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By Jane E. Schlansker
To most Americans, Argentina is the land of Patagonia,
gauchos, great beef - and passionate soccer fans.
The U.S.-Argentina Chamber of Commerce is building
awareness of a country much more richly diverse, as
we build strong alliances between Argentina and Texas.
The chamber's mission is to develop business, cultural
and educational opportunities with Argentina in meaningful
and productive ways.
Key to success in recent years has been a growing relationship
between our chamber and Argentina's Federal Investments
Council, Consejo Federal de Inversiones (CFI).
In late May, the U.S.-Argentina Chamber welcomed CFI
executive Marta Velazquez to Fort Worth for a weeklong
stay. Her interests: exploring opportunities to export
products to our region and promote tourism to Argentina.
A whirlwind round of meetings planned by the chamber
and member InterStar yielded fast and exciting results
- a two-week tourism mission to develop tour packages
to Argentina from the U.S. (In today's economy, with
the greatly devalued Argentine peso no longer tied to
the American dollar, there are great values.)
Within a month, we headed to Buenos Aires, bound for
a reverse whirlwind tour of Argentina. The delegation,
led by Chamber President Alberto Iannariello, included
American Airlines executive David Bowyer; a team of
tour packagers; InterStar Vice President Steve Roth
and myself.
CFI is an economic development organization that works
for the governors of Argentina's 23 provinces and the
leadership of the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, coordinating
beneficial regional projects. A top priority of CFI
is helping Argentina develop the infrastructure and
know-how to build its tourism industry.
Seizing the opportunity evolving from our chamber's
initiatives, CFI planned a first-of-its-kind series
of meetings and presentations in Argentina, a cooperative
effort between private businesses and CFI to show off
impressive and diverse tourism venues across their spectacular
country.
With CFI setting the pace, our delegation traveled
for 12 days from the European-styled streets of B.A.
to breathtaking Iguazú Falls in the north, to
beautiful Andean ski villas in the west. And finally,
to the "End of the World," the frigid waters
and icy shores of Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Tierra
del Fuego in Patagonia.
We met hoteliers, tourism operators, restaurateurs,
craftsmen, politicos and proud citizens of Argentina.
All are interested in Texas. They are eager to know
what we think about their country, and how we can do
business together.
We listened and made presentations to governors, tourism
officials and trade consultants - receiving an amazing
amount of press coverage throughout Argentina.
The exciting and successful conclusion of this mission
resulted in preliminary plans to promote tourism to
Argentina via AA, and build awareness for the opportunities
and value offered by this attractive Latin market.
While recent U.S. coverage has focused on negative
aspects of Argentina's economic situation, the experience
of our delegation was entirely positive. Cities we visited
were not only vibrant and diverse, but safe and secure
as well.
In short, Argentina is very much open for business,
and is rolling out the welcome mat for tourists.
With a formal agreement pending, we are optimistic
this program will yield increased activity between North
Texas and Argentina, and business benefiting both.
We invite you to join us in these efforts. The U.S.-Argentina
Chamber of Commerce welcomes your ideas, collaboration
and support. (Information: 817-332-6522 or usar@interstargroup.com)
Schlansker is president of InterStar Marketing &
Public Relations, Fort Worth and vice president of the
U.S.-Argentina Chamber. She has participated in many
international initiatives in North Texas and trade missions
to Argentina, Mexico, Europe and Asia.
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