1. The national government promised industrial businesspeople that it will reach an agreement with the IMF

The national Chief of Staff, Juan Manzur, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Santiago Cafiero, assured the business sector during the Argentine Industrial Union’s (UIA) annual conference that the national government would reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Manzur spoke about establishing a clear economic course with “five-year plans” and asked the industrialists for “unity.” Cafiero highlighted the importance of increasing exports and advocated for strengthening Mercosur. A Ministry of Economy delegation will leave on Saturday to Washington DC led by the national IMF representative Sergio Chodos to restructure Argentina’s USD 44 billion with the international financial entity.

Ámbito Financiero: Reconciliado con UIA, Gobierno prometió acuerdo con FMI y fue aplaudido por empresarios
Infobae: La negociación con el FMI, en zona de definición: cuál es la agenda de la misión argentina que aterrizará en Washington

2. The Undersecretary of Consumers Defense, Débora Giorgi, resigns

On Thursday, official sources reported the resignation of the Undersecretary of Consumer Defense, Débora Giorgi, a close ally of the Secretary of Internal Trade, Roberto Feletti. The resignation occurred a little less than two months after taking office and without being formally announced in the Official Gazette. Although the cause of her resignation was not confirmed, Giorgi’s position, who had been Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s Minister of Industry, was a space of internal tension due to discussions on price controls for the private sector.

Cronista: Renunció Débora Giorgi, la segunda de Feletti, a menos de 2 meses de asumir

3. New restrictions on travelers coming from Africa

Following the spread of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant that originated in Africa, the national government published Administrative Decision 1163/2021, which included new restrictions on travelers from that continent. The regulation stated that people affected by this measure may be released from quarantine after 10 days if they receive a negative PCR test. Travelers must state in an affidavit whether they traveled from or visited the affected areas during the previous two weeks; were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Argentina; received a negative PCR test performed in their country of origin 72 hours before entering national territory; and took an antigen test upon arrival. Although the Ministry of Health remains alert for the emergence of the new variant, Minister Carla Vizzotti ruled out restrictions that could affect economic activity. Likewise, the Ministry will continue completing vaccination regimes and distributing booster doses.

Infobae: El Gobierno dispuso una cuarentena obligatoria para las personas que lleguen desde África
La Nación: “Atento” a la variante ómicron, el Gobierno descarta sumar restricciones para no afectar la economía

4. Exports to Brazil grew 99.7% in November

According to the Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CAC), exports to Brazil experienced a 99.7% year-on-year increase in November, amounting to USD 1.355 million, the highest figure since 2013. Likewise, imports from Brazil increased 11.5% (USD 1.047 million) compared to last November. This month’s trade balance with Brazil amounted to a USD 307 million surplus. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding lockdown, Argentina’s trade balance with Brazil last November amounted to a USD 260 million deficit.

5. The Frente de Todos bloc attempts to approve a series of projects before the legislative turnover

The Frente de Todos bloc of deputies, led by Máximo Kirchner, is attempting to convene a session before newly elected legislators take office on December 10 to approve the draft Law on Packaging with Social Inclusion promoted by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The session has not yet been confirmed, as the ruling party is experiencing difficulties reaching the quorum of 129 deputies. Following Florencio Randazzo’s confirmation as deputy-elect, the leader of Vamos con Vos will join the Interbloque Federal, which is composed of legislators from Roberto Lavagna’s party, Peronists from Cordoba who answer to Governor Juan Schiaretti, and Socialists from Santa Fe. This interbloc is one of the key spaces that the government must convince if it wants to approve its own projects in the Chamber of Deputies.

Ámbito Financiero: Diputados apura sesión con pelea por envases
Perfil: Diputados: Florencio Randazzo se suma al interbloque Federal