Argentina seeks business dialogue with India to beef up ties

An interactive session organized by FICCI to explore business and investment avenues in the two countries

A visiting Argentinian delegation Thursday called for government policies and dialogue among businessmen to deepen bilateral and economic relations with India.

The governor of Santa Fe province, Antonio Juan Bonfatti, said it was "imperative" to have state policies that facilitate and establish a dialogue among stakeholders, both public and private.

Bonfatti was speaking at an interactive session organized by Indian industry chamber FICCI to explore business and investment avenues in the two countries.

The Province of Santa Fe is a powerhouse in agriculture and related sectors. There is immense scope for Indian businesses in areas such as agricultural products and machinery, dairy products, timber, wooden furniture, cotton, textile garments, leather, auto components, chemicals, and IT and IT-enabled services.

Bonfatti is on a two-week visit to India, leading a 40-member industry and ministerial delegation. During the visit, he took interest in India's wind energy and biomass sectors.

Bonfatti urged the industry to engage in cultural exchange as well.

He suggested that universities of both the countries should commence exchange programmes as a stepping stone in this regard.

Riva Ganguly Das, joint secretary in India's ministry of external affairs, said that despite the close relations between India and Argentina, trade and economic ties are below the potential that exists in both the nations.

She said the visit of the business delegation following the Joint Commission Meeting between the two countries would help in exploring possibilities of business and investment.

A business session on opportunities for Indian industry in Santa Fe was also organized.