Argentine trade minister says ties with China bear strategic importance

BUENOS AIRES - Argentine Minister of Trade Miguel Braun Tuesday highlighted the importance of working together with China, saying his government will continue to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He made the remarks at a trade and investment forum in Buenos Aires between a delegation of over 20 Chinese businessmen and their Argentinean counterparts seeking to deepen bilateral exchanges as both countries celebrate the 45th year of diplomatic ties.

Braun said his government believes there is a phenomenal opportunity to do business in Argentina for the next 20 years, calling the forum an opportunity to show Argentina's natural potential to satisfy strategic demands, such as food security.

"Our government has a commitment to working with you to ease investments and trade," added the minister.

Braun told the Chinese entrepreneurs that his country was putting together the most ambitious infrastructure plan in Argentina's history, including investments worth a total of $260 billion.

Yang Wanming, China's ambassador to Argentina, said he was convinced that "this closeness will lead to long-term entrepreneurial strategies. This year coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Over this period, cooperation has been the basis of the relationship."

The diplomat called on both sides to "intensify exchanges between companies and localities to make them more fluid. We see in a positive light the opportunities for development in Argentina."

Rodolfo Villalba, vice-president of the Argentine Agency for International Investment and Trade, added that "Argentina enjoys a special status as a comprehensive strategic partner of China."

China, for Argentina, is "not just an opportunity in terms of markets, but to receive direct and financial investment, to develop the projects which are beginning to develop in the country," said Villalba, "Argentina also represents a highly attractive opportunity for China, in the areas of energy, mining and natural resources."

"Argentina must look at China with renewed interest to seek new opportunities. The business environment has become highly agreeable over the last year. We can confirm that the bilateral business relationship is solid and will grow more in the years to come. China is a friendly country which can offer us multiple opportunities," Villalba added.