Bulletin ______-Invest
AL JNVEST
N° 2 -April 95
C O N T E N T S
The new Member States of the European Union .-2 Editorial .-3 MERCOSUR dossier .-4,5 Mexico ..6 FUNDESA (Guatemala) .-7 Pull-out section Calendar of AL-INVEST adivities .-s,9 Updated list of ECEs .-10 Partner business organisations in the programme: Eurochambers/AICO .-11 Market information: Argentina and Brazil .-12 Market information: Paraguay and Uruguay .-13 Sector-related info: Latin America in search of new medical technologies .-14, 15 The ALFA programme .-16 The New Member States of the European Union WHAT POTENTIAL Do THEY HOLD FOR LATIN AMERICA?
The accession of three new Member States to the European Union -Austria, Finland and competitiveness of the forestry industry is Sweden - certainly marks a turning point for the Union, and the start of a new, more therefore of vital importance for Finland. ambitious phase in European integration. These three countries, with their high per Other noteworthy sectors of the Finnish eco capita incomes, are experiencing economic growth accompanied by falling inflation, as nomy are the following: I the metallurgical industry is one of the well an encouraging upswing in investment. Their accession will undoubtedly contribute most advanced in Europe, specialising in the to the strengthening of cooperation between the European Union and Latin America. The production of machinery for the forestry and respective policies for Latin America adopted by the new Member States are closely akin mining industries; and complementary to that of the European Union. In this context, it should be noted I the chemical industry, which exports refined that Sweden, Finland and Austria all play an active role in the field of development aid, petroleum products, fertilisers and petroche· and attach a great deal of importance to human rights, democratisation, equitable micals; distribution of wealth, and social themes in general. The European Union initiatives in I the pharmaceutical industry, to which we this field will benefit from the active support of the new Member States, both at political owe two innovations in particular, i.e. the level and in terms of economic cooperation and humanitarian aid. Today, thanks to the sweetener known as Xylitol and the drug new trend within the majority of Latin American countries, and the renewed dynamism of Interferon; their economies, characterized by an opening up to trade and technology, through the I the country has also developed outstanding skills in the field of electronics and informa consolidation of democratisation, development cooperation within the new Member tion technologies. Finnish know·how can be States has expanded to cover economic cooperation on a larger scale, operating in both seen in flat television screens, mobile tele directions and in a spirit of partnership and mutual interest. This approach corresponds phones (NOKIA) and breast-screening equip closely with that of the European Union. ment.
Austria, Finland and Sweden: SWEDEN Three European countries with great industrial creativity Sweden is a highly industrialised country (with some 500 large firms and 500 OOO SMEs), with AUSTRIA plays host to the Austrian Euro Info Centre, extremely specialised production, in particular Austria's success as a small market economy, and is part of the BC-NET and BCC networks. in the following fields: open to the world , is due to its ability to The most highly developed sectors of Austria 's I forestry and timber (machines, equipment, produce goods and services for export economy are the following: production systems). Sweden, with a popula markets. Amain feature of the Austrian I services, which account fo r 64%of the wor tion of 8 million , produces 11 million m3 of cut economy is the predominance of sma ll and king population; and dried timber, of which 7 million are for medium·sized enterprises {close to 500 000). I metal and metal products; export. Sweden is also home to a unique They constitute the backbone of the country's I construction; research centre, known as TRATEK, which economy and show great industrial creat ivi ty. I manufacturing indu stry {textiles, leather, specialises in the development of new and Their interests are represented by the Austrian wooden objects, toys); revo lu tionary techniques for drying and trans Federal Business Chamber, which is an I mining and extractive industries. porting timber; umbrella organisation for: This is fo ll owed by agricu lture and develop I furniture and design. This sub-sector is one I the regional chambers of commerce of the 9 ment of natural resources. of the most high-performance sectors in the federal provinces of Austria and FINLAND Swedish economy. The co mpany known as I the industrial federations of these pro Finland has experienced rapid growth, making !KEA is one of the world's largest manufactu vinces. the transition from an essentially agrarian rers and exporters offurniture; The Chamber covers every sector of the coun society to a high-tech and services-based eco I the automobile industry (VOLVO - SAAB) , try's economy. Its objectives are to improve nomy within a few decades. which has already established production the economic situation of the country, and to One of the cornerstones of the Finnish econo plants in Mexico; promote the internationalisation of SM Es in my is undoubtedly forestry. Indeed, the latter I advanced enviro nmental technology (envi keeping with the rules of a market economy represents 3 to 4%of world production, and ronmental protection, waste processing, {competitiveness, private enterprise, competi employs over 200 OOO people in forestry-rela recycling), a sector which ranks high on the tion and welfare). The Austrian Federal ted industries. It shou ld be noted in this European Union's list of priorities, and which Business Chamber is familiar with the context that Finland is the world's second could meet the requirements of many Latin Community instruments designed to bring largest exporter of paper and cardboard, American countries; businesses together, and this was the case which represents about 40%of the country's I the mining and manu facturing industries long before it actually joined the Union . It total export earnings. The preservation and also have enormous potential.
Bulletin AL-Invest ------No 2-April 95 I
uropean politicians have confirmed that Latin America, as an "emerging continent", Eis the focus of increasing attention at European level: the latest European Council meeting, which took the Heads of State and Government of the Union to Essen, under the presidency of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl on 12 and 13 December 1994, high lighted the importance attached to the ties with Latin America. New and ambitious ini tiatives in favour of the Latin American countries are due to be launched in 1995 in terms of political dialogue, trade relations and cooperation. At the beginning of the year Mexico was seen to be in dire financial straits and the focus of worldwide media attention. However, these problems -all be it considerable -should not be allowed to foster a feeling of widespread scepticism vis-a-vis the Latin American conti nent as a whole. 1995 is not 1982. During the course of the last 13 years, the Latin American countries and Mexico in particular have adopted bold policies to open up their markets, curb infla tion and attract foreign investment; 1994 was the third successive year of sustained growth on the Latin American continent, and solid foundations have been laid for the .future. AL-Invest Bulletin No. 2 features a series of analyses on MERCOSUR, which is set to beco me a centre of attraction for foreign investment, in light of the increasing convergence of its member countries' economies (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), thus encou raging closer cooperation between European and MERCOSUR enterprises. The AL-INVEST programme is supporting this process. Since the accession -of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the European Union on 1January 1995, bringing the number of its members to a total of 15, and the subsequent joining of these three countries to the European network for the promotion of industrial coope ration (COOPECO), Latin American companies now have increasing opportunities for access to European technology. The ECE network in Latin America is expanding, and in addition to the increasingly nume rous links being established between ECEs and COOPECOs, in particular with a view to sett ing up and following-up on meetings between members of the business community, "struc tured" training courses and information sessions will be organised throughout 1995. 1995 will also witness the adoption and launching of AL-INVEST 2. The Seminar held in Brussels on 13 and 14 March, which brought together the Latin American and European business associations which have been involved in AL-INVEST for over a year, was an oppor tunity to take stock of the encouraging results achieved through the various actions under taken so far, and to table some new proposals for .further promotion of industrial coope ration between the European Union and Latin America.
It is up to everyone, especially ECEs and COOPECOs to seize the opportunities available!
Latin America Directorate European Commission
Bulletin AL-Invest ------:"."""".':'--:--::-:::-:No 2- April 95 Development of links between private-sedor enterprises is strengthening MERCOSUR (MERcado COmun del SUR)
The signature of the Treaty of MERCOSUR and Brazil: there has been a prolifera Toyota , this means pick-ups) or sub has led to an tion of business trips, meetings, joint assemblies (engines made by Fiat for Asuncion in March 1991, and the expansion of events and consolidated partnerships the Brazilian market). process of gradual removal of business in a variety of forms (distribution Another example is the food industry opportunities agreements, reciprocal marketing in Argentina. This is one of the trade barriers between the four for enter agreements, joint ventures etc. .). strengths of the country's economy, member countries of MERCOSUR prises in the This process has been eagerly encou and foreign investors (Nabisco , region. It is a raged by the governments of mem Cadbury Schweppes, Danone etc.) (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and market of ber countries. The rapprochement have made major purchases of local Uruguay) led to an unexpectedly nearly 200 between the MERCOSUR economies firms. These decisions were motiva million has given rise to a sharp increase in ted by Argentina's high standard of high rate of growth in trade. people, with foreign investment. In 1993, the living, but also by the fact that it is a lntra-MERCOSUR rose from $3.6 a total GDP Brazilian firm Sadia took a 70%stake member of MERCOSUR. Argentina of the order in Argentina's chicken producer therefore constitutes an ideal spring billion in 1990, to an estimated of $735 bil- Granjas Tres Arroyos. The beer giant board for market penetration in the $10 billion in 1994. lion in 1993. Brahma opened a brewery in region. There are, Argentina. Its Argentinian competi- The completion of the rnstoms however, tor, Quilmes, is also considering sett- union on 1 January 1995, for 90%of significant disparities between its ing up a plant in Brazil. Foreign the products traded in the zone, members : Brazil is by far the largest firms are also involved in this pro- should guarantee further integration market in this area, with a popula cess. between firms . Nevertheless, a few tion of 156 million and GDP of $472 In the automobile industry, MERCO- obstacles still remain. There is an billion. The gradual reduction in SUR has come to be looked upon as effect on trade through fluctuating tariffs is enhancing the respective a "common market" in which trade exchange rates. An over-evaluation of areas of specialisation of each coun in automobiles and their accessories the Brazilian Real in a context of try. Argentinian food processing is conducted in the same way as that strong economic growth has led to industries (dairy products, bisrnits, of the United States of America and an upswing in Argentinian exports, chocolates etc.) have successfully Mexico long before the NAFTA agree- thus contributing to a significant penetrated the Brazilian market, ment. MERCOSUR has enabled the reduction in the trade deficit with especially in the Southern and French automobile manufacturers Brazil. The lack of appropriate infra- Central regions, where the standard Renault and Peugeot to penetrate structure constitutes an additional of living is relatively high. Brazilian the Brazilian market through its deterrent, which the governments firms have taken advantage of plants in Argentina, when Brazilian are seeking to overcome. About 60% Argentina's booming economy to sell rnstoms barriers were still prohibiti- of goods are transported by road, a wide range of their products: ve . Under these circumstances, auto- but the road network is inadequate; paper, beer, chickens, capital goods, mobile manufacturers are devising a project for a Sao Paulo-Buenos steel products etc. But more signifi integrated strategies at MERCOSUR Aires motorway is rnrrently under cant still is the private sector's deter level. Brazil remains the prime target consideration. Rail and waterway- mination to go beyond merely expor for investment, because of the size links are mediocre; a major project ting their products. Since 1991, of its market. However, significant for canalisation of the Parana and there has been a strengthening of investments have been made in Paraguay rivers ("Hydrovia") is also ties between companies in the Argentina, with a specialisation in on the drawing board . region, especially between Argentina small batch production run (at Continued 011 page 5
Bu ll erin AL-Irn·esr ------ s u 2- April 95 Cooperation between the European Union and MERCOSUR
The European Union 1) The second EUROPEAN UNION - MERCOSUR is currently supporting phase, up to April 1995, of 1995: Towards substantial MERCOSUR techni cal strengthening of relations through cooperation assistan ce to in the following fields: the Admini The European Union plans to negotiate an inter-regional framework strative Secre- agreement for trade and economic cooperation in 1995, pursuant to tari at of the mandate conferred upon it by the Heads of State and Government ME RCOSUR (s taff training, computer at the European Counci l in Essen, in December 1994. network, docum entation and archives), with a to tal budget of The agreement should cover the following fields: 420 OOO ECU.
