The newly appointed National Minister of the Treasury, Nicolás Dujovne, chose the Mendoza Investment Forum 2017 to share his vision on the future of investment as a primary driver for Mendoza’s growth.
Mendoza, March 3, 2017. – The first Mendoza Investment Forum 2017 took place today, organized by the Mendoza Business Council (CEM) and the ProMendoza Foundation, with the endorsement of the Argentina Investment and International Trade Agency. During the summit, National Minister of the Treasury Nicolás Dujovne announced: “We are seeing a growth in investment, especially from the last quarter of 2016 onward.”
In its inaugural edition, the Mendoza Investment Forum established itself as the benchmark event for investment, productive innovation, and public-private coordination in the Cuyo region.
The opening was led by Federico Ostropolsky, President of CEM, who emphasized the importance of this initiative and the opportunities for provincial growth through investment. He called on the public sector for clear rules, fair taxes, and competition, while urging the private sector to work with quality and corporate commitment.
Governor Alfredo Cornejo stated: “Mendoza needs business leaders. Mendoza and Argentina need high-quality investment and good entrepreneurs. Naturally, it also needs good governors. Mendoza is on track to do everything it must to maintain a sensible economy.”
Juan Procaccini, President of the Argentina Investment and International Trade Agency, noted: “This is a unique moment for Argentina. We are building a new stage with institutional quality, transparency, and legal certainty—fundamental aspects to generate investor confidence.”
The first panel, featuring Ministers Nicolás Dujovne, Francisco Cabrera, Martín Kerchner Tomba, and Enrique Vaquié, focused on measures to encourage investment and public-private partnerships. Dujovne highlighted: “2016 is the first year in contemporary Argentine history where, in the midst of a recession, the demand for machinery and equipment has risen. Business leaders have begun to look forward.”
Minister Francisco Cabrera added: “Investment is a process of building trust. Through the National Productive Plan, we are working on issues that affect business competitiveness, areas where the State holds responsibility.”
Regarding fiscal policy, Martín Kerchner Tomba stated: “Raising or lowering taxes should not be a partisan decision; the path must be a fiscal reduction. We have a permanent tax reduction program in place.” Minister Enrique Vaquié identified three areas with the highest projected investment growth: ICT companies, the energy sector, and agribusiness.
The business panel featured José Luis Panero (CEO of Grupo Supervielle), Alberto Arizu (Director of Luigi Bosca and President of Wines of Argentina), Mark Currie (CEO of Simplot Argentina), renowned winemaker Aurelio Montes, and world-class ophthalmologist Roberto Zaldivar.
“Today, the conditions for investing in Argentina are much better,” remarked Alberto Arizu. Aurelio Montes highlighted: “I firmly believe growth lies within SMEs; I see a great opportunity there.”
“At the Mendoza Business Council, we met our goal of facilitating contact between officials and local business leaders so that investors receive expert information and establish direct links,” concluded Ostropolsky.
The event facilitated meetings between national and provincial ministers and international investors across sectors including Viticulture, Tourism, ICT, Creative Industries, Healthcare, Logistics, Food, Energy, Mining, and Infrastructure.