Global Trade Venture - Argentina and Chile

STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
Because of geographic proximity, cultural ties to the U.S. and economic growth opportunities, South America’s markets are attractive prospects for U.S. exporters. Argentina and Chile are especially strong prospects: Chile is one of the continent’s most stable and business-friendly markets, while Argentina is undergoing economic reforms and is expected to present strong opportunities and growth as its business environment improves.

Chile is stable and prosperous, and consistently ranks high on international indices relating to economic freedom, transparency and competitiveness. It also performs very well in terms of government efficiency, openness to foreign trade, and low levels of corruption. Chile continues to pursue market-oriented strategies and expand global commercial ties, and has a free trade agreement in place with the U.S.

With a population of 43 million, Argentina is a large market whose population is also well-educated. Argentina has abundant natural resources for both agriculture and mining, and infrastructure needs that must be met as development continues. As Argentina addresses its current economic challenges, opportunities will increase. This is an excellent time to begin exploring the market and establishing relationships.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
In September 2016, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will be leading a global trade venture to Argentina and Chile, with a goal of connecting Wisconsin companies with potential buyers, distributors and other partners in these markets. This trade venture is suitable for companies that are not yet exporting into these markets; in addition, companies that are already exporting into these markets can use the global trade venture to enhance their business ties in Argentina and Chile and to expand their market presence. The global trade venture will take place Sept. 24-30, 2016, and will include segments in Buenos Aires and Santiago, both countries’ capitals as well as their centers of finance and banking. In each city, participating companies will be scheduled for customized business meetings with potential local partners hand-picked for their companies by Wisconsin’s authorized trade representatives in the market, based on the Wisconsin companies’ strengths, needs and preferences. Meetings in other cities may also be arranged depending on participating companies’ needs. Each participant in the global trade venture will also receive market intelligence specific to his or her company, detailing considerations to keep in mind when introducing the company’s product or service into these markets. With all you appointments arranged for you, you can focus on business rather than logistics and scheduling.

MARKET OUTLOOK
Argentina’s long-term growth potential is considered to be strong because of its abundant natural resources, high per capita income and highly educated workforce. The pursuit of business-friendly policies by recently elected President Mauricio Macri also strengthens the country’s long-term outlook. President Macri is prioritizing opening up the market to international trade and foreign investment, and is opening access to international capital markets by securing a deal with international creditors over outstanding debt, a welcome break from the policies of the previous administration. The new president has already revised Argentina’s import policies and signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the U.S., signifying a commitment

to open communication and working together to improve trade relations between the countries. Furthermore, foreign-exchange and capital controls have been eliminated. While these new policies may cause short-term economic instability in 2016, they are expected to result in strong growth in 2017 and thereafter.

As one of South America’s most stable and secure nations, Chile is a strong economy that has emerged as a global leader in trade and investment. Chile continues to be a strong trading partner and export market for U.S. companies, due largely to its open market policies, zero tariffs, stable democratic government, solid business practices and low corruption. Although Chile has a population of only 17 million, its open trade and investment policies have attracted the notice of many foreign firms, and it is an important trade and investment market for U.S. and Wisconsin companies. At the same time, the small market size has led some companies to overlook Chile, presenting interesting niche markets and solid opportunities for Wisconsin companies to seize.

Wisconsin’s industry strengths align well with the needs of these markets. Important market sectors include: agricultural machinery, electrical power equipment, environment and water technologies, food processing equipment, medical technology, mining and earthmoving equipment, construction, animal genetics and food ingredients to name a few.

GLOBAL TRADE VENTURE: ARGENTINA AND CHILE
Dates: Sept. 24-30, 2016
Cities: Buenos Aires and Santiago
Venture Fee:

• $2,500 for the first participant from a Wisconsin exporter of goods or services*
• $2,700 for additional participants from the same company*
* This program is offered at a subsidized rate as an incentive to help Wisconsin companies grow their exports.
Non-exporters wishing to join the group must pay the full, unsubsidized cost (approximately $11,000 per person, exact cost TBD).

This subsidized cost includes the following personalized services for participating companies:
• Market research and customized one-on-one appointments with potential customers, agents, distributors and other market intermediaries in each city
• In-country market intelligence and support to help your company devise a strategy for entering the
Argentina and Chile markets
• Country briefing
• Cultural activity
• Hotel accommodations for the duration of the program
• Some group meals
• Transportation from Buenos Aires to Santiago
• Transportation to business meetings
• Interpreters as needed
Not included in the venture fee are the following:
• Round-trip airfare between the U.S. and South America (estimated cost: $1400)
• Most meals
• Hotel accommodations outside of the official schedule, should participants choose to arrive early or stay late
ITINERARY
Sept. 24: Depart Wisconsin
Sept. 25: Arrive in Buenos Aires; cultural tour and group dinner
Sept. 26: Country briefing; individual business appointments in Buenos Aires
Sept. 27: Individual business appointments in Buenos Aires
Sept. 28: Travel to Santiago; country briefing and group dinner
Sept. 29: Individual business appointments in Santiago; cultural tour
Sept. 30: Individual business appointments in Santiago; evening departure for Wisconsin

If you have questions about this program, please contact:
Brad Schneider
Market Development Director
WEDC
Tel. 608.210.6890
brad.schneider@wedc.org

The program registration deadline is Aug. 15, 2016.
For more information about this global trade venture, please visit InWisconsin.com/argentinachile