Maras Group CEO Steve Maras has been officially appointed by the Government of Uruguay as the inaugural Honorary Consul for Uruguay in Adelaide, with jurisdiction throughout South Australia.
The appointment will see Mr Maras provide consular assistance to Uruguayans in the state, help in matters of immigration, visas and passports, as well as foster trade and investment between Australia and Uruguay.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Mr Maras said he had been approached more than two years ago by Uruguay’s consul general in Sydney who was looking to strengthen the country’s presence in SA.
“This is different for me but I’m all about learning different things and taking on new challenges,” said Mr Maras.
“It’s an appointment which means I can look at the trade relations between our two countries and help to improve those relations. That’s of interest to me.”
Mr Maras added that he has begun learning Spanish and will visit Uruguay next year.
Located in the south-east of South America, Uruguay is bordered by Argentina to its west, and Brazil to its north and east. Australia’s main exports to and imports from Uruguay are largely foodstuffs, with total merchandise trade between the countries estimated at some $37 million in 2013.
Maras Group’s chief financial officer, Tina Mihalaras, has been appointed official chancellor of the consulate office, which will be based in Maras Group’s headquarters in Adelaide’s CBD.