Argentina is one of the world’s largest agricultural producers; agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for a big part of the nation’s GDP. The country benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. The country exports mainly soybeans, wheat and maize, other that processed agricultural products, such as animal feed, flour and vegetable oils.

Manufacturing is the largest single sector in the nation’s economy and is well-integrated into Argentine agriculture, with half the nation’s industrial exports being agricultural in nature. Based on food processing and textiles during its early development in the first half of the 20th century, industrial production has become highly diversified in Argentina. Nearly half the industries are based in the Greater Buenos Aires area, although Córdoba, Rosario, and Ushuaia are also significant industrial centers; the latter city became the nation’s leading center of electronics production during the 1980s.

Automotive industry in Argentina is one of the largest in South America. The Argentine automotive industry is regulated by the Asociación De Fabricantes de Automotores (Adefa), created in 1960, which includes automakers (cars, trucks and buses). Argentina hosts a lot of global companies as well as national companies. Some of them produce modern replicas of classic cars.

Argentina occupies an important position as a supplier of food and raw materials in respect of agriculture, livestock and diary products worldwide. A large proportion of Argentine population is of either Italian, Spanish or French descent. Products corresponding to European cuisines, especially Italian and Spanish, therefore predominate in the non-Argentine packaged foods market segment. Beverages are another significant sector, and Argentina has long been among the biggest wine producing countries in the world. The country has an industrial structure with extensive experience and diversification in the production of highquality and value-added food & beverages.

Argentina has an important pharmaceutical sector, thanks to laboratories from France, Germany, Denmark, United States, UK and Switzerland, which work in the country. The Argentine market has extensive experience in the incorporation of foreign investments for the sector and offers multiple business opportunities, while representing commercial access to Mercosur. Argentina has a historic trade with India for active ingredients and pharmaceutical products.

The National Promotion Direction, within the Energy Secretariat, is responsible for the design of programs and actions conducive to the development of renewable energies and energy efficiency. Argentina has executed several auctions for wind, solar, small hydro, biogas, and biomass projects to comply with its goal of increasing energy generation from renewable sources.

Argentina possesses the world’s fourth-largest shale oil and second-largest shale gas reserves. The Vaca Muerta shale formation is located in the provinces of Neuquén, Mendoza, and Rio Negro, and only a fraction has been developed for oil and gas production. Major global exploration companies are present along with many local firms. Argentina’s majority state-owned energy company holds the largest upstream sector market share. Industry reports a continued need for small-and-medium-sized service companies with shale expertise to enter the market in order to further improve efficiency and lower costs.