Law.com highlights Mauricio París, regional manager of Latin America at ECIJA.
China may be positioned to gain more clout in Latin America following the arrival of COVID-19, lawyers say, as troubled businesses and governments seek investment and assistance.
While the U.S. has ramped up protectionism in recent months, Latin America has rolled out the welcome mat to China. Latin American economies and health systems are getting crushed by the virus and efforts to contain it. Brazil, Mexico and Peru have logged some of the highest total COVID-related deaths worldwide.
Meanwhile, China has embarked on what some have called “mask diplomacy” by delivering —and donating— scarce medical equipment, protective gear and COVID-19 tests across the region. The efforts to soothe hard feelings about a virus that first appeared in Wuhan, China could clear the way for more business ahead.
China wants to present itself “as a trustworthy partner,” said Mauricio París, regional manager for Latin America at the Spanish law firm ECIJA, which has a China desk staffed with lawyers to help clients navigate the language and cultural nuances of contracts and purchases in China.
ECIJA has been busy during the pandemic helping clients in Latin America source goods like surgical masks from China.
Last week, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised a $1 billion loan to help Latin American and Caribbean countries access its COVID-19 vaccine.
He said the pledge came via a virtual meeting that was also attended by ministers from Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.
