Argentina 2014 Blog: Minister of Industry Débora Giorgi

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Argentina's Minister of Industry gave insight on the country's economic challenges.

Industry Minister Débora Giorgi gave an overview of Argentina's economic trajectory in recent years. The country is undergoing a process of industrialization; manufacturing represents nearly 20 percent of Argentina's GDP, compared to Mexico with 16.6 percent and Brazil with 13 percent. While the country's industrial GDP more than doubled from 2003 to 2013, she said Agricultural development and energy represent the drivers of competitiveness.


Download her presentation.


In addition to domestic policies, Argentina is committed to regional integration with organizations like Mercosur, she added.

Regarding growth, the slowing economic activity in Argentina is at 2010 levels, and not at a crisis level, she said. The energy sector is particularly important for the economy; the government aims to raise production and make gas prices more competitive. Currently, investments in the country's oil company amount to around $37 billion. Also, the government wants to further promote applied science and technology, which represent around 0.7 percent of GDP.

Watch the minister's presentation: