HONG KONG, Nov 30, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Erik Bethel, Managing Partner of SinoLatin Capital, a merchant bank based in Shanghai that focuses on natural resource transactions between China and Latin America, spoke to members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. In his remarks, he emphasized the relationship between Latin America and China in natural resources, as well as the growing relevance of Hong Kong as a platform for China's outbound investing.

 

'Despite some difficult years ahead for Europe and America, I believe that commodity fundamentals are still strong, and will remain strong for years to come driven by China's voracious appetite for natural resources,' said Mr. Bethel. China's role as the main importer of natural resources cannot be overlooked, as it continues to import key commodities such as copper, iron ore and oil from overseas. China's unprecedented rate of urbanization was a key topic in the discussion.

 

'On average, China creates an annual urban population of Wyoming, Washington, DC, Vermont, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts combined. Urbanization results in an increased usage and demand of commodities that China simply does not have. Latin America has the natural resources that China will need to invest in order to sustain future growth,' Mr. Bethel added.

 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is a proactive, non-government body representing more than 1,200 members of every industry and size with business interests in Canada, Hong Kong and Mainland China with the purpose promoting the interests of its members and conveys their views to decision-makers in industry and government. Attendees included private Chinese investors, financial services firms, and large multinationals as well various media agencies.

 

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