Argentina

Political and economical information Federal democratic Republic Federal democratic Republic Composed of 23 provinces Composed of 23 provinces The federal capital is Buenos Aires The federal capital is Buenos AiresBuenos AiresBuenos Aires

The president is elected for a term of 4 years The president is elected for a term of 4 years Current president : Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Current president : Cristina Fernández de KirchnerCristina Fernández de KirchnerCristina Fernández de Kirchner The provinces have autonomy and elect their own authorities headed by the Governor The provinces have autonomy and elect their own authorities headed by the Governor Political and economical information

Any economic activity and political decision-making is concentrated in Buenos Aires Any economic activity and political decision-making is concentrated in Buenos Aires Trade Unions are corrupt in Argentina, and they can sometimes be menacing Trade Unions are corrupt in Argentina, and they can sometimes be menacing The Argentine currency is the peso, divided into 100 Centavos The Argentine currency is the peso, divided into 100 Centavos Political and economical information 1 EUR = 5,74 ARS

People distribution in Argentina 41 million people (July 2009) 13 million in Rosario, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires (one third) The Pampa is a vast grassy plain as big as France –60% of the whole population –Industrial core –70% of the cattle ranches From 1880 Buenos Aires is the capital –Despite its non-central position –Due to economic activities (Pampa) –Harbour to Europe (English influence)

Argentinean origins The Pampa has been developed by and for the Europeans (19th century) –Granary for Europe –Many industries investments (UK) –European workforce > millions immigrants Majority from Italia, Spain, Yugoslavia, Germany, France

Argentinean origins The most European country from Latin America –85% European –13% half blood people –2% native people Spanish is the official language –95% of the population –5% speak native languages

Geographical Content Argentine’s neighbours Argentine’s regions Argentine’s geographic diversity

Historical Content Today Spanish colonisation 2001 economical crisis 1930 – 1983: time of dictatorships 1982: Malouines War

Who is Emmanuel Defrance? Graduate of the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (ENPC) in years of his career abroad (North America, Mexico, Canada and Argentina) of which 5 years in Argentina GTM from 1990 to 1997 (business of construction and design) Dumez from 1997 to 1999 (more service oriented in the field of water and environment) Suez Environment from 1999 to now

His feeling about Argentina Argentina is really different from other countries in Latin America Argentines tend to be more pessimistic than other Latinos They have little attachment to their country and would tend to invest more in foreign countries than their own There is an important poverty : in big city, up to 10% of the population lives in slums and dump The cost of living is relatively expensive and purchasing power is very low

His feeling about Argentina Argentines go out late at night (after 23:00) and can stay in bars or restaurants until 4am The temperature in Argentina is about 23 º throughout the year the emblems of Argentina : –The Gaucho : the cowboy of Argentina –The Sado : the Argentine barbecue they follow football : emergence of a sort of nationalism (rare)

What to do and not to What to do: What to do:  integrate in the local life  be aware and understand the culture  speak Spanish  accept the fear of the foreigners  be tactful and diplomatic concerning the business  know your colleagues and be trustful  looking good in the eyes of others What not to do: What not to do:  forget your former work methods and your rigor  choose the easiness  direct confrontation

Economic crisis Pesos ≠ Dollars Social crisis: Plundering, demonstration Debts (50% of population into poverty and 23% of unemployment) No investissement: Suez has been retired from cleaning up project GDB increase by 21% in 4 years Public depth raise by 140 B$

Economic crisis What now After ? Between 2003 and 2007: GDB increase by 9% Agreement with Brasil to protect production sectors After 2007: Inflation increase by 25% 3 rd biggest GDB in all America (even if it is volatile)

Thank you for your attention Any question?