2) Six-month programmes of support • increased trade cooperation and gradual and reciprocal liberalisa to the Presidency of ME RCOSU R tion of trade; (a ltern ating Presidency, currently • intensified cooperation to assist in the integration of MERCOSUR; held by Paraguay) . Four progra mmes • cooperation of mutual interest in promising fields such as research have already been implemented, their purpose being to support pro and development, the environment, telecommunications and the moti onal activities (se minars and audiovisual industry. co nfe rences). These projects, with a bud get of 250 OOO ECU each, are run by the Euro pea n Co mmission's dela ti on of special co urses fo r MERCO Uni on and posting experts to the gations in Latin Ameri ca . SUR officials, international meetings customs ad mini strati ons of MERCO and training courses. A co nfere nce SUR. 3) Techni cal and quali ty stand ards on Technical Sta nd ard s is sched ul ed 5) Ag ri culture: a project covering (total budget of nea rl y 4 million fo r mi d-1 995 and thereafter annuall y. three main areas of acti on. i.e. the ECU). The programme invo lves pro insti tutional aspect, the veterinary vision of techni cal support from the 4) Customs: a 3-yea r programme sector and the phytosa ni tary sector, Euro pean Uni on, based on the know with an ove rall budget of965 OOO has been shaped, with a total budget how of the Euro pean Standard s EC U. The project is aimed mainly at of 11 .2 mill io n ECU . Co mmi ttee (CEN). establi shing a customs code for MER COSU R, orga ni sing training courses Source: MERCOSUR Desk, It invo lves, in te r ali a, the orga ni sa- fo r customs officials in the European European Comm ission
Development of links between private-sector enterprises is strengthening MERCOSUR
Co ntinued from page 4 Europea n industry have already nesses and its entrepreneurs are taken the initiative (Vo lkswagen, keen to set up pa rtnershi p agree It should be noted, however, that the Bayer, Hoechst, BAT, Rhone-Poulenc, ments. The existence of thi s powe r ba ll is we ll and truly on the roll at Fiat. Unil ever, To tal, Te lefo ni ca, etc.). ful fo rce for private-sector integra entrepre neurial level. Fo r Europe, It is hoped that an in creas in g num tion is a contributi ng facto r to the the stakes are hi gh. ber of European SM Es, whi ch are increasing presence of European The co untries of the European Uni on curre ntly under-re presented in the SMEs in the region. are already the leading investors in region, will soon fo ll ow suit. ME RCO the ME RCOSU R area. Big names in SUR holds huge potential fo r bu si - Daniel SOLANO
Bulletin AL-Invest ------,-,-,,--,--No 2- April~ 95 MEXICO: the crisis is an opportunity to increase the accessibility of the economy
Major reforms have been carried out (for example the li ke ofBrazil's), each particularly in terms of social expen- in Mexico since 1985: privatisation, period of growth has led to a further diture. But the potential for develop- fiscal reform, etc. The most signifi increase in the trade deficit. ment remains intact. cant of these changes is the opening Carlos Salinas relied on the massive With a population of 87 million, Following the up of Mexico's economy to the rest influx of short-term capital, and the Mexico is the second-largest consu crisis which of the world. Today, manufactured over-valuation of the currency to mer market in Latin Ame ri ca. The Mexico has goods represent 70%of Mexico's bridge the gap. Such a strategy, proximity of the USA, the existence been exports. In 1982, oil exports were which is fragi le by definition, was of an under-valued currency and the experiencing the mainstay of the economy, during based on the confidence of investors. reduction of costs in dollars repre since January a period commonly referred to as In 1994, the latter waned due to the sents a unique opportunity fo r this year, two the" age ofoil". Nowadays, oil rise in American interest rates and developing new exports. The cur independent accounts for a modest 20%of total political unrest (guerri ll a movement rent crisis could actuall y be an excel experts give exports. in Chiapas, the assassination of the lent opportunity to consolidate the their views. However, despite all these reforms, PR! candidate etc.). "new model" implemented during This country in recent decades Mexico has been President Ernesto Zedi ll o now has to the 1980s. continues to unable to solve the most fundamen set up a new strategy, with unprece represent tal of its economic problems. i.e. its dented international financial sup considerable Daniel SOLANO trade deficit. In the absence of a suf port. In the short term, the adjust Latin America Expert potential for ficiently solid industrial framework ment process wil l probably hurt, Nord-Sud Expert Con seil, Paris all the actors in the AL-INVEST Reasons for investing in Mexico today programme. Mexico is currently at the heart of vities. In other words, the private complementary agreements. the debate on international financial sector has become the driving force Now is the time to encourage such markets, following the recent liquidi in the country's economy. Those investment schemes, in the ty crisis. Th is is a consequence of firms which have recently attain ed knowledge that the North American excessive optimism in relation to the quality standards and price levels market, via NAFTA, is the largest benefits of financing the trade deficit comparable with in ternational levels consumer market worldwide, and via the injection of"hot money" will eventually benefit in the longer sti ll has unexploited business poten (short-term foreign investment). term from the devalu ation of the tial. However, beyond past mistakes in peso. As the prices of imports conti The agreements signed with various terms of financial strategy, the coun nue to increase, the latter will be gra Latin American countries are equally try has undergone a series of radical dually substituted by domestic pro promising. In this context, sectors changes over the past ten years. ducts, thus enabling a large number such as agricultural engin eerin g, the Over 50 investment sectors have of Mexican businesses to improve food processing ind ustry, secondary benefited from the new economic their position on the internal market. petrochemicals and the chemi cal regime, including those in telecom industry, inter ali a, have enormous munications, electricity, the automo This whole mechanism shows that it potential for foreign investors bile industry, financial services, road is a good time to invest in Mexico, seeking to play a prominent role in infrastructure, secondary petroche through new schemes for industrial worl d markets. micals, real estate etc. The new bill cooperation, such as subcontracting - Armando MUJ ICA ROMO on fore ign investment enables including its Mexican variant, or Manager of Economic Studies foreign investors to take a stake of "maquiladora", specialising in at the National Chamber of Processing up to 80°6 in national economic acti- exports to the United States - and Indu stries, Mexico (Canacintra)
BulletinAL-]11\'est ------Nu 2- April 95 FUNDESA/Guatemala 10 years of experience in investment promotion
