INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Biotechnology in Argentina
Knowledge + Innovation to meet global market needs
Photo: courtesy of INTI. National Institute of Industrial Technology
Highlights
>> FACING A GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
The global biotechnology market has been growing at a strong rate, driven
by constant technological and scientific advances and broadening areas
of application. Mainly concentrated in the U.S., the biotechnology industry
presents attractive opportunities for those countries with the right set of
resources.
>> REMARKABLE DOMESTIC POTENTIAL
Growing private and public R&D activities, a pool of highly qualified human
resources in biosciences, and developed pharmaceutical and food & beverage
industries put Argentina in a strong position to take advantage of growth in the
global biotechnology market.
>> PROMISING PERFORMANCE AND A WIDENING SCOPE
As one of the regional leaders in the biotechnology industry, Argentina’s
domestic sales and exports have grown significantly. Mainly focused on
agricultural applications, local firms are currently making progress throughout
all biotechnology application areas.
>> MEETING GLOBAL DEMANDS
By continuing to embrace biotechnology and its applications, Argentina will
be able to meet an increasingly global and sophisticated demand for food and
health products while protecting the environment for future generations.
>> CHALLENGES AHEAD
The main challenges for the growing local biotech market include furthering
the integration of biotechnology with the overall economy; keeping up with the
increasing demand for qualified human resources; increasing R&D capacity; and
improving public & private sector coordination.
May 2009
Photo: courtesy of Bio Sidus labs
I. Why Invest in Biotechnology in Argentina?
• HUGE POTENTIAL. Biotechnology consists in the
• COMPETITIVE RESOURCES. The combination of
application of science and technology to living
growing private and public R&D activities, a pool
organisms, biological systems, or derivatives thereof,
of highly qualified human resources in biosciences,
to make or modify products or processes for the
and well-developed pharmaceutical and food and
production of knowledge, goods and services. Modern
beverage industries put Argentina in a privileged
biotechnology can substantially contribute to improve
position to capitalize on existing global opportunities.
human welfare and current living conditions by
In particular, the large number of researchers (highest
delivering essential outputs as pharmaceutical products
per active person in Latin America), over 35 biosciences
or vaccines and increasing both the quantity and quality
research institutes within firms and universities,
of food.
doctoral and postdoctoral biotechnology training
institutions, and a leading position in genetically
• A THRIVING GLOBAL INDUSTRY. The global
modified crop use, provide Argentina with strong
biotechnology industry has been growing steadily,
foundations to build a dynamic and sophisticated
at a compound annual growth rate of 13% during
biotechnology industry.
2000-2007. Despite worldwide economic turmoil,
the industry sustained its solid performance in 2008,
• PROFITABLE AREAS OF APPLICATION. Modern
growing 12% in revenues to US$89.7 billion. While the
biotechnology has applications in many fields, including
U.S. accounts for over half of global revenues, other
human and animal health, agriculture, fishing and
countries are exhibiting significant growth rates.
forestry, food processing, industrial processing, and
Argentina is among those countries.
natural resource extraction. At the global level, the
health sector is the largest, representing almost
• REGIONAL LEADERSHIP. Knowledge being the key
component in the biotech industry, Argentina managed
processing segments account for approximately
to leverage its strong research capacity to host and
12%. Argentina has already established competitive
create companies that use or produce biotechnology
advantages in some niches within the industry,
inputs. With over 80 established companies, Argentina
particularly in agricultural, food and health segments.
is the country with the highest amount of biotechnology
The local market is especially focused on the production
companies per capita in Latin America. Domestic
of agricultural inputs, pharmaceutical products, human
firms feature a wide range of activities, from the use
diagnosis products and fine chemicals (amoniacids,
of biotechnological supplies in production processes
pigments, antibiotics and vitamins).
to the manufacture of modern biotechnology products
through recombinant DNA techniques.
two thirds of total revenues. The agriculture & food
II. Industry Structure and Performance
STRUCTURE
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
Diverse and competitive sector. More than 80
A diverse array of products are being produced locally,
firms produce modern biotechnological products locally,
covering several areas of biotechnology applications.
covering a wide range of activities: 29% of firms produce
Agriculture, food processing, human heath and diagnosis,
inoculants, 23% seeds and plant varieties, 12% animal
and animal health are segments in which domestic
health products, 12% food ingredients and 24% human
biotechnology presents attractive competitive advantages.
health products. The sector is composed of a mix of global
players and growing domestic companies. Global leaders
Agricultural sector. Within agriculture, biotechnology
such as Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, Nidera,
has many applications, including genetic modifications
Monsanto and Pioneer are active in the country, and
(GM) of plant varieties, seeds, inoculants, pesticides,
local firms like Bioceres, Biocientífica, Biogénesis-Bagó,
fertilizers, vet products and genetic selection for cattle
BioSidus, Cassará, Indear and Wiener Lab are competitive
breeding. The worldwide performance of GM crops stands
players in diverse segments. Around 80% of firms are
out, increasing its market size 65-fold in 1996-2008 to
domestic small and medium size companies, focused
US$7.5 billion. GM crops currently cover an area of 125
almost exclusively on biotechnological activities.
million hectares in 25 countries in six continents. These
figures are expected to double in the next ten years.
