IT is the new frontier in global economy.

Latin America presents a goldmine, with a wealth of opportunities for international companies and corporations .

Now business leaders in Hampshire have the chance to grab a slice of the action in their own backyard.

More than 60 local companies will gather at St Mary’s Football Stadium today for a flagship global business conference .

The Latin American Road Show is a platform for corporations to boost their business and meet trade specialists from five of South America’s leading countries .

It is run by Government export body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and comes hot on the heels of deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg jetting off for high-level trade talks in Columbia and Mexico.

The rapidly growing region has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of the 2014 Rio World Cup and the approaching 2016 Brazil Olympics .

A new Pacific Alliance has drawn attention to markets in its neighbouring countries.

Representatives from Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico and Peru are flying into Southampton for the free event.

They will offer one-to-one meetings helping local businesses boost or kick-start their overseas sales .

Angus Murray, Latin America specialist for UKTI South East, said: “Huge opportunities exist for local companies across Latin America, and this event gives local firms the chance to plug into them on their doorstep.

“There is huge potential for growth across this region and we want to make sure south-east businesses are making the most of these opportunities .

“Latin American contains some of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies, with rapidly growing middle-classes and large competitive domestic markets.

“Essentially if your product or service is successful in the UK, in most cases with some adaptions, it can be successful in Latin America.”