It may seem like a message that is not obvious and even goes unnoticed. But on their rounds with candidates and officials, executives and some idea-focused entrepreneurs tell them: “We need them.” In these times with the emerging Javier Milei who rails against “caste”They decided to give a signal. In Idea, born 63 years ago, they think that public affairs are built on the basis of political parties, institutions and strong agreements.
This year, Idea (Institute for Entrepreneurial Development of Argentina), which brings together the 500 leading companies and is, in turn, a heterogeneous association in terms of company size and origin of its capital, it will break the mold. Not only did they nominate a woman as president for the first time. Also, they brought up the date of their annual interview.
Its board of directors, made up of 35 senior executives, including 12 women, unanimously elected Paula Altavilla, who directs the fate of the French Schneider Electric in the country, in Uruguay and in Paraguay. And they brought forward the date of their annual meeting, for 4, 5 and 6 October, also in Mar del Plata.
It will take place after the PASO and before the general ones on 22 October e Losers and newcomers will parade in days of great anticipation. The Colloquium will be chaired by Santiago Mignone, CEO of Price Waterhouse, and will have as its axis the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the return to democracy.
turbulent scenario
In a scenario that appears even more turbulent, about 60 managing directors divided into different cells work on various axes. Daniel González, executive director of Idea, summarizes: “We will address the main issues: taxes; public spending and how to achieve fiscal balance; and job generation, which is where we will have to get out of poverty. It will take place in the context of the anniversary of 40 years of democracy. We aim for a social agreement of stability in the rules of the game and macroeconomic stability, which allows us economic development. We try to leverage ourselves those dynamic systems of Argentina, such as the knowledge economy, energy and mining and agro-industry”. According to González, “it’s based on the size of the opportunity, which is so big that it’s worth making sacrifices, that you see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
According to Idea, the problem is not the dollar. In 2022, executives were asked in the Expectations Survey what was the main obstacle to investment in the country, and the answer was almost unanimous it was the weakness of the institutions and the lack of rules of the game.
Altavilla points out that he notices a change in the discourse of politicians, even in those of a different nature. “There is awareness on tax matters and it was understood that the public finances must be in order and that the institutions must be strengthened”. Altavilla insists on sustainable growth, with education for employment and transformation social plans in formal jobs.
Perhaps for this reason, the trade unions will play a fundamental role in the October talks. The most important union leaders They will talk to each other in front of everyone.
The role of trade unions
It is a different proposal, says Altavilla, which means that everyone must sit at the table. “We have a good relationship with the unions, it’s not them or us. Unions always point this out if companies do well, our people do too”.
When asked in Altavilla about the concerns raised by foreign investors, the president of Idea, who must report to Paris, confessed: “Volatility, the rule changes, and how they are influenced the flow of funds abroad and of products towards the country”. And that’s what the STEP winners will be talking about.
Source: Clarin
