The 22nd Council of the Americas, held on Thursday, August 21 in Buenos Aires, reflected the private sector's expectations regarding the government. While there is confidence in the country's growth potential, business leaders emphasized that there is still a long way to go to consolidate solid and innovative economic development.
Natalio Mario Grinman, President of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC), stressed the need for long-term policies that generate certainty: “We can opt for short-termism, which will cost us dearly later, or for long-term construction that gives us security about the direction we want to take.s.” He added that political decisions should focus on the population and not on partisan interests.
For its part, Susan Segal, President and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas, highlighted Argentina's strategic position in energy, critical minerals and agricultural capabilities, and the opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship with the United States: “This moment represents a unique opportunity to position Argentina as a strategic partner. with regional impact.”
Role of the State, leadership and reforms
Jorge Macri, Head of Government of the City of Buenos Aires, where the event was held, highlighted the role of the State as a facilitator of private development: “Today we celebrate the recognition of the private sector as the driving force of the economy, capable of generating value and innovation, and strengthening Argentina's competitiveness worldwide."
In that line, the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, He reviewed the national government's achievements over the past 18 months, highlighting the primary surplus, the reduction in core inflation, and the decline in poverty from 57% to nearly 30%. He also noted the reduction in consolidated public debt by $57.000 billion and the doubling of reserves, which reached $42.000 billion. He also mentioned announced investments of $27.000 billion and growth projections for 2025 and 2026 according to the IMF.
From that perspective, Federico Sturzenegger, Minister of Deregulation and State TransformationHe explained the concept of "revolution" within the institutional framework and highlighted the importance of leadership, structural reforms, and institutional efficiency. He cited recent examples, such as independent oversight in the Highway Department, the outsourcing of road maintenance, the deregulation of the wine industry, the implementation of double-trailer trucks, and the simplification of procedures for private investment—measures that seek to generate predictability and confidence in private sector projects.
Companies and multilateral organizations
Meanwhile, companies They highlighted the solidity of their investment projects, which require stability and long-term planning, including billions of dollars in energy, lithium, and mining developments. However, they warned that, despite the urgency of these investments, significant challenges remain: ensuring stability, advancing fiscal and labor reforms, maintaining a fiscal surplus, and strengthening coordination within the private sector to maximize their impact on Argentina's competitiveness.
The multilateral organizations (IDB, CAF and World Bank) pointed out that the main challenges in Argentina and the region include low productivity, the fragmentation of global trade and limited regional integration, which barely represents 15% of total trade. To harness the country's potential, modern infrastructure, resilient value chains, greater regional integration, and favorable conditions for development are required. In this context, the private sector plays a key role, promoting investment and collaboration in strategic projects.
Closing by President Javier Milei
El President Javier Milei He closed the meeting by highlighting the construction of a country “from the foundations up":"Our intention is to do things right rather than doing them quickly.”Regarding the private sector, he stated that “eThe current account deficit is resolved between private parties" and projected that "Argentina could double its GDP in 10 years and quadruple it in 22 years..
The attendees They agreed that the meeting reaffirmed the private sector as an engine of growth.. Gabriela Jonneret, by Jennifer SRL (poultry sector), highlighted: "I trust that spaces for dialogue like this will help the country move forward.", while Estela Jonneret, from Universal Transfers (transport sector), added: "I just made a significant investment because I trust the government and see a light at the end of the tunnel..
In a pivotal year, Council 2025 concluded by demonstrating that private sector confidence will be crucial to Argentina's economic future.
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