Javier Milei giving real-time insights into the most recent government actions
Argentina has taken a significant step forward in its relations with the United States, as the process to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for tourists and business travelers began on May 1. This move comes as President Javier Milei prepares to receive U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, at the Casa Rosada on Monday.
The VWP allows eligible citizens from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without a visa. To join the program, a country must meet strict requirements, including issuing biometric passports, ensuring individual passports for all travelers, and implementing visa refusal rates and security screening mechanisms that align with U.S. standards.
As Argentina moves towards VWP membership, it has also made progress in other economic areas. The Government Confidence Index (ICG) improved by 4.9% in July compared to the previous month. This increase is a positive sign of growing public trust in the government's economic policies.
The government has also advanced with the tendering of toll concessions for some highways and routes operated by Corredores Viales, as well as projects to build, operate, and maintain new high-voltage lines. These initiatives aim to modernize Argentina's infrastructure and boost economic growth.
In addition, the agricultural sector continues to be a driving force of the economy. The government is working to support it with rules that promote its development, recognizing its potential as a platform for growth, employment, and value creation throughout the country.
However, the agricultural sector's competitive scheme is progressing towards a more equitable tax system. Starting in August, the contribution rate for social contributions from various activities related to football, such as player transfers and television rights, will be updated to 13.06%.
Outbound tourism from Argentina grew by 28.6% in June compared to June 2024, while inbound tourism showed a 4.3% decline. Despite this, nearly 13,500 electric and hybrid vehicles are estimated to arrive in Argentina between July and November; 9,500 in December and 27,000 in January, following the completion of the second tender.
The government has also initiated the process of privatizing Intercargo and set a deadline for its completion. This move is part of a broader effort to divest the government's shareholding in various companies, including the water and sewer services company AySA, the Belgrano Cargas railway lines, and the electricity transporter Transener.
However, the government's decisions have not been without controversy. Criticism has been directed towards the AFA and the immigration policy promoted by the government, with some calling it xenophobic. Tensions within political blocs have also deepened, as seen in the closure of lists in the province of Buenos Aires.
Despite these challenges, the social perception of Javier Milei's administration improved by 4.9% in July compared to the previous month. This positive trend suggests that the public is beginning to see the benefits of the government's economic reforms.
[1] U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program [2] U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2022/visa-bulletin-for-august-2022.html [3] U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2022/visa-bulletin-for-september-2022.html [4] U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Visa Waiver Program. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2022/visa-bulletin-for-october-2022.html
[1] The government's move to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a significant development in the nation's finance sector, demonstrating a progressive approach to international travel and trade.
[2] In the realm of politics and general news, Argentina's efforts to modernize its infrastructure and boost economic growth have been met with controversy, while the public's perception of Javier Milei's administration has shown marked improvement.
