“Just like ten and a half years ago, we at Google remain convinced of this The opportunities that the country faces are enormous”. The words of Víctor Valle, general manager of the company in Argentina, come after the presentation of the results of the Economic Impact Report 2021, which the company released this week.
“Last year, the advertising products and tools that Google made available to Argentine companies helped generate an estimated $248 billion in economic benefits”details the report.
In dialogue with Clarín, Víctor Valle reviewed these 15 years and future projections:
– In these 15 years in the country, what was the worst year from an economic point of view for Google?
It would be highly arbitrary to identify a year as each has its own challenges, but without a doubt 2020 was particularly complex for everyone. Without exception, the pandemic has affected both to people as well as to companiesand at Google we feel a great responsibility to be part of the solution, providing the tools necessary to strengthen education, facilitate people’s daily lives and contribute directly to economic recovery, with a strong focus on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this context, the huge need for accelerate digitisation to ensure the sustainability of any business, regardless of its size.
– How have the different local crises over the years changed Google’s plans locally?
Google’s plans and our long-term commitment are not affected by economic or political circumstances. We have been betting on the country for more than 15 years and we will continue to do so because Argentina is very important to us. Local innovation, talent and entrepreneurship are unique, and generate a fertile ground with everything needed to take off and grow, predominantly from the technology sector.
According to a report called Digital Sprinters, exploit all the potential that digital technologies in our country could generate an annual economic impact of up to $149 billion by 2030.
– What is the challenge for 2023 and what are the plans for next year?
2023 will be a year full of challenges, and strengthening our focus and maximizing impact will be priorities. We will continue to promote those projects that allow us to accompany people to develop and companies to grow through digitalisation. We will strengthen our commitment in training of young people to increase their employability chances.
– What investments have you planned in the short and medium term?
Our main current and future challenge is to continue working with Argentine companies to put technology at your fingertips.
To do it, improve the connectivity of our customers, Argentines and the region becomes a key point. Therefore, after the installation of the Tannat international submarine cable at the end of 2020, by 2023 we will have the installation of Firmina, the first cable connecting Argentina with the United States.
This will have a multiplier effect on our society: on the one hand, it will favor our services; and on the other, the local ecosystem. Both cables, according to a study developed together with Analysys Mason, will impact the local economy by $23.7 billion in GDP (between 2020 and 2027), generating thousands of job opportunities by 2027.
NS
Source: Clarin
