The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (Coalar) was established by the Australian Government in 2001 to enhance Australia’s economic, political and social relations with Latin America. It was formed in response to the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - Trade Sub Committee report, Building Australia's Trade and Investment Relationship with South America (September 2000). One of the report’s recommendations was to ‘establish a mechanism with funding to promote initiatives, provide leadership and display commitment to developing the relationship through tangible achievements,’ through a Australia – South America Foundation. The Council's objectives are the achievement of: a. enhanced and strengthened links between Australia and Latin America in the priority areas of business, education, sustainability, tourism and cultural promotion; b. a closer engagement between corporate Australia with Latin America c. an increased awareness and understanding of Australia in Latin America, and of Latin America in Australia.