Speaking at the 10th CII India-LAC Conclave in New Delhi, Mr. Jay Shroff, CEO, UPL Ltd., highlighted the immense potential of India-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) collaboration, emphasising the need for deeper partnerships, sustainable investments, and innovative growth strategies.
In his address, Mr. Shroff underscored UPL’s significant presence in Latin America, with operations spanning almost every country in the region. “UPL and its group of companies have a $4 billion business in Latin America. We are proud to be the leading provider of food security solutions, offering seeds, crop protection chemicals, and sustainable agricultural products,” he stated.
A Platform for Meaningful Collaboration
The India-LAC Conclave, has evolved into one of the most influential multi-sector platforms for fostering partnerships between India and the LAC region. Shroff praised the conclave’s role in bringing together governments, industry leaders, financial institutions, and experts, driving sustainable growth and unlocking new opportunities.
He emphasised the importance of plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, and B2B meetings in exploring emerging sectors. “These dynamic exchanges allow us to explore opportunities in renewable energy solutions, space exploration, green chemicals, and beyond. These are the sectors that will define the future of our economies,” he noted.
Leveraging Complementary Strengths
Mr. Shroff called for a reimagining of the India-LAC partnership, urging both regions to recognize each other’s strengths.
He described Latin America as a region of “pioneering initiatives in education, urban development, and governance—a global leader in agriculture and critical minerals with tremendous market potential.”
At the same time, he highlighted India’s growing global stature, stating, “Latin America and the Caribbean must see India as a modern-day growth engine—a technology, healthcare, and eco-production powerhouse.”
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth
Commending the efforts of CII and its Latin America and Caribbean Committee, Mr. Shroff acknowledged their role in advancing India’s engagement with the region. “Through high-level business delegations, policy dialogues, and trade missions, they have worked diligently to enhance economic partnerships and explore new opportunities,” he said.
He stressed the importance of strategic B2B dialogues and knowledge exchange in helping Indian businesses navigate the LAC region while promoting mutually beneficial collaboration.
A Call for Action-Oriented Collaboration
Drawing from his experience in global initiatives such as the World Economic Forum, Food Action Alliance, World Bank Water Resources Group, and UPL’s own projects, Shroff underscored the need to align business interests with public concerns. “Only by doing so can we secure a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come,” he asserted.
He urged the conclave participants to translate discussions into meaningful action, emphasizing three key pillars that should guide India-LAC collaboration, food security, energy security and
environmental sustainability.
The Road Ahead: Beyond Trade Figures
Mr. Shroff stressed that meaningful partnerships are built on deep engagement and innovation, whether through fertilizers, pesticides, or growth regulators.
“The same principle applies to business and strategic collaborations. By fostering close cooperation and promoting investment at the industrial and administrative levels, we can better align our strengths and explore new complementarities beyond trade figures,” he stated.
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