Country Profile

Argentina, a south american country, is surrounded by the andes mountain range in the west and the southern atlantic ocean in the east & west. It occupies total area of 1,068,302 sq km, with a total population nearly 40,301,927. Argentina is ranked 38 in human development index. The country is under the political framework of federal presidential representative democratic republic, under which president is termed as both the head of state and government. Motor vehicles, textile, chemical, printing, petrochemical and steel sector, share the major industrial production of argentina with 7% production rate. With an export of soyabeans & derivatives, petroleum & gas, vehicles, corn and wheat, argentina has crossed the mark of $54.6 billion.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Export-oriented agricultural sector.
• Diversified industrial base.
• Grains and livestock are the basis of the nation's wealth.
• Domestic oil and gas production makes the nation self-sufficient in energy.
• Food processing (meat packing, flour milling, canning) is the principal industry; leather goods and textiles are also important.
• Between 1998 and 2002, suffered from inflation, external debt, capital flight and budget deficits.
• The economy recovered with output up 8% in 2003.
• By 2003 year-end, the inflation reduced to under 4% and unemployment started decreasing.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Edible Oils, Fuels and Energy, Cereals, Feed, Motor Vehicles, Meat, Hides, Wool, Dairy Products, Transportation Equipment.

Main Destinations of Exports
Brazil, Chile, United States, Spain.

Major Import Items
Machinery and Equipment, Motor Vehicles, Chemicals, Metal Manufactures, Plastics.

Main Origins of Imports
Brazil, United States, Germany, China.

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
Business Visa is allowed for the following purpose and is usually valit for 90 days which may be extended:

• Attend any business meetings or discussions.
• Attend sales calls to potential client over there provided that the employee represents a commercial entity outside of Argentina.
• Attend seminars or some "fact-finding" meetings.

The basic requirements of obtaining business visa are as follows:

• The applicant must have a residence, and an employer or business outside Argentina and must be visiting Argentina for a limited and pre-set time period.
• The applicant must not receive compensation from sources within Argentina (unless for "per-diem" expenses, such as meals or car fare).
• The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds (such as cash or credit cards) along with a confirmed, round-trip airline ticket.
• The applicant must show evidence that health/medical insurance will be provided by the employee's home company.

Business Hours
Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (two hours early for factories) with one-hour lunch break.

Public Holidays