Energy, competitiveness and trade: keys to driving Argentina’s growth
Business leaders and government officials discussed opportunities at a German-Argentine Chamber of Industry and Commerce event La entrada Energy, competitiveness and trade: keys to driving Argentina’s growth se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald .
Argentina's economic outlook in late 2026 was mixed, with an export boom in commodities balancing rising unemployment, a slowdown in disinflation, and slowing economic activity. In response, the German-Argentine Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) organized a discussion titled "Debating the Foundations of Argentina’s Future" at the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, bringing together business leaders and public officials.
Energy Secretary María Tettamanti emphasized that to capitalize on the natural gas reserves in the Vaca Muerta formation, they must be exported. She argued that industrialization requires clear rules of the game and predictability, stating that Argentina's past attempts at industrialization have been undermined by unclear policies.
The Milei administration would not intervene in the sector, believing the market should determine export decisions. Juan Pedro Agüero, general manager of New Energy Argentina, highlighted Argentina's abundant wind resources, potential for solar energy, and green hydrogen, as well as lithium batteries' role in stabilizing renewable power generation.
Eduardo Gorchs, president of AHK Argentina and Siemens' managing director for South America, noted the country's history of technological leaps in certain industries. Matías Martin, managing director and CFO of BASF Argentina, emphasized the importance of moving from promise to power and the role of Argentine talent. Carolina Barton of Aluplast acknowledged the challenges posed by recent economic volatility, which caused a delay in plans to establish a production plant.
Marcelo Elizondo, chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce in Argentina, stated that Argentina was at a turning point, undergoing transformation on four major fronts, including restoring macroeconomic order and reintegration into the international economy. The EU-Jersey trade agreement is expected to further boost Argentina's share of global exports, which reached a low of 0.29% in 2023.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Herald's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
