How the Pacific region could benefit from Argentina’s economic rebound, expert

An Argentinian-based industrial business development expert says the country’s renewed economic stability presents an opportunity to deepen trade and political ties with New Zealand and potentially the wider Pacific region.

Speaking to PMN News, David Irvine says Argentine’s relations in the Pacific region have been neglected but says the South American nation’s economic progress is an opportunity New Zealanders should take advantage of.

“There is a stable environment here and a commercially viable market being produced by present government policies that mean that neglect [between Argentina and New Zealand] doesn't need to continue anymore,” Irvine says.

Irvine has lived in Argentina for over three decades having first moved over from New Zealand to help establish a bilingual college in Rosario, 300km northwest of the capital, that has since become affiliated with Cambridge University.

He is now the CEO of Condor Group that specialises in fire detection systems and industrial safety solutions and points to the nation’s economic progress like in GDP which is projected to grow in the mid-single digits over the next couple of years.

After years of hyper inflation, the nation’s inflation has declined from very high levels to around 30 - 32 per cent annual inflation.

David Irvine speaks at the NZTE breakfast in Buenos Aires. Photo/Supplied/PMN News

He says many lessons can be learnt by Argentina and the Pacific region particularly in the respect for diversity and the strength in it.

Irvine explains that the Argentine psyche has been depressed with years of corruption, difficult conditions and business unfriendly policies.

“Argentines tend to throw up their hands and say, ‘it can’t be done’.

Argentina's beef export value in 2024 reached approximately US$3 billion. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“I think Argentina can learn from New Zealand and from the whole of the Pacific region that, yes, size doesn't matter, but willpower does, and it can be done.”

Opportunities in food exportation pose a benefit should Argentina cooperate more with the Pacific region Irvine says.

Argentina’s agriculture is one of the nation’s pillars in its economy including being the world’s top soybean oil and soybean meal exporter, top five corn exporter and top three beef exporters by volume.

Agriculture accounts for roughly 60 - 70 per cent of Argentina's export earnings.

When compared to the Pacific, most island nations rely heavily on imported food like rice, wheat and processed foods.

“To send processed food to the whole Pacific area would obviously be of interest to Argentina and to the Pacific area as well,” Irvine says.

NZ Foreign Affairs Minister recently wrapped up the Argentine leg of his South America tour. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“Clearly, the Pacific area is not in a position to process its own food. Sending raw materials is not a solution. Argentina can do that.”

Beyond economics, Irvine suggests there are cultural and political lessons to be shared.

“Argentina has been through some very difficult economic times and some very inept administrations and thank goodness it's changing.

“I think both areas could learn that the willpower and will for change of a nation will finally bear fruit.”