“Argentina, too, is forced into an energy transition, but it has some important advantages over other countries in its soil.”

With the Belgian-Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce abroad, the chambers in Belgium have a strong foreign network that can help their members in their international activities. Today we interview Rita Heirman and Yves-André Manche, respectively president and secretary-general of the recently associated Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Argentina.

Like many South American countries, Argentina is susceptible to political shifts, and it is an understatement to say that anyone entering these markets should be very well informed and guided. At the BLCCA in Argentina, based in la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, you are already well taken care of by Belgians with decades of experience in Argentina.

The Chamber was founded in 1917, which makes it one of the oldest of all foreign chambers operating in Argentina. The Chamber works with a tight-knit and active board of 9 members and has started a full revival two years ago. The Chamber itself gathers numerous companies active in the most diverse sectors, from dredging and steelworks, through logistics, 3D printing and engineering, to tourism, art and gastronomy.

What kind of developments are taking place in Argentina that could be of interest to Belgian companies?

Yves Manche: Argentina is facing a huge energy challenge. Renewable energy is at the heart of the energy development programme. Argentina is a large country, and the production of bioethanol is increasing. The Belgian company De Smet has understood this and its subsidiary, De Smet Contractors de Argentina, develops turnkey projects to produce bioethanol, among other things.

The agro-industrial sector is Argentina’s economic lung. The products are mostly exported, but the agricultural equipment and spare parts needed for the development and maintenance of the sector are often imported. The agro-technical and food sector has a high added value and is facing great developments. Argentina is home to companies like Mercado Libre and Glo Blant. Their needs for digitalisation are very high.

Online banking is growing but remains overall limited. There is a real opportunity for businesses in this niche, but they must be aware of the local risks and limitations. Finally, mining is important in Argentina. With its huge lithium reserves, the country aspires to become the world leader in lithium production.

Rita Heirman: Argentina has suffered from major forest fires and reforestation is certainly a challenge for the Argentine government. This reforestation is also being developed for commercial purposes, with significant foreign (including Belgian) investments, both for future timber exports and industrial processing.

“Argentina has suffered from major forest fires. Reforestation is certainly a challenge the Argentinian government will have to face.”

There are development opportunities in healthcare, transport, consumer goods, IT developments and new technologies. Since 2018, Argentine companies have had better access to the European market thanks to the logistics hub in Antwerp. This allows faster exchange of products and better control of foreign trade. Argentina also has companies active in the aerospace and nuclear sectors. Other areas are also being developed: lifestyle, fashion, culture, gastronomy, and tourism.

Yves-André Manche

A pretty original resume: after several years of legal practice at the bar of Brussels and a tax and legal career at Belfius Insurance Belgium, he completed an additional training in oenology a few years ago, and later took lessons to become a sommelier at the Escuela Argentina de Sommelier. He now focuses on the import and marketing of Argentinian wines in Belgium and on legal consultancy.

Since 2020, he has been serving as Secretary General of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Argentina.

Like many South American countries, Argentina is susceptible to political shifts, and it is an understatement to say that anyone entering these markets should be very well informed and guided. At the BLCCA in Argentina, based in la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, you are already well taken care of by Belgians with decades of experience in Argentina.

Is it easy to promote Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Argentina?

RH: It is not difficult to promote countries like Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, since our two countries are competing with all the major global players, such as China, the United States, Russia, Germany, France, etc. How do we do it? We cooperate with AWEX, FIT, the Belgian Embassy, representatives of the Luxembourg authorities, associations that promote gastronomy and culture, etc. Social networks are also an effective tool for promoting both Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. We also participate in economic missions.

How does the Chamber concretely help Belgian and Luxembourg companies? What services do you offer?

YM: We are the ideal contact point for Belgian and Luxembourg companies that want to establish trade relations with or invest in Argentina. We offer answers to simple questions or can provide reports or studies on specific companies or topics. We can also put Belgian and Luxembourg companies in touch with other companies or professionals in Argentina.

Moreover, membership provides access to a group of compatriots who already have more experience in the country. We also support our members by organising meetings with key figures in the Argentine economy, politics, or culture, as well as with diplomatic authorities and chambers from other European and non-European countries. In short, we provide support and give access to an important network of contacts.

Can you give an example of a company that you helped recently? And how?

RH: We were recently contacted by a Belgian company that wanted a list of Argentine companies operating in its sector of activity. We also acted as a mediator in a dispute between a Belgian and an Argentine company. We defend the interests of our members and actively intervene with the Argentine authorities in the event of blockades related to exports, etc.

Rita Heirman

Born in Oostende, graduated cum laude from UFSIA in Applied Economics. Rita Heirman served as Manager of the Belgian Institute of Financial Executives for many years before working at the High Council of the University of Antwerp, and at the Catholic University in Montevideo, Uruguay. She has built her career and a solid expertise in banking (ING), treasury (Rettig, Deme), port activities and logistics (Katoen Natie Antwerp and later Uruguay), and recently also in forestry (Forestcape).

She has been the President of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Argentina since 2019.

The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Argentina is one of the 30 Belgian-Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce (BLCCA) accredited by the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce. They help promote bilateral trade between Belgium, Luxembourg and the country in which they are established. The Chambers are made up of entrepreneurs who know what it is like to run a business abroad. They provide a sounding board and support and help entrepreneurs with practical matters to explore new markets abroad.

Discover the other chambers abroad!

Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Argentina

ccblargentina@gmail.com

+ 5491135026109

Avenida Santa Fe 951, 2° piso
1059 Buenos Aires – Argentina

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