Latin America Energy: Political Uncertainty Amidst Success

Strong investor interest, but presidential elections raise doubts.

BY JOACHIM BAMRUD

The outlook for Latin America’s energy sector is generally strong, but uncertainties around NAFTA and presidential elections in Mexico, Brazil and Colombia could pose challenges, experts warn.

“Both the NAFTA negotiations and Mexico’s July presidential elections present potential uncertainties for Mexico’s energy sector,” says Carlos Solé, co-chair of the Latin America practice at Baker Botts.

Also, Brazil and Colombia will hold presidential elections this year and the outcome of those could dramatically affect the outlook for 2019 and beyond if the left of center presidential candidates are successful in those countries, he argues.

However, Solé expects the trend of an energy sector recovery to continue in 2018.

Meanwhile, Akin Gump partner Dino Barajas is upbeat about Latin America’s energy outlook this year.

“The outlook for this year looks ...

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Keywords: Akin Gump, Argentina, Baker Botts, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Guyana, Mexico, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Solar