In the wake of the longest As the Achilles ducts, Guatemala's integration into try's private sector, in particular FUN- heel of the world markets is mainly occurring via DESA, which hosts the new armed conflict in the history of Guatemalan its "traditiona l" partners, i.e. the Eurocentre. The originality of this the Latin American continent, economy has United States and Central America organisation lies in the fact that it is long been the (in particular El Salvador and a foundation specialising in the field Guatemala is now well 011 its persistent Mexico). The United States has the of investment promotion, set up and way towards pacification. government lion's share of trade flows and inward managed over the last ten years by In this context, the country 's deficit, the investment (over 50%for both). Guatemalan businesses. Thanks to strategy for Guatemala is therefore a strategic its in-depth knowledge of the local economy should experience recovery wi ll base for access to the NAFTA market. economic fabric, FUNDESA's expe significant growth have to be However, Europe is a priority target rience is based on the provision of in the years to come. largely based for th is medium-sized country which services adapted to the specific on private is seeking to diversify its risks and needs of foreign investors, mainly investment. increase the gross margin of its from NAFTA and Asia. It is To thi s end, exports. The recent, sharp devalua FUNDESA's belief that, via AL-INVEST, the State has launched a campaign to tion of the Mexican peso and the relations with Europe should open abolish monopolies and privatise ensuing distortions in competition new windows of opportunity in public services and fac ilities, which have emphasised the risks of excessi terms of development. shou ld open up sign ifi cant opportu- ve dependency on NAFTA. In this nities fo r fore ign investors. context, AL- INVEST was given a parti The State is also endeavouring to lay cularly warm welcome by the coun- Guatemalan ECE the foundations of a liberal economy open to the outs id e world. Existing provisions designed to safeguard foreign investment should soon be complemented through the forthco ming adoption of a bill on the pro tection of intellectual property rights by Congress. In the immediate futu re, the export sector seems to be handling the transition to a more liberal economy rather well. Although the trade deficit remains substantial, exports rose sharply in 1994. The fact that the rate of grow th in exports of manufactured goods (up 27%to the Un ited States and up 16%to the European Uni on) exceeds that of traditional farm products is an encouraging sign. It goes without sayin g that, despite the granting of unilateral and exceptional tariff concessions by the European Un ion, particularly for non-traditional pro-
Bull etin AL-Invest ------,:-:-vu--:2::--A-:'.p:-,.,;;-:, 9;:;:5 Business-to-business meetings held or scheduled as part of the AL-Invest Programme: Status 31 March 1995
N' Meeting Sector Latin American country European partner Title and context Actions location involved (*) countries (*) of the meeting already carried out sc i=raiice ·· · · iiif seciors ··· ·· ·111i counfries ·· · ·· · · 'ii,ii couriiries .MibEst·g3 ·· ··· ·· ······ · ········- · oecemtier-93 ·· ····· (Paris) ...... 21:25 ·· 2 sc · ·Braz ii · Meiai processhi9. ·· ·· · Brazil and oifiers ·· · Ai1co untries ·· · stfi sub:coiiiractiii9· · · (Sao Paolo) mechanical engineering fair March 94 . 3 SC GermaiiY . Plastics, ...... A1i countries .. All countries ZOu E{ER~iE..... · ·· ·· ··· · ··· · 20:2'1 (Hannover) machine tools April 94 4 . Ciiiie . Mining equipment Cliiie and · Fiiince,Geimaiiii, ffi3 (Santiago) other countries United Kingdom May~4 ··s ····· ······ ··· ciilie ···· ··· ··· Information technology ·· · · · · · · · ctiiie, Argentina: ·· · · · · · · ·· ········ France : spa1n, ·· · · SOFTEL 5- 10 (Santiago) and telecommunications Brazil Italy July 94 ...... "1 6 sc Argentina ··Meia]urgical industry: · ~? • 'i\rgeniinitand others Ail countries .. ·"' 5- 19 (Cordoba) ...... 111~ch.ani.cal. e~gineering . contracting fair ...... Se ptem~er 94 ·········· s1EMH ··· ··· ····· ·· i Spain Mach ine tools c61ointi1a ... .Spa in: France, ... 19-26 (Bilbao) and Andean Pact Portugal ...... October. 26'.25 94 8 France ..... Fru lt&vegetables:food industry ...... ff countries ... Franee , Germany, itiily ...... s 1AL: iPi( (Paris) ...... Prepc1rati~n .. agric~lturc1I engineering .. Greece and COOPECO BERCY EXPO October 94 9 ciiiie Metals and mechanical engineering Chile and other ...... Spain)aiy, ...... FISA '94 ·· ·· 25 October'. (Santiago) countries and France 6 November 94 Germany ...... Bioteciiiiology ...... cliiie ...... Belgium , France : ...... s1 6i'EC 16-1 9 (Dusseldorf) Germany MEDICA 94 November 94 1f ...... Brazil ...... Urban management ...... Brazil ...... France , Germany, .. ·· · Meetings between .. ··· ···· ····· ··i1·~·2~· ···· ···· ·· ··· ····~- (Sao Paolo) and Mercosur countries Netherlands various industries November 94 i2 Chiie Fishing Chiie and other countries Denmark, France, EXPOPEscA ·· :io November'...... (Sa~ti~go) Netherlands 3 December 94 13 SC France Ail sedors ·· · Aii cciunfries·· · · · · · · · · · -·· · · ·· ·· -- ·· MiDEsr ·~4 December 94 (Paris) ·· i Brazi1 ·· ·· · · · · · · · · ······New tecfino10 ies 4· · · · · · · · · · · · · 9 Brazil Fra nce, Belgiu m, Meetings between (Sao Paolo) Port ugal, Denmark, Italy various industries Italy ...... Pubiisiiing .. Brazil, Argen tina, Belgium , Germany: FIERA DEL LIBRO (Bologna) Colombia, Chile Italy, Portugal PER RAGAZZI ·· 1s ·· ··········· iiii1y ··· ···· ·· · Farm- produce industry sciiivia, Italy, Spain , ...... MACFRUf .. (Cesena) Andean Pact Netherlands 1i cieriiiiark .. . . . Fishing Peru , Denmark, France ...... WoFilb FiSHING (Copenhagen) Ecuador Spain EXHIBI TION 18 Italy Jeweilery Colombia ···· ··· iia1y;iipain, ...... ii1CEN:ZA6Fio (Vicenza ) France til eraiff Farm: piixluce indusi~; agiicuit industry ·· · · ·· · 1:i countries France , Italy, ...... i= isPAL '95 ( ~~o Paol~) engineering (continuation of meeting 8) Spain 20 Mexico Furniture .. . . . Mexico ...... itaiy, Beigium, ··· ···· ··· ············ r ECNOMLJEBLE ...... ((a.uad~l~jara ) .. Spc1in INTERN AC IONAL'95 21 Bol ivia Tourisme Bolivia, Colombia Spain, Italy, 1st FORO DE (La Paz) Portugal ECOTURI SMO 22 Chile Food Industry Chile, Argentina ...... France: ltaiY, Exr 6Ad fi6 (Santiago) Netherlands 23 Bolivia .. . . . Farm: produce industry Bolivia, Italy, Spain , EXPOC RUZ ...... (~c111ta Cruz) (co11tinuation of meeting 1~) Andean Pact ...... Ntitherla nds ... 24 Italy Furniture Mexico Italy, Belgium, MOSTRA INTERNAZIONALE (Monza) ...... (continuati~n of meeting 20) Spc1in DELL'ARRENDAMENTO 2s coiomliia Jewellery Colombia ltay, Spain, Meetings between (Bocaramanga) (con tinuation of meeting 18) France various industries 26 GermanY . Publishing Braz(iirgentina: · ...... Belgium: Germani .... BUCHMESSE ...... (Frankfurt) ...... (continuatio~ of m~eti~g 15) ...... 9()1~rn .bia.,.. 9h .i1~. . Italy, Portugal 27 Peru Fishing Peru Denmark, France, FERI A INTERN ACIONAL (Lima) (continuation of meeting 17) DEL PACIFICO Peru ...... E nvironment ...... ~P8.i.n.. . 28 Uruguay, Peru Spain, Portugal , ECOTECN IA 95 (Lima) ...... Ge rmany .. 29 Spain Tourisme Brazil, Uruguay Portugal , Spain , FITUR '96 ...... (Madrid) .. Italy, France 30 Spain Tourisme ······ ·· ····· ·soiivia,cciicimbia · .. .. ····· ·· Spain : itaiy, Poriugai·· ··· ····· ··· ···· ·· · (r,!adrid ) ············· . (continuation ofmeeting21) ...... Chiie, Argentina .. 31 France Farme-produce industry France, Italy, Pole AGROPOLIS (Montpellier) (continuation of meeting 22) ..32 ...... cciicimbia ...... rourisiiie ...... the Netherlands Bolivia, Colombia Spain, Italy, Portugal ...... (~artagena) ...... (contin~ation of meeting 30)
Bulletin Al-!Jwest Sub-contracting Meetings in Meetings in in Europe and D Latin America D Europe Latin America
Jan. Febr. Mar. April May Jun July Aug . Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Febr. Mar. April May Jun July Aug . Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96
27-31
7-10
10-15
19-23
6-9
12-16
5-10
16-24
28-30
12-13
20-26
21-23
26-30
26-30
18-20 X X
(*) See info sheets contained in the supplement for full details of the various partners .
