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Argentina Business & Investment Forum
September 12, 2016 - September 15, 2016
Argentina back on the global investment map with its first international Business & Investment Forum
- The Forum marks Argentina’s return to the world.
- It will be a meeting place between businessmen, investors, national and international business leaders,and government officials.
- It will explore the vision and strategies of the government to stimulate economic sectors and review investment opportunities that promote inclusive and long-term growth.
Buenos Aires, Argentina. From September 12-15, Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires will host over 1500 global businessmen, investors and political leaders for the first ARGENTINA BUSINESS & INVESTMENT FORUM.
“Argentina is back on the global investment map, offering some of the most exciting investment opportunities for the coming decade,” declared Argentine President Mauricio Macri.
“It is important for Argentina that we re-establish a strong and mutually-beneficial relationship with the international business community,” he added. “Attracting foreign direct investment this year will be a catalyst to economic growth and to creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Argentina.”
Organized by the Argentina Investment & Trade Promotion Agency, the Forum will consist of plenary sessions, thematic conferences, bilateral meetings and networking opportunities that will give participants the chance to interact with senior government officials, state governors and local business leaders to explore new investment opportunities underpinned for strategic growth in every sector of the economy.
“We are looking for international investors to review first-hand the investment opportunities that our country presents across almost all industrial and service sectors, such as conventional and renewable energy, agribusiness, technology and infrastructure,” declared Juan Procaccini, President of the Argentina Investment & Trade Promotion Agency. “The Agency will prioritize investments that promote inclusive growth in the different regions of our country.”
Procaccini revealed that, since the assumption of President Macri in December 2015, foreign companies have already announced investments of over US$ 16bn, three times as many as in the same period last year.
Key to attracting these investments are the ongoing macroeconomic and institutional reforms that will underpin national growth and stability in the coming years. “Other measures in the agenda, such as the new legal framework for public-private partnerships, will facilitate investment in key areas such as infrastructure,” stated Procaccini.
President Macri added that the Forum will show the global business community that “in Argentina they can count on the best tools, the best supplies and raw materials, the best energy potential, and above all else, the enormous talent of our people.”
ABOUT THE ARGENTINA BUSINESS & INVESTMENT FORUM
REPOSITION ARGENTINA ON THE GLOBAL INVESTMENT STAGE
The Forum will be a major milestone in the implementation of President Mauricio Macri’s business and investment reform, supporting Argentina’s goal to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and re-launch itself as a significant emerging economy.
FORUM OBJECTIVES
- Demonstrate the progress of Argentina’s ambitious economic reform program
- Enable new conversations, ideas and opportunities about the future of Argentina’s prosperity
- Highlight the untapped potential and opportunities of Argentina’s key economic sectors
- Close financing gaps to support sustainable and inclusive growth
- Firmly position Argentina as an attractive destination on the global investment map
- Showcase Argentina’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystems and present its leading innovators to a global audience
WHY ATTEND
Landmark event
The level of representation, both from within Argentina and around the globe, from business and politics will be unprecedented in the country’s recent history.
First mover advantage
Participants can “get in on the ground floor” in a country that has massive investment opportunities stemming from its sheer size, diversified economy, educated population, natural resources and unique location.
Be the first to know
Unique opportunity to hear first-hand of the economic vision and sector plans that the government has prepared to drive investment and growth.
Speak directly with Ministers of strategic sectors.
Networking opportunities
Time for delegates to mingle freely and discuss substantive matters.
Special times set aside for one-to-one meetings with the President and his Ministers.
Support Argentina for the benefit of all
Support Argentina at this critical juncture as it takes strides to advance its economy, and regain its long-standing position as a political, economic and cultural center in the region.
Benefit not just Argentina’s own economy and society, but that of the whole region.
WHY INVEST
Since President Mauricio Macri took office in December 2015 Argentina is working to provide a stable and adequate macroeconomic and regulatory framework to become an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment. The main measures were: removal of capital/repatriation restrictions, free floating currency, closed hold out debt default and successfully regained access to global capital markets, inflation targeting, public deficit control and removal of export taxes. The right investment climate along with the country´s comparative advantages and growth prospects provide unique investment opportunities. A private sector with low levels of debt provides a solid platform to finance investment and consumption to return the economy to a sustainable growth path. Argentine Comparative Advantages
KEY FIGURES
- 3rd largest economy in the region with a GDP of $500Bn (after Brazil and Mexico)
- 2nd highest GDP per capita in the region in PPP terms (U$22,600, after Chile)
- 4th country in the region in population size (43m),
- 8th largest country in the world with 53% of arable land
- 8 prolific Oil & Gas basins. Optimal conditions for renewable energy (wind, solar)
- Untapped metals and minerals reserves (copper, gold, silver, lithium, potassium)
- World-class labor force, renowned for its technical skills, creativity and versatility
- Ranked #1 in Latin America in Human Development Index, #1 in Education Index
- 2nd highest proportion of middle class population, lowest Gini coefficient in the region
- High connectivity levels, with 75% broadband and 141% mobile penetration
- Pent up consumption and investment (logistics, infrastructure, utilities, energy).
ABOUT ARGENTINA
At 43 million, Argentina’s population is relatively young (median age is around 30 years) and grows at approximately 0.9% per year. Until 2030 the country is expected to enjoy a demographic dividend, with the share of the working-age population larger than the non-working-age share of the population.
Throughout its history, the country has welcomed immigration. Between 1850 and 1950, Argentina attracted mainly Italian and Spanish immigrants. Over the last decades, immigrants have arrived mainly from neighbouring countries and Asian nations. The country is well known for its tolerance towards different cultures and respect for diversity.
The official language is Spanish but Argentina has the highest English language proficiency in Latin America. English is mandatory at state schools in the City of Buenos Aires and in the Province of Buenos Aires.
Argentine workers are among the most highly educated in Latin America. The literacy rate is 98% and 16% of the population has higher education levels.
Due to its educated population of young people, its prestigious universities and both a public and private commitment to innovation, Argentine cities have become an attractive destination for mobile development services, software, and gaming that have produced three successful unicorns: Mercado Libre, Despegar, and Globant.
Argentina is one of the main tourism destinations in Latin America, with almost 6 million tourists per year. The capital city of Buenos Aires is a top choice for expats due to its vibrant culture and renowned nightlife.
ECONOMY
Argentina is one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America possessing abundant human and natural resources.
The well-known ‘Humid Pampas’ with its high agriculture productivity (as a result of mild climate, abundant rainfall, rich soils, low fertilizer needs) has led Argentina to become a top food producer with large-scale agricultural and livestock industries. It is among the world’s leading beef and soybean exporters and is the top producer of sunflower seeds, lemons and soybean oil.
Argentina also has significant mining reserves: Silver/copper (7th largest in the world), lithium (4th), gold (9th) and potassium. In addition to its conventional oil and gas reserves, Argentina is ranked 4th worldwide in shale oil and 2nd in shale gas reserves.
While the country has a strong history of heavy industries – such as the automotive industry -, fast-growing sectors include renewable energies (due to optimal wind and solar conditions), biotechnology, software development and creative industries. Furthermore, Argentina has recently launched an ambitious infrastructure program (including the construction of highways, roads, ports, and cargo trains) with a special focus on the country’s Northwest to improve the country’s competitiveness.
Following the December 2015 election of President Mauricio Macri, a bold economic program has been launched to strengthen the economy and provide the right investment climate. Recent measures include lifting capital controls, moving to a floating currency, removing export taxes and reducing subsidies to utilities tariffs. The government is also committed to eliminating the fiscal deficit and cutting inflation to a low single-digit figure over the next four years.
The end of the dispute with holdout creditors and the successful $16.5 billion bond issue (4 times oversubscribed) was a significant milestone. These measures, coupled with the fact that Argentina has an open investment regime, have improved investors’ perceptions and encouraged investment.
