India-Argentina Business Council (IABC)

The India-Argentina Business Council (IABC), an initiative of the Embassy of India, was conceptualized as a non-profit organization comprising leading Indian companies doing business in Argentina and vice versa, as well as the leading exporters and importers between the two countries. The IABC was formally launched on 14 October 2020 by Mr. Dinesh Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Argentina and Dr. Matías Kulfas, the then Minister of Productive Development of the Argentine Republic in a ceremony held at the Embassy. Ambassador Carola Ramón, Undersecretary of Multilateral and Bilateral Economic Negotiations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship was also present on the occasion.

2. The Council functions with an objective to foster robust and diversified economic and commercial relationship between the two countries by advancing trade and investment opportunities, identifying challenges and proposing solutions, and supporting economic growth. The current membership/representation of the Council consist of the following companies and chambers:

3. In joint collaboration with the Embassy, the IABC has organized the following business promotional events so far:

i. An inaugural Business Forum, was organized in hybrid format (due to Covid protocols) on 25 March 2021. Around 30 invitees, including IABC members attended the event physically, while over 220 participated virtually. The inaugural session was addressed by Minister of Productive Development, Dr. Matías Kulfas and Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia. Two panel discussions focused on business opportunities, strategies and challenges during covid, and sharing experiences followed. Secretary of International of Economic Relations in the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Mr. Jorge Neme; Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia and the Interim Executive Director of IABC, Mr. Gustavo Idígoras, participated in the closing session of the forum.

ii. A Business Seminar was organized during the visit of External Affairs’ Minister to Buenos Aires on 26 August 2022.  The seminar addressed by the EAM, which also had a Q & A session, was attended by more than 60 leading Argentine and Indian companies and was very well received.

iii. India-Argentina Business Summit:  To commemorate 75 years of India-Argentina diplomatic relations, an India-Argentina Business Summit (IABS) on organized on 29 February 2024. The IABS, an invitation only event, targeted at large businesses, prominent politicians, high government functionaries, thinks tanks, media and influencers received an attendance of more than 200 persons. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, H.E. Ms. Diana Mondino graced the event as Chief Guest. Minister of Defence H.E. Mr. Luis Petri and Governor of Catamarca, H.E. Mr. Raul Jalil joined as Guests of Honour. Prominent attendees from Argentine Government included Secretary of International Affairs in the Defence Ministry, Mr. Juan Battaleme; Secretary of Research, Industrial Policy and Defence Production, Mr. Raúl Guillermo Jesus Marino; Secretary of Coordination in Ministry of Security, Mr. Martín Siracusa; Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Mr. Fernando Vilella; Secretary of International Trade, Mr. Marcelo Cima; President of AFIP (National taxation Authority), Ms. Florencia Misrahi; Chief of Argentine Air Force, Brig. Major Fernando Luis Mengo; more than a dozen of senators and deputies (members of lower house of Parliament).  From business side, owners and CEOs of prominent companies across sectors; high ranking officials from important institutes like Argentine Agency for Investment and International Trade, INDEC, etc.; representatives of mainstream media and think-tanks attended in large numbers.   The event was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Ambassador and President, IABC.

The Summit was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence, Ambassador and President of the IABC. A panel discussion themed on “Opportunities, perspectives and challenges of the bilateral relationship” was held during the summit. The panel was moderated by Paula Szenkman, Director of Economic Development at CIPPEC (Center for the Implementation of Public Policies for Equity and Growth), a prominent think tank and included - Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; Fernando Vilella, Secretary of International Affairs in Defence Ministry, Juan Battaleme; President of the Argentine Industrial Union, Daniel Funes de Rioja; and CEO of Sri Sri Tattva Argentina, Michael Levy as panelists.