On Argentina's Sovereignty Day, ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski wrote to Việt Nam News.

The Argentine Republic commemorates National Sovereignty Day on November 20, honoring the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado that took place in 1845, a heroic deed of the Argentine Confederation soldiers, who resisted the invasion of the Anglo-French army that intended to colonise the territories of our country.

This commemoration ratifies our national sovereignty and symbolises independence, freedom and national unity, principles that the Argentine Republic shares with the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, which was highlighted with significant high-level visits: the visit to Argentina of the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vương Đình Huệ, and in early 2024, the visit to Việt Nam of Argentina's Foreign Minister, Diana Mondino.

Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski presented his letter of Credentials to General Secretary and President Tô Lâm on August 12, 2024. VNA/VNS Photo

The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Việt Nam, Marcos A. Bednarski, recently arrived in Hà Nội, makes his first visit to Hồ Chí Minh City in order to commemorate National Sovereignty Day with the Argentine community residing in this city and to hold meetings with various sectors, including courtesy calls to the local authorities. His aims are to strengthen bilateral relations and to continue promoting the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which set up a Comprehensive Partnership in 2010.

The foundation of the two countries' ties is based on three pillars: political dialogue, trade and technical collaboration. A key strength in Argentine-Việt Nam trade relations lies in the complementarity of their economies, a synergy that has paved the way for mutually beneficial trade exchanges. In recent years, the two countries have developed a solid and enduring commercial relationship, in which Argentina in 2023 became Việt Nam's 29th largest trading partner, with total trade reaching $3.446 billion. The outlook for 2024 is forecast to be even more auspicious.

Argentina is a significant supplier of crucial agricultural products and raw materials for Việt Nam's growing economy, such as soybean meal, corn and wheat, products that not only satisfy local demand but also contribute to expanding exports to third countries.

Argentina's high-quality products, such as beef, wine, olive oil, seafood and poultry, are gaining remarkable popularity in the Vietnamese market. Argentina also exports high-tech products to Việt Nam's industrial sector, including animal vaccines and biotechnological pharmaceuticals.

The visit of Argentine rice cultivation experts from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) (November 2024). Argentine Embassy Photo

On 10 December 2023, President Javier Milei took office as President of the Argentine Republic, implementing a dual approach to stabilising and liberalising the country’s economy. Multiple measures have been introduced to eradicate the large fiscal deficit, acknowledging chronic overspending as a key driver of inflation. Another important component relates to the monetary policy, aiming to restore the Central Bank’s balance sheet and increase foreign assets.

At the same time, Argentina has introduced substantial government incentives and policies to encourage FDI. A recently launched incentive regime for large investments (RIGI Scheme) aims to attract FDI by offering benefits such as tax reductions, customs exemptions and enhanced investment stability in strategic sectors, including infrastructure, mining, technology and agriculture. This initiative highlights Argentina's proactive approach to creating a favourable environment for investors.

In another field, Argentina aims to contribute to strengthening exchanges in sports and culture, with two passions that we like to share with the world: football and tango. It is particularly pleasing to see how Vietnamese society supports us in these passions.

The Argentine national football team, nicknamed “La Albiceleste” ('The White and Sky Blue'), represents us in men's international football tournaments, participating in a World Cup for the first time in 1930. Currently, they are the reigning world champions, having won the most recent World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, earning their third star shown on the team's crest.

Full of sensuality and nostalgia, tango is part of Buenos Aires' identity. By the 1930s, the dance had taken the city and the world by storm with its romance and daringly close embrace. Today Buenos Aires remains the world capital of tango and is awash with professional stage shows, musical performances, tango schools and tango-themed cafes and hotels.

The future of trade and investment cooperation as well as cultural exchanges and tourism promotion between Argentina and Việt Nam looks promising, presenting considerable opportunities for both nations. This optimism is based on the dynamic and historically strong bilateral relationship that we have cultivated over the years and that we will continue to promote. VNS