Special Address by Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina
What issues will be top of the agenda when Argentina assumes the G20 presidency in 2018?
The future of work, infrastructure and food security are the key areas Argentina will address, President Mauricio Macri tells Davos.
Argentina has long suffered the consequences of a fractured world, he believes, because the country has been isolated.
The country's primary goal is to reduce poverty, he says.
Causes for optimism
They're looking towards the future with optimism though - economic growth is strong and investment is increasing. No other country has more potential than Argentina, he believes.
Renewables
The country is investing in renewable energy, including some large scale projects, he explains. Other commodities, including lithium, also offer potential.
Tourism
Tourism is a massive opportunity, he says - particularly in the northern states.
Breeding unicorns
4 of Latin America's 6 unicorns are from Argentina, offering a unique opportunity for the country to become a hub for knowledge based services.
G20 Leadership
Argentina will bring a voice from the south to its leadership of the G20. It will focus on three areas: the future of work, infrastructure for development, and a sustainable future in terms of food.
The leadership is one of the biggest challenges in the history of Argentina, he says.
Hopes for the presidency
We're at a special moment in human history, he says. Technology is causing fear. He hopes to reduce this fear.
We must work to increase inclusive growth and train our kids for jobs that don't yet exist. Life-long learning is key to this, as we constantly develop our skills.
We also need to increase food security, by producing more food. There is a major challenge to bring responsible land management techniques to the top of the agenda, and use the soil as a strategic resource.
For more on the G20, take a look at this explainer from our archives.
Ending poverty
We need to be part of the world, he says. Isolation will only entrench poverty.
He asks to be judged on reducing poverty.
Transparency
Since taking office, the country has seen "incredible improvement in transparency", he says. You have to keep working though.
We're getting "rid of bad habits that don't help to create jobs or reduce poverty," he adds. The reforms they're pushing through are with the support of the opposition - this shows the intent to enact change.
Trade
There's lots of work being done to strength Mercosur. An agreement with the EU would be a good opportunity for both parties, he says.
Reaching an EU Mercosur trade deal would mean building a logical alliance, we both are part of the same family, says @mauriciomacri #WEF18 #Davos @wef
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