Media release
The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer
3 March, 1998
BHP Flies Flag at Summit of the Americas
BHP will fly the Australian flag at a key Americas regional forum in Chile next month.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Tim Fischer, Chile's Ambassador to Australia HE Jorge Tarud and BHP's Director and CEO Mr John Prescott have jointly announced that BHP will sponsor the Chilean Stand at the Summit of the Americas in Santiago in early April.
The announcement follows an agreement reached between BHP and ProChile, the Exports Promotion Bureau of the Chilean Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Mr Fischer said Australia's participation in the Summit through BHP's offer of support to Chile illustrates the close and important relationship that has been built between Australia and Latin America broadly, and Chile in particular.
"The opportunity to sponsor the Chilean Stand at this prestigious event really puts Australia and 'the Big Australian' on the map as having interests that are extensive," he said.
BHP maintains a corporate office in Santiago and is the operator of La Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, located in Northern Chile. BHP also has interests in mineral exploration, trading, engineering and transport activities in Chile.
Mr Prescott said that BHP was delighted to be given the opportunity to collaborate in the Summit and play a role in enhancing relations between Australia, Chile and the Americas.
The Chilean Ambassador, HE Jorge Tarud, also congratulated BHP on its participation in the Summit, noting that it was significant that Chile had chosen a company from the Oceania region to sponsor its stand.
"It demonstrates the excellent relationship that exists between our countries, as well as efforts by Australia and Chile to strengthen the private sectors of both countries," he said.
The Summit of the Americas meeting will involve 34 Heads of State and leaders of governments and will discuss political and economic issues relevant the American Continent.
Local Date: Thursday, 17-May-2012 15:48:15 EST