Change in Argentine Government Encourages Brazilian Multinational Companies

02/01/2016 - 10h24

After several months facing difficulties in Argentina, Brazilian multinational companies already forecast increasing revenues and some even make plans to expand in the neighboring country after the change in its presidency, which now has a more liberal profile.

After few more than 40 days of the Mauricio Macri administration, Brazilian businessmen already believe the tide has turned.

One of Brazil's biggest multinational companies, Stefanini, which operates in the information technology sector, is expecting to grow at least 35% in Argentina this year.

Marcopolo, a partner in two bus factories in Argentina, has already felt changes in the business environment. "Macri has set up a good technical team. He is relieving processes from bureaucratic work more quickly," says Ruben Bisi, the company's director of international businesses.

The end of the automatic licenses for import brought a positive expectation for Brazilian exports.

The director of battery manufacturer Moura in Argentina, Elisa Correia, also praised the choice of technical professionals for important positions in the government, but says that it is still too early to identify concrete advances. Moura opened its first factory in Argentina four years ago.

In the agricultural and livestock sector, which has been benefited by the end of barriers against exports, perspectives also improved.

In recent years, price controlling and limits to beef export led JBS to stop producing in 4 of the 5 factories that it controls in Argentina. The company now aims to resume slaughter in the closed factories and increase the use of its active facility.

BRF hasn't given up on Argentina, either. On the contrary, it has raised its bet on the neighboring country, where it produces chicken and pork, as well as processed food. In 2015, BRF invested some US$ 190 million in purchases and expansion.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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	Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
	Argentinian President Mauricio Macri