21 April 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires, represented by Second Secretary Ma. Carmela Teresa A. Cabreira, took part in an ASEAN visit to Tucumán, Argentina from April 14 to 15 as part of the Embassy’s efforts to promote bilateral trade and tourism.

The itinerary for the two-day visit included a courtesy call on Acting Provincial Governor Julio Silman, a trade and investment forum, a tourism presentation for Tucumán-based tour operators, meetings with the rector of the National University of Tucuman, dean of the National Technological University Regional Faculty Tucumán, and members of the Tourism Board of Tucumán. A tour of the plant facilities of San Miguel, one of the leading fruit (mainly citrus) exporters in the world, was also included in the delegation’s itinerary. 

During the trade and investment forum, Second Secretary Cabreira briefed businessmen on key data and developments regarding the Philippine economy and identified possible trade opportunities with Tucumàn, particularly on finding complementarities in the production of automotive parts and in the provision of IT services. She further emphasized the relative ease of doing business in the Philippines for Argentine businessmen due to a shared cultural and historical heritage as former Spanish colonies. 

In addition to the trade and investment forum, Second Secretary Cabreira also gave a tourism presentation highlighting key Philippines destinations such as Manila, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, and Banaue to representatives of ten (10) of the biggest tour operators in Tucumán. Tour operators received colorful Department of Tourism (DOT) “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brochures as well as a list of DOT-accredited Philippine ground handlers.

Tucumán, located in northwest Argentina, is considered as the smallest province in the country.  Its main industry is agriculture and its most important products include sugar cane, tobacco, lemons, blueberries, strawberries, beans, maize, alfalfa, and soybeans.   Tucumán is known as one of the leading growers and exporters of lemons in the world.

The visit to Tucumán was jointly organized by the Economic Federation of Tucuman (FET), the MEROCOSUR-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC), Institute of Productive Development of Tucuman, the Argentine Federation of Medium Enterprises, and Emirates.  END