Carnaval Gala Dinner at the Langham Hotel
For the first time, the ABCC hosted a Brazilian Carnaval Gala Dinner & Dance in Melbourne to celebrate 3 decades since its foundation and to commemorate the success of its corporate members doing business in Brazil such as Karoon Energy, the major sponsor of the event.
For the first time, the ABCC hosted a Brazilian Carnaval Gala Dinner & Dance in Melbourne to celebrate 3 decades since its foundation and to commemorate the success of its corporate members doing business in Brazil such as Karoon Energy, the major sponsor of the event.
Leith Wale (ABCC VIC), Craig Foster (SBS), Cristina Talacko (ABCC), Martin Talacko (SalDoce Fine Foods), Richard Hancock (ABCC SA) and Ivan Burgess (DVM)
Craig Foster, former socceroo captain and SBS presenter was the MC of the evening discussing ties between the countries in football and culture. Special guests and speakers were Brazilian Ambassador Fernando de Mello Barreto, Bernard Wheelahan (Chairman of COALAR and Pacific Hydro), Alex Vanselow (CFO - BHP Billiton) and Bob Hosking (CEO – Karoon Energy).
The group Katumba displayed shows of Brazilian martial arts (Capoeira), samba and axé and the night flowed with the sounds of Bossa Nova , caipirinhas” (Brazil’s national drink) and lots of networking.
The ABCC would like to thank Karoon Energy for sponsoring the event and all other supporters: the Victoria Government, Australia Drilling Associates, BHP Billiton, JBS Swift Australia, Securency International, HSBC, Credit -Suisse, Merryll Lynch, Suzlon Energy, Thomas Duryea, Talbot Group, EL & C Baillieau, Nufarm, SalDoce Fine Foods, Bell Potter and Copacabana Restaurant .
Speech by Bob Hosking, CEO Karoon Energy:
“Karoon Gas International is an energy company with investments in the Santos Basin, a basin which is now regarded as containing one of the most prolific undeveloped oil and gas resources in the world. In our relations with Brazil, both the people and the government, we have found many similarities, economically, socially and politically between our two nations and there is still a lot we can learn from each other.
Geographic, social and political similarities abound between Australia and Brazil.
The land areas of Brazil and Australia are comparable, both countries have massive coastlines and the climates are similar, we share similar, relaxed lifestyles. We love the outdoors and leisure time is centred around the beach. Indeed it may be argued that the legendary Brazilian bikini has spawned a score of Aussie look-alikes on Australian beaches, no doubt this is just another benefit from close relations with Brazil. Brazil and Australia are two of the largest nations in the southern hemisphere and power players in regional politics and economics, both our constitutions ensure individual freedom.
We also differ greatly in that: Brazil’s population dwarfs ours by approximately 180 million,
While Brazil’s population is much larger than Australia’s, its debt is much less than that of Australians. i.e. $1 trillion vs. $800 billion despite our population differences, Brazil’s average population age is 10 years younger than that of Australia’s.
While Brazil’s population is much larger than Australia’s, its debt is much less than that of Australians. i.e. $1 trillion vs. $800 billion despite our population differences, Brazil’s average population age is 10 years younger than that of Australia’s.
It is also our colonial beginnings that make us share historical similarities such as the peaceful attainment of independence and eventually democracy. And although we have different colonial beginnings, it is this shared history that has shaped our nations and bring us closer together. Australia and Brazil also share modern connections like large urban populations, strong industry and service sectors and political systems that believe in strong infrastructure, education and health care systems, which not only ensure economic stimulus but are for the good of the nation and its people.
However, both our governments while believing in the power of the state, respect and have the desire to ensure that the financial sector flourishes. These shared social values and government factors shall ensure that Australia and Brazil’s assimilation will undeniably foster more economic progress and interaction. The like-mindedness of our two governments plays a large factor in our investments and partnership with Brazil. This lays a pathway for enterprise in that it encourages consolidation of our shared opportunities and leads us to hold a firm vision for a bright future for Brazil and Australia. The recent plans of the Brazilian government in 2007 to undertake a $300 billion four year plan to improve roads, power plants and ports and Australia’s recent 2009 budget decisions to invest billions in broadband, roads, metro transport, schools and hospitals illustrates the alignment of our strategic policies.
Economically both nations are heavily reliant on commodity-based industries such as agriculture and mining. Service industries also play a major part in our economies. Tourism, backed by the extraordinary natural beauty of both countries is a key element of each nation’s economic fabric.
But Australia cannot yet compete with one of Brazil’s largest financial export –“professional soccer players”, but with Australia’s qualification for the next World Cup we could be catching up fast.
But Australia cannot yet compete with one of Brazil’s largest financial export –“professional soccer players”, but with Australia’s qualification for the next World Cup we could be catching up fast.
It is these similarities that make Brazil and Australia so compatible, indeed I have no doubt that this will ensure a great new alliance for commerce between our two great nations as we move forward over the next 20-50 years”.
Paulo Maia (CEO - HSBC), Teresa Maia, Gabriela Maia, Cristina Talacko (ABCC) and Ambassador Fernando de Mello Barreto
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