"Connecting East & West" by East Consulting is a podcast dedicated to exploring the dynamic business and legal landscape connecting Asia and Latin America. Featuring expert interviews and in-depth analysis, it serves as an invaluable resource for business leaders, investors, legal professionals, and policymakers navigating the complexities of this evolving partnership. Join us as we explore how economic and business connections are shaping the future of Asia-Latin America relations.
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Francisco Urdinez, political scientist and expert on China-Latin America relations, to discuss the growing presence of China in Latin America and its implications for the region's economic and geopolitical landscape. Drawing on the themes of his new book, Economic Displacement: China and the End of US Primacy in Latin America, the conversation explores how China's rise has reshaped trade and investment patterns, the United States' response to the perceived loss of influence, and the strategies Latin American countries are adopting to navigate intensifying US-China competition.
31 Aug 2026
Chapter 13 - Conversation with Jaeyoung Kim
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Jaeyoung Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Planning at Hanwha Group, to discuss Hanwha's position as one of South Korea's largest and most influential business groups. The conversationexplores the company's global strategy, its activities across industries including Aerospace & Defense, Mechatronics, Energy & Maritime Solutions, Finance, and Retail & Services, and the key factors driving its international expansion. Luis and Jaeyoung also examine Hanwha's plans and opportunities in Latin America, the region's growing importance for Koreancompanies, and the potential for deeper trade, investment, and business cooperation between South Korea and Latin America.
3 Aug 2026
Chapter 12 Conversation with Maria Adele Carrai
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Maria Adele Carrai, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford and founder of Mapping Global China, to discuss the evolution of China–Latin America relations, how China's engagement in the region compares to Southeast Asia and Africa, the objectives of the Mapping Global China project, and the implications of growing U.S.-China competition for Latin America.
3 Jul 2026
Chapter 11 Conversation with Hari Seshasayee
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Hari Seshasayee, a leading expert on India–Latin America relations, to discuss his experience living and working across Latin America, the evolving trade and investment relationship between India and the region, and India’s growing role in the global economy.
1 Jun 2026
Chapter 10 Conversation with Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Luis Diego Monsalve Hoyos, former Ambassador of Colombia to China, to discuss the current state and future of Colombia–China relations. In the context of Colombia’s ongoing presidential elections, they explore the strategic importance of China as a long-term partner, the opportunities it presents for Colombian businesses, and key insights from Monsalve’s recent book The Walled Dragon (El dragón amurallado), reflecting on diplomacy, culture, and doing business in China.
1 May 2026
Chapter 9 Conversation with Aurelio Montes
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Aurelio Montes, co-founder of the prestigious Montes Winery, one of Chile’s most internationally renowned wine producers. Together, they explore Montes’ successful journey across Asian markets—including China, Japan, and South Korea—and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and long-term potential for Chilean wine in India as the industry’s next frontier.
1 Apr 2026
Chapter 8 Conversation with Margaret Myers
Luis Alberto Pino speaks with Margaret Myers, a leading expert on China–Latin America dynamics. The conversation examines China’s evolving role in the region and the opportunities and challenges facing Latin America amid growing geopolitical competition.
1 Mar 2026
Chapter 7 Conversation with Jorge Heine
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Ambassador Jorge Heine, former Chilean ambassador to China, India, and South Africa, to explore his latest thinking on global diplomacy. Drawing on his recent books — The Non‑Aligned World: Striking Out in an Era of Great Power Competition, Latin American Foreign Policies in the New World Order: The Active Non‑Alignment Option, and Xi‑Na in the Century of the Dragon: What Everyone Should Know About China — the conversation examines the resurgence of Active Non‑Alignment, the rise of China, and how Latin America can navigate great‑power rivalry in an increasingly multipolar world.
3 Feb 2026
Chapter 6 Conversation with Carlos Kuriyana
In this episode, Luis Alberto Pino sits down with Carlos Kuriyama, Director of the Policy Support Unit at the APEC Secretariat. Having been based in Singapore for nearly two decades, Carlos brings a uniquely grounded Asia‑Pacific perspective shaped by both regional policymaking and deep familiarity with Latin American economic realities. Drawing on his experience as a former chief negotiator for Peru and a leading trade policy expert, the conversation explores APEC’s role in advancing evidence‑based policy, the evolving dynamics of Asia–Latin America trade and investment, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for inclusive and sustainable growth across both regions.
31 Dec 2025
Chapter 5 - Conversation with Marcel Appliger
Marcel Oppliger, founder of Taiwan Edge, discusses Taiwan's pivotal role in global innovation and geopolitics, highlighting its technological prowess and strategic importance in an interview.
3 Dec 2025
Episode 4 - Conversation with Gita Wirjawan
Luis Alberto Pino interviews Gita Wirjawan about Southeast Asia's sustainable growth, exploring global trends that reshape opportunities for businesses and policymakers.
3 Nov 2025
Episode 3 - Conversation with Alice Sun (OrcaMar Strategies)
Luis Alberto Pino interviews Alice Sun, CEO of OrcaMar Strategies, about connecting global markets and the evolving opportunities for businesses navigating Asia and Latin America.
1 Oct 2025
Episode 2 - Conversation with Angela Torres-Andresen
Luis Alberto Pino interviews Angela Torres-Andresen, who discusses building business bridges between Latin America and Asia through the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.
12 Sept 2025
Episode 1 - Conversation with Ignacio Tornero
Journalist Luis Alberto Pino Gumucio interviews CEO and founder Ignacio Tornero about his journey with Asia and the founding of East Consulting.
29 Apr 2025
Shenzhen: China’s Silicon Valley Goes Global (King & Wood Mallesons)
In this episode of "Connecting East & West", Ignacio Tornero visits Shenzhen – China’s tech capital – for an in-depth conversation with Jin Xiong, partner at leading law firm King & Wood Mallesons (KWM). They explore how Chinese companies are expanding into Latin America, the legal strategies powering their international growth, and what Shenzhen’s fast-paced ecosystem can teach the rest of the world.
5 Mar 2025
A Special Reunion in Shanghai (Dacheng Law Offices)
In this episode, Ignacio Tornero, Founder & CEO of East Consulting, sits down in Shanghai with partner Ming Wu for a conversation that holds personal significance. A decade ago, in 2014, Ignacio was a foreign associate at Dacheng’s Shanghai office, gaining firsthand experience in China’s dynamic legal and business environment. Now, ten years later, he returns not just as a visitor but as the leader of East Consulting, reconnecting with old colleagues and exploring the evolving landscape of China-Latin America relations.
5 Feb 2025
From Beijing to Latin America (Fangda Partners)
In this first episode of Connecting East & West, Ignacio Tornero sits down with Peng Tan, partner at Fangda Partners, one of China’s leading law firms. They explore the firm’s history and growth, the evolution of China’s legal landscape, and its increasing engagement with Latin America. Peng shares insights on the Chinese economy, key trends shaping cross-border legal work, and what the future holds for the legal profession in China. Don’t miss this deep dive into the intersection of law, business, and global connections.
Who has been a guest on Connecting East & West
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Marcel Oppliger
Gita Wirjawan
Alice Sun
Angela Torres-Andresen
Ignacio Tornero
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
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Questions about Connecting East & West
Who hosts Connecting East & West?
Luis Alberto Pino host the show. Published by East Consulting.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Connecting East & West take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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