dos Santos Neto, Partner, Santos Neto
Charles Johnson, Partner, Chadbourne & Parke
Bruno Soares, Partner, Allen & Overy
Fabio Yamada, Partner, Proskauer
• Covering challenges faced and successes enjoyed in reinforcing legal structures
• Outlining best practice in structuring deals and providing the necessary security
• Considering future trends in terms of new regulations and legal requirements
• The role of government initiatives in limiting the appeal of Latin America to the global business community

10.30 Opportunities and challenges in Brazil-Africa trade
Keith Martin, Director of International Trade & Investment, Aon Brazil
• Tracking increased trade and investment flows between the two regions and identifying new opportunities
• Joining China, India and the West in the race to tap into African resources and markets
• Moving beyond the traditional Lusophone countries in terms of establishing a presence
• Partner or competitor: How does Brazil's success in the commodity sector affect its relationship with Africa?

11.00 Networking break

11.30 Challenges and achievements in Peru: A new regional success story?
Chris DeSa, Associate Director, Control Risks
• Diversifying economies and reducing dependence on commodity prices
• Going beyond mining and agriculture to address infrastructural concerns and requirements
• Assessing regional disparities in the growth dynamic
• Have social and political risks changed since the election of Humala?

12.00 Panel discussion: Developing the key role of intra-regional trade
Moderator: Daniel Mundt, Deputy Head, International Department, Banco Pine
Luiz Yamasaki, Director, Middle Market, Bladex
Rocio Velarde, Vice President, Citibank Brazil
Yves Ehlert, DEG Regional Manager Mercosur, KfW Bankengruppe
• Considering how increased regional import demand has led to greater intra-regional trade volumes
• Evaluating Brazil’s role as the largest economic power in driving the region forward
• How larger corporates are increasing their investment scope on a regional level
• The role of development institutions in highlighting opportunities in second tier countries
• Providing greater opportunities instead of their global contemporaries

12.50 Close of conference followed by networking lunch

Venue

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for the arrangement and payment of their own travel and accommodation.

Upon registering to attend this event, Exporta will inform you of how to book accommodation at the venue.

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities including exhibition stands are available for this event.

To become a sponsor, please contact Tom Whitehead, Head of Sponsorship Sales at twhitehead@exportagroup.com.

Exporta's events have a global reputation, renowned for superb networking opportunities and educational presentations by high-profile speakers.

Time after time our events attract the leading companies in our market as sponsors.

See below for a full list of our Event Sponsors, Institutional Partners and Media Partners and click on the logo to visit their web site. 

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