‘In all respects, Argentina is a fascinating country. In the 1950s, it was one of the ten richest countries in the world. It is the land of vast pampas, sultry tangos, polo sport, huge steaks and Malbec wine; it has the second largest number of psychoanalysts after New York City and showcases the best and most dynamic rock music of Latin America. Many Flemings emigrated to this distant land after World War II and some fishermen from Ostend even took their fishing boats and founded the town of the same name. For the majority of the twentieth century, Argentina was also the most industrialised country of Latin America. For Flanders, it remains potentially a very interesting market and it is also possible to work with neighbouring countries from Argentina. Argentina is no longer a truly industrialised country, but it remains a leader in the agricultural sector.
Politically, it has lived through very turbulent times. General Juan Perón was initially elected democratically before turning dictator. Upon his death, his second wife Evita became president. They were one of the exponents of Peronism, which still exists today. In only a short space of time, Evita took on a divine status. In the mid-1970s, a military junta took control until the end of 1980s, resulting in much bloodshed and violation of human rights. Politically speaking, the last decade has been in the hands of the Kirchners, with Nestor Kirchner presiding as president between 2003 and 2007, and his wife Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner as president between 2007 and 2015; the Far Left claim that this is consistent with Chavismo and the politics of Lula da Silva (Brazil), Correo (Ecuador) and Evo Morales (Bolivia). At present, President Maccri is following a neo-liberal economic agenda.’