Sustained Economic Growth
Seven years of sustained growth at an average rate of 7.4% per yearin 2003-2009 place Argentina among the world's fastest growing economies.
Argentina's GDP is expected to grow at 7.5% in 2010, remaining asone of the most dynamic economies in the region (IMF, October 2010).
Twin fiscal and current account surpluses (1.5% and 3.7% of GDP,respectively in 2009) provide strong foundations for continuedeconomic growth.
Investment rates remain high by historical standards (21% in first semester 2010).
Flexible and competitive exchange rate.
Record high foreign exchange reserves (US$ 51 billion in September 2010).
Exports of goods and services grew steadily hitting a historical high of US$82.6 billion in 2008. Exports are recovering fast from the impactof the global economic crisis and were up 18% in the first semester of 2010.
Unemployment rate for the first semester of 2010 was 8.1%, one ofthe lowest rates in fifteen years.
Attractive Business Profitability
Argentina offers profitable business opportunities in a wide range of sectors.
Earnings as a percent of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock averaged 10.0% in 2006-2009.
Earnings as a percentage of revenues for the 500 largest non-financial companies were also at record levels (13.3% per year in 2005-2008).
A Globally and Regionally Integrated Economy
Member of the G-20 and founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Full member of MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). Preferential access (0% tariff) to a regional market of 246 million inhabitants and a combined GDP of US$1.9 trillion.
Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and/or Economic Complementation Agreements (ECA) within the region as well as bilateral and regional agreements through MERCOSUR. Currently negotiating other FTAs including MERCOSUR- European Union.
Nearly 2,000 multinationals operating in the country in sectors as diverse as agro-industries, automotive, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, information technologies, telecommunications, public utilities, finance and retail.
Dynamic performance of FDI since 2004, reaching US$ 9.7 million in 2008. FDI resumed growth in 2010 registering an annual increase of 8% in the first semester.
A Diversified Economy
Growing producer of technological and differentiated goods and services.
Dynamic industry with a longstanding tradition, a diversified structure and the skills and knowledge to innovate.
World’s fourth largest exporter of original television formats.
Dynamic software and IT services industry (18% growth in sales and 27% growth in exports per year since 2003).
World’s third-largest producer of GM crops granting producers considerable advantages in terms of production and profit levels, while offering consumers a safe option.
Ranked second in the world in terms of certified surface area for organic production.
Key producer and exporter of commodities, raw materials and food products that match current and projected global consumption trends.
Skilled and Talented Human Resources
Internationally renowned for the quality, creativity and versatility of its human resources.
Highest ratio of researchers to the economically active population in Latin America.
English level among the highest in the developing world.
Highest level of patents registered at the U.S. Patent Trademark Office in the region (measured as total number per million inhabitants for a 40-year period).
Abundant and Diverse Natural Resources
Second largest country in Latin America and eighth in the world (3.8 million square kilometers).
Agricultural productivity among the highest worldwide as reflected by superior yields in the production of soy beans, wheat and corn, among others.
Endowed with extraordinary fertile agriculture lands, forest resources, mining deposits and rich fisheries.
A Remarkable Quality of Life
Ranked 4th among developing countries in the Quality of Life Index (International Living, 2010).
Ranked second in South America in the United Nations Human Development Index and in the UN Gender-related Development Index (2009).
Diverse sports and entertainment options ranging from golf, polo, sailing and soccer to tango shows and ballet performances at the recently renovated Colon Theater.
Buenos Aires ranked among the top ten best cities to visit worldwide for five consecutive years (Travel & Leisure, 2010).
A Vibrant Culture
Vibrant cultural life and dynamic entertainment sector.
Fast growth of creative industries which are increasingly supplying regional and global markets.
International awards in a wide range of disciplines: Miguel de Cervantes Prizes in literature; two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film (Oscars 1986 & 2010); Goya Awards and honorable mentions at the Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals; Latin Grammy Awards and MTV Music Awards.
Quality Connectivity and Modern Infrastructure
Fixed-line and mobile density among the highest in Latin America (World Bank).
Ranked 16th worldwide in terms of internet hosts with 6 million hosts in 2010 (CIA Factbook).
Well-developed transport and infrastructure system: more than 38,700 kilometers of national roads; one of the longest rail road networks in the world (35,753 kilometers); 43 authorized ports; and 53 airports.
Ranked second in the Logistics Performance Index in the region (World Bank, 2010).
Public Sector Supportive of Investment
ProsperAr is Argentina’s Undersecretariat of Investment Development within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.
Investment development activities are supported by a network of 130 permanent representations throughout the world.
By law, equal treatment for domestic and foreign direct investment.
Wide range of incentives and benefits for investors: fiscal and tax benefits to reduce the fiscal burden during the investment phase; incentives for export promotion; fiscal credit for specific training programs; and funds for scientific and technological research and innovation.
Investment incentives in place in sectors such as automotives, biofuels, biotechnology, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and softare
Why invest in Argentina (Presentation)
