Javier in Paris – Macron hosts Milei at Élysée Palace

President Javier Milei has returned to Argentina after a trip to Paris, where he secured potential investments for the country's economic reforms and natural resources. The most significant announcement came from TotalEnergies, a French energy company, which plans to invest nearly US$10 billion in Argentina over the next few years, primarily to expand oil and gas production in Vaca Muerta and offshore projects in Tierra del Fuego.

This includes a US$1.5 billion offshore gas development and a possible US$5 billion shale-oil project in Neuquén. Pan American Energy pledged a US$1.2 billion investment to boost conventional oil production at Cerro Dragón in Chubut, while French mining group Eramet aims to expand its lithium project in Salta with a US$350 million investment.

During Argentina Week, a government-led investment roadshow, Milei showcased Argentina as a source of "abundant energy" and critical minerals, defending his fiscal adjustment plans. He assured investors that his government possesses a US$75 billion "bazooka" to withstand destabilizing pressure during the upcoming election and predicted that 2028 could be "the best year in history" if re-elected in 2027.

On the sidelines of the visit, Milei met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where investments, fiscal surplus, and austerity were key topics in their 40-minute conversation. Milei was accompanied by Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri, 12 provincial governors, his sister, Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and several ministers. The delegation also included leading businessmen from Argentina's energy, mining, agribusiness, infrastructure, technology, AI, and health sectors.

The week-long event featured meetings and panels focused on strategic sectors like energy, mining, agri-business, infrastructure, technology, AI, and health. Milei concluded his visit to Paris after a day filled with events, including a visit to the Paris Business Forum, and began his journey back home.