.\ u .l- .4pnl 9) In Latin America: ECEs approved up to 28 February 1995
6 INDI Mexico (lnstituto de Desenvo lvimento In dustrial de Minas Gerais) 14 CANACINTRA Av. Prudente de Moraes, 1641 (Camara Nacio na l de la lndustria CEP:30380-000/Belo Horizonte-Brasil de Transformacion) Tel: (55-31 )292. 35. 25/292. 20. 66 Av. Sa n Anton io 11 °256 Fax: (55-31)292. 35. 32 Apdo Postal 11 °60-468 Contact: Lila Ayres Viana 03849 Mex ico ...... FIERGS-CIERGS Tel: (52-5)598.69.88 Fax: (52-5)598 .94.67 (Federa\ao das Indu strias do Estado do Contact: Xochitl Calderon Cordova Rio Grande do Su l) Av.Assis Brasil,8787-Sarandi 15 NAFIN CEP: 91140-000/Porto Alegre-Brasil (Nacional Financ iera) Tel : (55-51)347 .87 .92 lnsuryente Sur 1971,Coll.Guadalupe Inn Fax: (55-51)347.87.00 52-Torre Ill. piso 13 Contact : Airton Correa Schuch 01020 Mexico OF-Mexico 8 FIRJAN in association with SEBRAE Tel: (52-5)325.66. 18 / 325.66.19 Fax: (52-5)325.60.09 Av Calogeras , 15-9° andar Contact: Eduardo Mapes CEP 20030 Rio de Janeiro· Brasil Guillermo Tarrats Gavidia Tel: (55-21 )292.39.39 Fax: (55-2 1)262 .67.05 16 Mexico - European Community Contacts : Amaury Temporal (FI RJAN) Business Council Roberto Barbero (SEBRAE RJ) Homero 11 °526 - 2° piso Tel: (55-21)2 10. 21.63 Co l Polanco 11570 - Mexico - OF Fax: (55-21 )532.32.52 Tel : (52-5) 250 53 33 9 FIESP Fax : (52-5) 203 35 49 (Federa\ao das Industrias do Estado Contact: Carlos Palencia Escalante de Sao Paulo) Argentina Av. Paulista, 1313 / 11 ° andar Nicaragua O13 11 -923 Sao Paulo SP - Brasil 1 Fundaci6n de Empresas 17 INDE Tel : (55 -11 ) 251.28 .36 / 25 1.35.22 Arq .Thays 94-Nueva Cordoba Fax: (55-11) 284.39.71 / 284.36.11 (lnstituto Nicarag, ense de Desarrollo) 5000 Cordoba- Argentina Contact : Zila Paronetto Carretera Sur, KM 14 - 300 MTS Este - Tel: (54-51 )60.41.51 Apdo N°2598 Fax: (54-5 1)69.42 .98 / 68 38 68 / 69 41 31 Chile Managua - Nicaragua Contact: Ricardo Tardivo Tel : (505-2) 325 66 18 / 49.42.21 10 EUROCHILE 2 Camara Argentina de Comercio Fax : (505-2) 325 60 09 /78.55.0 1 (Fundacion Empresarial Comunidad Contacts : Jorge Salaverry Av. Leandro N. Alem 36 Europea-Chile) Reinaldo Hernandez Rueda 1003 Buenos Aires - Argentina Hernando de Aguirre, N° 1549 Tel: (541)331 805 1 Santiago 8-Chile Peru Fax: (541) 331 8055 Tel: (56-2)204.93.63 18 Camara de Comercio de Lima Contact : Victor H. Peirone Fax: (56-2)274. 15.11 Gregorio Escobedo,398 Contact : Gonzalo Arenas 3 Fundaci6n Bolsa de Comercio Lima - Pert'1 de Mar del Plata Colombia Tel: (51-14)6 189 74 / 63 .34 .34 Olavarria 2464, esq. Gascon Fax: (5 1-14) 63 28 20 / 62.70.99 11 Camara de Comercio de Bogota 7600 Mar del Plata - Argentina Contact :Juan Carlos Mathews Salazar Carrera 9A, 16-21 , piso 9° Tel: (54 23) 91 82 21 Uruguay Fax : (54 23) 91 9579/ 91 2444 / 51 11 39 Santafe de Bogota D.C-Colombia Contacts : Richard Polverino Tel: (57- 1)28 1 91 64 19 Camara de Industrias del Uruguay Fax: (57-1 )284 29 66 / 284 77 35 Carlos A. Zubillaga Av.Libertador Brig Gra l Lavalleja, 1672 Contacts: Luis Fernando Jaramillo 11100 Montevideo-Uruguay Bolivia David Alfonso Barriga Tel : (598-2)9 1. 50 .00 4 Camara de Comercio Ecuador Fax : (598-2)92 .25.67 de Santa Cruz Contact : Roberto Villamil 12 Camara de Comercio de Guayaquil Suarez de Figueroa, 127 Av.Olmedo,414 in association with: Empretec Santa Cruz-Bolivia Minas 1434 -Piso 10 Tel: (591-3)334.555 Guayaqu i I- Ecuador Tel: (593-4)323.130 CP 11200 Montevid eo Fax: (591-3)342.353 Tel : (598-2)48.00.42 Contact: Felipe Roca Anez Fax: (593-4)323.478 / 534 425 Contact: Eva Garcia de Arboleda Fax : (598-2)48 74 35 Contact: Eduardo Tarrag6 Brazil Guatemala Venezuela 5 CITPAR 13 FUNDESA (Centro de lntegra\ao de Tecnologia (Fundacion para el Desarrollo 20 CONAPRI de Parana) de Guatemala) Av.Francisco de Miranda in association with: FIEP (Federa\ao das Parque Gerencial las Margaritas - Centro Empresarial Parque del Este, Industrias do Estaso do Parana) Diagonal 6, I 0-65 Zona 10 piso 12 -La Carlota Av. Candido de Abreu , 200/5° Andar Guatemala Ciudad - Guatemala Caracas 107 l A-Venezuela Curitiba - Estado do Parana - Brasil Tel : (502 2)327 952 Tel: (582) 237.54.28/237.56.47/237.58 .95 Tel/Fax : (55-41) 25 48 070 Fax : (502 2)327 958 Fax: (582)237 .60.28 /237 .61.09 Contact: Carlos Sergio Asinelli Contacts : Ruben Morales, Paul Wever Contact: Adriana Mihaly Miovac
Bulletin AL-Invest ------ 2 Nu 2- April 95 Business organisations: our partners 1n the programme
Eurochambers/AICO
AICO: rapprochement with programmes, such as the AL-INVEST Genoa: Italian Chambers the European Union and ECIP programmes. in Latin America In November 1994, AICO {lbero It should be noted that a large num On 29-30 November 1994, the Annua l American Association of Chambers of . ber of the "Eurocentros de Convention of the Italian Chambers of Commerce) held its 11 th General Cooperaci6n Empresarial" (ECEs) set Commerce Abroad was held in Genoa . Meeting in Ca li (Colombia). The up in the context of the AL-I NVEST On this occasion, an information ses central theme of the meeting was programme, on the basis of private sion was organised for officials from the "Solidarity and social investment: key initiative, consist of Chambers of Italian Chambers of Commerce in Latin factors in development". It was also Co mmerce, particularly in Lima America with a view to introducing on this occasion that M. Carlos (Peru), Guayaquil (Ecuador), Bogota them to AL-INVEST. This meeting was Eugenio Jorqueira, President of the (Colombia) , Buenos Aires (Argentina) attended by executives (Preside nts or Santiago de Chi le Chamber of and Santa Cruz (Bo livia). Secretaries General) of Italian Chambers Commerce, was appointed President These ECEs, set up within Latin of Commerce and Industry from the of AICO. American Chambers of Commerce, majority of Latin American countries : There was also a review of the pre through close cooperation with the Asuncion, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, vious two years, presented by Mr. bi-national European Chambers in Cordoba , La Paz, Lima, Mexico, Adrien Piera, President of the Latin America, with the support of Montevideo, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Chamber of Commerce and Industry the European Chamber of Commerce Rosario, San Jose, Sao Paolo, Santiago. of Madrid. The active role played by and Industry, show the extent to Mr. Victoria Macchirella presented AICO in Ibero-American cooperation which the objective of intensifying various aspects of the programme, and was emphasised, and it was pointed the dialogue between the internal distributed documentation on business out that this is what had enabled network of the AL-INVEST program operator networks in Latin America AICO, in particular, to take part in the me has contributed to the pursuit of (ECEs), as well as the agendas of busi meetings of the Cartagena summit. greater institutional cooperation and ness-to-business meetings initiated by One of the main objectives pursued the strengthening oflinks between the ECE and COOPECO network in during this presidential mandate was businesses. Europe. The participants showed a to strengthen the ties between the These ECEs can call on the European keen interest in these initiatives, and European Union and AICO, formali network of Chambers of Commerce asked to be given regular updates on sed through the signature of a frame and Industry, of which a large num the programme's progress . They Eurochambers: work agreement for cooperation ber have joined forces in the COOPE agreed to participate in the organisa for further with the Commission, thus enabling CO network. tion of meetings with Euroce ntres and information, the organisations affi li ated to AICO the COOPECO network. In addition , please contact to be considered as bodies which they expressed a wish to be integrated Dieter Schier/oh, A/CO - For further information, please Brussels, could play an important role in the contact Arturo Martinez Ronda, CCI into the existing networks as a support (32-2) 644 2081) European Commission's cooperation Madrid, tel (34 1) 538 3680. network.
Jar network and the CCIFE, the French ACFCI: support in foreign markets Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Latin In recent years the CCIF, the French Chambers It invited the representative of Eurochambers, America. of Commerce and Industry, have shown great Dieter Schierloh, to its quarterly meeting in Numerous activities were initiated, in particular interest in Latin America. Their assembly, the January 1995. In 1993, from the institutional by the Chambers of Commerce of Paris, Le ACFCI, has enabled a consular network to esta viewpoint, two consular delegations, led by its Havre, the Loire, La Rochelle and Languedoc blish numerous business contacts. The Latin President Mr. CERRUTI, travelled to Venezuela, Roussillon. Several projects in Brazil, Argentina America Club, which has around thirty national Argentina, Uruguay and Chile in May, and to and Chile were monitored by the AFCFI and the members, meets regularly to examine pro Mexico in October. These two initiatives regional Chambers oflle-de-Fra nce and grammes targeted on Latin American countries. strengthened links between the French consu- Burgundy.
Bulletin AL-Invest ------~ No 2- April 95 1\,1 a r k e t 111fo • l\,1arket 111fo • l\,1arket I 11 f 0
Argentina and Brazil
ARGENTINA Structures fo r Argentina's SM Es • touri sm cooperation; • the enviro nment; • as part of ECIP, where Argentina In 1989, Argentina EU projects with Argentina • hydraulic resources (Pil co mayo hold s the most pro mi se for Euro pean launched an river); businesses, after Mexico and Brazil. economic The main lin es of acti on fo r coopera recovery tion are: Promising sectors programme, • scientific and technical cooperation, Both Argentina's membership of • mining (gold, silver and copper); amounting to some 3.5 billi on ECU; implementing MERCOSUR and the introduction of • forestry (seeds, tree plantations for • trade in the ti mber industry; reforms the most the afore-mentioned reforms at the furniture industry, wooden • aromatic plants. spectacular of national level , should enable it to objects, paper pulp and chemical by which put the In the future, actions will be stepped ca pitalise on its strengths very products); peso on a par up in the fo ll owing fields: rapidly. These are: • tourism; with the dollar, • social affa irs (aboriginal population • abundant natural food resources, • fishing; on a 1: 1 basis, of northern Argentina, th e Formosa which are currently exported as raw • construction; with a view to provin ce, and social integration of • materials; • leather; controlling homeless children in greater Buenos • the development of processing • energy; • the automobile industry. inflation. Aire s); industries; • indu strial cooperation . Provisions • highly promising industries, accor- Sources: Argentina Desk have been made for two projects: cling to the classification conducted of the European Commission, • European Union -A rge ntina Inter- by Argentina's Economics Ministry Mission of the Argentine Republic business Foundation, and during the last quarter of 1994: to the European Union . • Reinforcement of Provin cial Support
BRAZIL the bilateral point of view, and more organised in four states throughout particularly in the field of industria l 1994 (Minas Ge rais , Rio Gra nd e do The Real Plan The purpose of the Real Plan was to cooperation, co nsiderable effo rts Sul , Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo) and With the bring the rate of inflation down to have been made in the past two are due to be co ntinued in 1995. implementation European levels. The exchange rate yea rs to give renewed impetus to It is vital that such efforts be of the "Real Plan", was ti ed to the dollar, at a rate of 1 the process. sustained, that existing instruments which introduced Real = $1.35 , wh ich was possible It ap peared that it was necessary to be reinforced (in particular the a new currency on due to Braz il 's huge fo reign currency in crease the Brazili an communi ty's ECEs), and that further acti ons be 1/7/94, Brazil's rese rves. The latter amount to some awareness of the ex isting possibili taken to thi s end. monthly inflation 36 billion dollars, which covers more ties for cooperation, which was clone Source: Brazil Desk rate of around than a year's imports. through four events or "fo ra" whi ch of the European Co mmission, 50%, fell to 1 % in proved instrumental in encouraging Brazil-Europe: Mission of Brazil December 1994. cooperation. These events were to the European Union. a boost for relations With the electi on of President Promising sectors Fernando Henrique Ca rd oso, in Brazil has enormous potential in the manganese, bauxite, nickel , lead, conjunction with a competent and following fields: gold, tungsten, chrome, copper, tin , hi ghly motivated tea m, on one hand, • AGRICULTURE: uranium, oil and natural gas. and with a new Co mmi ssion repre Crops: coffee, sugar cane, maize, senting a 15-strong Uni on, prospects soya, manioc, cotton, rice • MAIN INDUSTRIES fo r cooperation between Braz il and Livestock: cattle, sheep, pigs and Food, chemicals, metals, steel, auto poultry. mobiles (and accessories), textiles, the EU are enco uraging. There is a • MINING: electrical equ ip ment, communica definite wi ll to intensify dialogue Abundant mineral ressources: iron, tions. and develop ex isting relations. Fro m
Bu ll etin AL-lr1\·e;,t ------;,\::;:'o >2-:-:A~p;;ril""95 fv1 a r k e t info • fvfarket 111fo • fvfarket 111fo .
Paraguay and Uruguay
PARAGUAY underway in the field of agriculture, tion , there is a programme for the pro- i.e. the Chaco and San Pedro-Caaguazu motion of tou rism and a feasibility Paraguay has Industrial cooperation with projects, the aim of whi ch is to deve- study for the steel, textile and alumi- benefited conside the European Union lop the region while respecting the nium industries. rably from the The European Union and Paraguay rights of the indige nous peoples, pro- Last but not least, there are plans to creation of MER have coo peration agreements in the tecting the environment and preser- integrate Paraguay into the BC-NET COSUR. It has following fields : ving the tropical rain forest. In addi- network. expressed an inter- : 1) industrial development: a first phase est in developing Promising sectors is already underway in three specific industries which Paraguay's soil is rich in natural • cattle farming and food processing areas: could put to use resources, ideal for agriculture and catt industries; • industrial restru cturing; the hydro-electric le farming, and offering viable invest· • ostrich, alligator and lizard farming and • training of trai ners; ment opportunities in the food industry. processing; potential of ltaipu, • moderni sa ti on of gove rnment. Agricultural production in Paraguay • leather; and in particular Provisions have been made for a consists mainly of cotton, soya, sugar • forestry; chemical indus second phase focusing on industrial cane, meat, timber, maize, rice, tobacco, • green tourism; tries specialised in manioc, fruit and berries, vegetables • mining; restructuring. This is intended to cellulose and {asparagus}, flowers and flowering • transport; develop: plants, herbs and spices.· These raw paper, phosphates, • services; • prod uction of aro matic and medicinal materials are an indication as to the • private education and training; caustic soda, chlo plants; numerous investment opportunities in • capital markets. rine, aluminium, • support fo r the horticultural proces various sectors, including: nitric acid or sing industries; • oils and essences; Source: Paraguay Desk copper ore • a project to support the development • textiles; of the European Commission • sugar, alcohol and other by-products of refining. of the country's eastern region. Mission of Paraguay sugar cane; to the European Union 2) Two additional projects are also
URUGUAY underway: • timber; • comprehensive rural development; • computerisation of public services; The country looks set to become a Uruguay's • tourism; • ca mpaign for the prevention of drug development manufacturing and distribution centre to and from the countries of • fo rests; ab use. strategy hinges the region . • industrial restructuring; on the active As a member of MERCOSUR, of Promising sectors participation of which it is the geographical centre, • Tourism (tourist complexes, shopping mining and cutting of semiprecious the private sector Uruguay will be in a position to deri centres, luxury hotels, marinas); stones, gold mining}; within the ve max imum benefit from its assets: • forestry and timber: • textile and leather products; framework of a • a banking system which makes it a Estimates put the area which could be • the food processing industry (products market economy, maj or regional financial market; used for tree plantations at 2 million derived from meat, fish and vegetables, which is open • a skilled and motivated workforce; hectares, near to export ports. Uruguay pork and its derivatives, dairy products manufactures, inter alia, panels and both to Latin • economic and politica l stabi li ty; including yoghurt); other intermediate products derived America and the • open and equitable legislation for • services related to maritime and land from wood; foreign and domestic investment; transport (building of ports, coastal ship rest of the world. • out-of-season agriculture for export • free-port areas under public or pri ping, warehousing in free zones); (frozen food , citrus fruits, fruit juice and va te control. • graphic arts for markets in the S0ud1ern concentrates, jellies). Cone. • mining and related industries (granite Cooperation between quarrying, granite and marble cutting, Source: Mission of Uruguay the EU and Uruguay manufacturing of shelves and panels, to the European Union A number of projects are currently
Bu ll etin AL-In vest ------,,,"''u:--'2•-1::;;1p;;::,.,;;;, 9"'5 Sector-related info• Sector-related info• Sector-related info
Latin America in search of new medical technologies
Although some Latin American countries ARGENTINA: were amongst the first to set up health a promising market for foreign firms insurance schemes (in particular Chile and
Since the Arge ntinian market was capital and surrounding provin ces, in Uruguay in the 1920s and 1930s), there is a opened up to fore ign firm s in 1990, the short and medium term. In the definite need for all to overhaul their current sales of scann ers and ul trasound meantime, the Health Ministry equipment have rocketed at an intends to take adva ntage of the mul systems in order to ensure that their ann ual rate of 410%. "In Argentina, til ateral funding granted by the we have the best health service in Wo rld Ba nk or the In ter-American respective welfare systems are both Latin Ameri ca" states the Health Development Ba nk (ID B) to launch Ministry in Buenos Aires. With a several invitations to tender to eco11omical/y viable and universal. total of 88,000 phys icians for a popu- enable hospitals to acqui re medi cal lation of 33 milli on - or one doctor equi pment. To this end, the majority of Latin American fo r every 375 inhabi tants - the lar- Three Euro pean compani es (o ne countries have embarked 011 a series offar gest co untry in the Southern Co ne is Fre nch, one Itali an and one Ge rm an) the leader among its So uth Ameri can have recently been short-li sted to reaching reforms, engaging in the peers. Argentina has a total of equip publi c hospi tals in the citi es of 139,000 beds shared between public Neuquen, C6 rclo ba , Rosari o and privatisation of entire sectors of their health hospitals (3, 180 establis hments) and Jujuy. Furthermore, the ri sk factor is cl ini cs {1,500). However, the coun try limited and "local manu facturing of services. These developments open up suffe rs from the Ameri ca n synd ro me, medica l eq uipment accoun ts fo r less characteri zed by a hi ghly develop- than 15%of sales on the market", attractive opportunities for European firms. peel , all beit ex pensive private medi- says the Argentinian Chamber of Prospects may be in fields as varied as the ca l sector, in stark contrast to its Importers of Medi cal Equipment public health services, which are (CADI EM). There is a demand fo r sale and maintenance of equipment, staff chronica lly under-equi pped, often equi pment with a high added va lue. with in adequately trai ned staff and The private sector has bought large training or hospital management. limi ted resources. The structural amoun ts of equipment, and public adjustment pl an launched three hospitals should now fo llow suit. In Example: Argentina and Mexico, whose years ago by the Eco nomi cs Minister, the space of a few yea rs, America n, Do mingo Cava ll o, has cl one little to Ita li an and Ge rman compani es have health markets are expanding rapidly and improve public sector services. become market leaders in thi s sector, which are currently undergoing Nevertheless, the health services where local supply remains limi ted constitute a rapidly ex panding mar (A rgentina's production barely major restructuring. ket. The government, keen to cu rb exceeds seven or eight machines per publi c ex penditure, is looking to pri- month). vatise a number of hospitals in the Co ntinued on page 15
Bulletin AL-In vest ------ No 2- Ap1i l 95 Sector-re l ate d info • Sector-related info• Sector-related info
MEXICO: A huge demand for medical and hospital equipment
For European enterprises, the Purchasing of small medical devices • establish testing models for Mexican market represents an attrac or consumables is conducted in equipment; tive outlet for medical equipment accordance with a nomenclature • train maintenance personnel. sales. Mexico imports the majority of known as the "cuadro basico". This Two encouraging features should be its medical and hospital equipment. is a list of equipment and drugs borne in mind when considering All the major world manufacturers of drawn up in January by the public investments in Mexico: medical equipment have sales repre health authorities, and which corres • the Mexican government is sentatives in Mexico, which is a ponds to annual purchases. allocating an increasing proportion sizeable market for them. Only the Major purchases are made outside of its budget to health expenditure; smaller medical devices, laboratory this "cuadro basico", and in general, • the Mexican health care system equipment and consumables are via restricted invitations to tender. looks set to undergo radical changes manufactured locally, either by subsi In the private sector, contracts are in the next few years. In future, the diaries of foreign firms or, more signed directly with representatives Health Ministry will have to restrict recently, by Mexican firms. In fact, of foreign companies. At the same itself to a strictly regulatory role, industrial research in the field of time, the SSA tries to prevent "cash" while the various social security medical equipment is virtually non purchases at the border with the bodies will have to be merged, and existant in Mexico. Moreover, equip USA. This is second-hand hospital their activities limited to health ment which has been approved in its equipment, sold in lots and without insurance. Finally, the IDB (Inter country of origin has no problems the possibility of prior inspection, by American Development Bank) has obtaining approval in Mexico: the an American clinic or hospital which just granted Mexico a loan for SSA (Secretaria de Salubridad y is upgrading its own equipment. research funding. The loan, which Asistencia), the Mexican Health As far as maintenance of hospital will also benefit the medical sector, Ministry, has hither to restricted equipment is concerned, the SSA set should contribute to the promotion itself to checking that the equipment up the CEDAT (Centro de Desarrollo of medical research activities. conforms with the standards appli y Ap licaciones Tecnologicas), the aim Leading medical researchers often cable in its country of origin, or fai of which is to: migrate to the USA, where they have ling this, the prevailing international • provide maintenance services for access to better working conditions. standards. Mexican health organisations; Courrier International
Argentina, a promising market for foreign firms
Continued from page 14 have access to affordable treatment, While the private sector may be a which was considered a luxury until step ahead in this field , the managers Another rapidly expanding sector is just recently. of public hospitals make no secret of that of orthopaedic prostheses. Last but not least, hospital their own requirements for hardware Thanks to the return of growth and management in Argentina is percei- and administrative data processing monetary stability, Argentinians now ved as the next big health market. systems.
Bulletin AL-Invest ------ Nu 2- April 95 Bulletin AL-INVEST N° 3 Another aspect will address the following of economic cooperation: topics: the L p ramme MARKET INFO
.I Mexico, within the On 1O March 1994, the European Co mmiss ion adopted the ALFA progra mme, a gradu ate fra mework of NAFTA exchange programme between the Euro pean Unio n and Latin Ameri ca . The progra mme fa ll s within the framework of economi c cooperation between the two continents. It is divided into three sub-p rogrammes, and intended to strengthen re lations between hi gher .I The countries ed ucation establis hme nts, to set up programmes for cooperation via existing networks, and to of Central America encourage exchanges of post-graduate and grad uate students between Latin Ameri ca and Europe. The emphas is is placed on eco nomi cs and social sciences, engin eering, and certa in medical specialties . .I A detailed report on To elate , approx imately 500 projects have been submi tted by unive rsities. Projects will be exa the AL-INVEST Seminar min ed fo r compliance with prevailing requ irements, un de rgo formal exa mination by the Techn ical Ass istance Offi ce, as well as an exa minati on of their meri t by the Scienti fic of 13 and 14 March 1995 Comm ittee. The fi nal decision rests with the Co mmi ssion's services.
For any further information, please contact Mrs. Maria -Cristina FRUTUOSO-MELO, tel. (32 2) 295 14 63 .
············~ ··· ···· ·· ·· ······ ·························· ············ ··· ·· ·· ···· ··· ········ ··· ·· ······ ·········· ···· ·· ········ ········· ······ ··· ···· ············ ····· ·· ··· ·············· ·······-- ····· ··· ······· ··· ········· ··· ····-- ··· ··· ·················· ···········--··········-- ······ Subscription (*) to the Bulletin AL-INVEST and Newsletter
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