Recomendaciones

Exctractado del informe

ARGENTINA: RUDDERLESS
REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS - UNITED STATES SENATE - ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS - SECOND SESSION - SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

As we move forward, the next U.S administration will have an opportunity to deepen this relationship and should consider additional initiatives that can be done to cement this mutually beneficial association. A good start might involve these three:

Invitation from the next U.S. President to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for an official visit to Washington D.C.— During the first 18 months of his term, the next President of the United States should consider inviting President Fernández de Kirchner to an official visit to Washington DC. The visit should include a visit to the U.S. Congress, as well. The benefits of this for the United States and Argentina could be substantial. First, it would signal the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship and demonstrate a new level of respect between the United States and Argentina. Second, it would demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of Argentina and continuing commitment by the United States to engage constructively with a major Latin American nation, despite its ‘‘love-hate’’ relationship with the United States. Third, this important gesture could refurbish efforts to formulate deeper policy objectives with Argentina.

Enhance and reactivate the U.S.–Argentina Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)—The GOA has announced that Argentina will pay its entire $6.7 billion debt to the Paris Club of lending nations, shoring up sagging investor confidence and opening the door to needed new capital as its economy slows. This ought to be viewed not only as a sign of Argentina’s need for investment. The USG would do well to treat this also as an effort by the GOA to reach an accommodation and play by the rules of the international lending system. In response to GOA reform in the direction of developing a financing strategy, particularly regarding accuracy and confidence with the Argentine statistics bureau, the USG could consider amending the BIT by providing incentives for more plentiful U.S. commercial spending patterns in sectors that speak to Argentina’s comparative advantages, such as agribusiness (e.g., production of value-added agricultural equipment and high value-added endproducts, such as wine), as well as sectors exploiting Argentina’s highly educated and capable workforce (e.g., software and tourism). This could help produce tangible economic benefits for the United States and Argentina, and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to consultation on policy matters and shared economic prosperity. Along with commensurate Argentine reform, this initiative could help foster economic stability in Argentina.

Promote U.S. state relationships with Argentina—In 1963, President John F. Kennedy launched a program associating U.S. states with countries. On June 12 of this year California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed two memorandums of understanding for collaboration with Chile on energy and education. Recognizing the need to improve understanding between the U.S and Argentina, we should work to develop the U.S. state–Argentina program of academic exchanges, as well as other sectors of mutual interest such as agriculture and energy (biodiesel from soy, especially). The benefits of such a measure for both the United States and Argentina are promising. First, such state-country association could offer a bridge toward increased integration in the areas where it would makes sense for the two countries, and help build support for a process that results in the further integration and in an enhanced economic relationship.