On July 10, the Foshan–Latin America Economic and Trade Exchange Meeting was held in Foshan, featuring consuls and commercial representatives from Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and other Latin American countries. The venue was packed with attendees.
In the meeting room on the 31st floor of the Foshan Urban Development Center, Carlos Gimenez Zamudio, the Consul for Promotion of the Consulate General of the United Mexican States in Guangzhou,was surrounded by business representatives from Foshan.
Everyone was eager to ask questions, exchange business cards, and add the consul on WeChat—no one wanted to miss this golden opportunity to tap into the Latin American market. More than 100 local companies were present, with over 130 business representatives in total.
Participants came from a wide range of sectors, from traditional industries such as small household appliances and furniture to emerging fields like e-commerce and new energy. Among them were industry leaders like Yizumi and Haitian Flavoring & Food, as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises, all of which shared a strong interest in the Latin American market.
Li Woming, factory manager at Foshan Aoxin Furniture Co., Ltd., had long awaited this opportunity. He explained that the company has already shifted its focus overseas, with Latin America being a top priority. The region stands out for its relatively stable political environment, youthful population, low labor costs, and great development potential. He attended the event hoping to gain authoritative insights and uncover new investment opportunities.
Four consuls and commercial representatives gave presentations one after another. What new business opportunities are emerging? Are there any favorable bilateral policies? What is the competitive landscape like? These were the questions that Foshan businesses cared about the most.
Gloria Zhu, Senior Investment Advisor of the Consulate General of the Republic of Colombia in Guangzhou, highlighted Colombia’s abundant forestry resources. However, she noted that local regulations require timber to undergo basic processing before export. Foshan furniture makers, with their processing advantages, could find significant growth potential if they seize this opportunity.
With its strategic positioning, market potential, and resource advantages, Latin America is increasingly becoming the new "golden coast" for Chinese enterprises expanding abroad. According to data, China–Latin America trade reached a record high of USD 518.47 billion in 2024, while Guangdong's trade with the region surged by 16.7%.
In recent years, many Foshan enterprises have invested in Latin America: Ingle’s manufacturing base in Mexico is set to begin operations within the year, and Keda Industrial Group is expected to complete its glass project in Peru this year.
It seems that Foshan enterprises' investment in Latin America is set to heat up further. However, Gloria Zhu cautioned that companies should not stop at just selling products—they must also consider pre-sales, after-sales, and long-term planning to truly gain a foothold. Localized operations and management are key, but many businesses still need to do their homework.
Reporter & Photo: Bai Hua
Editor: Wei Shen, James, Shen He
