Argentina Population: 39,537,943 Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy: total population: 97.1%

Geographic Influences Climate: Temperate, arid, cold in south east Terrain: Rich plains of the Pampas in northern half; flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border which prevent an easy barter trade with the neighboring country Chile. Waterways: Argentina has 11000km of waterways. (Rio Parana connects to other countries) Important Ports are located in Buenos Aires, La Plata, Rosario, and Bahia Blanca.

Major Products and Industries Main natural resources: fertile plains, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium Main agricultural products: sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock Major industries: Food processing, meat packing, motor vehicles, consumer goods, textiles, chemicals, printing, metallurgy Major imports: machinery, vehicles, transport products, chemicals Major exports: meat (beef), hides, wool, wheat, corn, flax seed, soy beans, cotton

Current economic condition GDP purchasing power parity: $537.2 billion GDP real growth rate: 8.2% GDP per capita: PPP $ Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.8% Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) US$1 – 2.88 ARS Unemployment rate: 11.1% Population below poverty line: 38.5% (June 2005)

Argentina’s potential regarding foreign investments The GDP of $13,600 per capita shows that there is a significant circulation of money. The percentage of both, unemployment and population below the poverty line has been decreasing over the last years which helps to provide a better standard of living. It will also promote trade in the long run.

Argentina’s challenges Over the last 3 years Argentina showed a thriving economy. However, the resurgent inflation puts pressure on the economic situation.

Infrastructure Transportation: Cars, taxis, subways, and trains are all readily available. Airlines serve main cities. Communication: The communication system is well developed. Postal service is available. Utilities: Telephones are widely available. 4.1 million internet users in 2002.

Action Plan We propose a high speed bullet train that would connect the emerging economies of Argentina, Chile and Brazil. This would stimulate intracontinental tourism and could also be used to transport goods and services by land considering Brazil and Chile are Argentina’s export partners. This type of land communication is currently not available as the Andes Mountain range is a hindrance to transportation between Chile and Argentina. We also see the personal computer and internet service providers as opportune industries which could also encourage E-commerce. E-commerce is expected to boom with the telecommunication deregulation process that began in November We also see the agricultural market as a sector for opportunity as there is need for upgrading of existing machinery. As well, some farmers are switching to non-traditional crops and will need to buy new equipment. There is also need for food processing and packaging equipment since domestic food companies are seeing more competition from imported goods, and need to use more quality packaging.

References: Report by: Alex Mccloskey, Kerstin Meyer, D.Abraham Anaya