To discuss macroeconomic scenarios and business opportunities in Argentina, Fiesp President Josué Gomes da Silva received, on Monday (2/12), the Argentine Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, who was accompanied by a delegation from the Argentine government.
“Relations between Brazil and Argentina have always been important for Brazilian industrial companies and I believe for Argentine industrial companies as well,” said Josué, at the opening of the event, while highlighting the importance of integration between the two countries.
Josué pointed out that the significant adjustments made to the Argentine economy during the first year of President Javier Milei's mandate will allow for an even more intense commercial and economic integration between Brazil and Argentina.
"We have seen significant developments that will increasingly facilitate trade and, mainly, facilitate investment by Brazilian companies in Argentina," said Josué.
The president of Fiesp reported that, probably, in the first quarter of 2025, a large delegation from Fiesp will travel to Buenos Aires to announce investments by Brazilian companies in Argentina.
According to him, integration with the neighbouring country, especially in the energy sector, will allow both countries to help the world in the energy transition. In the last decade, Argentina has discovered a large amount of natural gas in the Vaca Muerta reserve in the Patagonia region.
“And, obviously, the support of Argentina and Brazil for the agreement with the European Union will allow us to enjoy a carbon market and a decarbonisation process in this region, which has so much potential to sell carbon credits to Europe,” said Josué.
“You can rest assured that Fiesp is the second Argentine consulate in São Paulo. Fiesp's doors will always be open to the Argentine government,” Josué concluded.
In his speech, Minister Luis Caputo also defended the progress of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. According to him, it is very important for Argentina that Mercosur shows flexibility when reaching bilateral agreements.
"We believe that this is something that benefits all countries and that there should be no problem for us to continue working along these lines," said the minister.
The agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, after 25 years of discussions, could be finalized at the Mercosur Summit in Montevideo, Uruguay, on December 6 and 7, despite resistance from some European sectors, such as the French agricultural sector.
The agreement provides for the adoption of free trade between the two blocs, involving goods such as agricultural and food products, although each item has maximum import and export quotas. With the agreement, Mercosur countries can expand their agricultural exports to Europe.
President Javier Milei has advocated more bilateral trade agreements, something that is not currently planned in Mercosur. The countries of the bloc have committed to negotiate by mutual agreement because products imported by one of the members can circulate without tariffs to the other countries.
Luis Caputo's visit to Fiesp aims to attract Brazilian investments, focusing on the energy, mining, oil and gas, infrastructure and technology sectors.
Daniel Gonzáles, Secretary for Energy and Mining Coordination at the Ministry of Economy, said that Argentina approved new regulations that facilitate investments in energy and mining, as part of the Fundamental Law, validated in June of this year.
Among the measures announced are the reduction of current taxes and the commitment that, for 30 years, exemptions will not be changed and taxes will not be created, including municipal and state taxes.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Mercosur and the Americas, represented by the President, Mr. Miguel Luján Paletta, and the directors, Franchesco López and Carlos Fanchioni.