INDUSTRY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
GM Crop Area by Country
Sales and exports. Conservative estimations calculate
biotechnology annual sales at US$400 million and
China 3% Others 5%
employment in the sector at more than 5,000 workers. The
India 6%
Canada 6%
agricultural sector leads the sales by area of application:
seeds and plant varieties concentrate 41% of total sales,
Brazil 13%
U.S. 50%
animal health explains 25%, and inoculants add an
additional 8%. The food ingredients sector accounts for
Argentina 17%
15% of sales and human health for the remaining 11%.
Biotechnology exports amount to over US$80 million
Source: International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)
(60% in agro related activities and 24% in human health),
Endowed with vast extensions of arable land (32 million
resulting in a biotech trade surplus of over US$50 million.
hectares), Argentina embraced, at an early stage, the use
Seeds and plants and human health explain together 72%
and generation of genetically modified crops, leading to
of total employment, distributed in almost identical shares.
an agricultural revolution that increased both the size of
Private R&D explains over 5% of sales, reaching some
the cultivated land and the yields per hectare of its main
US$20 million in total, with the highest ratio seen in human
crops. Record-high levels of agricultural production
health (15%). The number of patents presented to the U.S.
are reached year after year. Argentina is today a leading
Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ant the European
country in adopting biotech crops: it has the highest
Patent Office (EPO) by the Argentine biotech sector
percentage of arable land planted with GM crops (65%),
amounts to 53 and 12 per year in 2001-2007 respectively.
it is the second largest producer of GM crops (21 million
Biotechnology by Segment
Share of total firms, sales, employment and exports
10
.
Source: Bisang, Gutman, Lavarello, Sztulwark and Diaz (2006)
Source: CONABIA and SAGPYA
Total soybean area
9
8
/0
08
20
/0
/0
06
07
20
20
20
05
/0
7
6
4
20
04
/0
3
/0
03
2
/0
5
20
Human Health
02
Food Ingredients
20
Animal Health
96
Seeds & Plants
19
Inoculants
1
Exports
/0
Employment
01
Sales
20
2.000
20
4
/9
Firms
8
30
4.000
0
0%
8
/0
0
40
6.000
00
20
6
50 %
8.000
9
0%
60
10.000
/0
1
0
99
19
0%
70
12.000
8
10
/9
11
80
14.000
98
1
90
16.000
19
10 0
18.000
7
60%
1
20.000
/9
1
97
6
1
19
11
80%
In thousand of hectares
100%
Soybean Area and GM Soybean Evolution
GM soybean/ Total soybean
hectares; 17% of world GM area) and enjoys top-notch
DNA technology, including human erythropoietin, human
productivity in soy, corn and their derivatives. Some
interferons, colony-stimulating factors and human growth
companies also produce bioinsecticides and pulse crop
hormone. These products are already sold in Asia, the
inoculants, while others use seedling micropropagation
Middle East and Latin America. Argentina is, along
and vegetable tissue culturing technologies.
with the U.S., Australia, Korea and New Zealand, one of
the few countries in the world with the technology of
Food Processing. Argentina counts with a large and
pharmaceutical diary. It is also one of nine countries with
highly competitive food and beverage industry, with
capacity to clone animals successfully. BioSidus is one
total sales of US$53 billion (31% of total manufacturing
of the sector’s leaders. In the field of diagnosis, there are
production sales) and exports of US$21 billion (30% of
products and developments using recombinant protein
total manufacturing production exports). Significant
and monoclonal antibodies to detect infectious diseases,
applications of biotechnology are being developed
such as Chagas’ Disease, Cholera, Hepatitis B and C,
and implemented in this field. Biotechnology in food
and HIV. There is also capacity for molecular oncology,
processing is focused on the production of high-fructose
leukocyte differentiation antigens, genetic predisposition to
corn syrup and its intermediate product glucose syrup.
hereditary diseases, and filiations and personal identity.
Five companies stand out in this segment. While three
of them are domestically-owned (Alimentaria San Luis,
Arcor and Georgalos), the other two have been acquired by
global food companies (Industrias de Maíz and Refinerías
de Maíz). Two leaders in the dairy sector (SanCor and
Sales of Domestic Pharmaceutical Production
(in US$ million)
2.500
2.000
La Serenísima-Danone) have recently launched their
1.500
probiotic milk lines by incorporating Lactobacillus and
1.000
Bifidobacterium strains that, as probiotic species, favor the
intestinal microbacterial ecosystem.
Exports
Internal market
500
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Source: National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC)
Food & Beverages: Production and Exports
(in US$ million)
60.000
50.000
Animal health. The strong local pharmaceutical
Production
Exports
tradition and the knowledge generation in related areas
40.000
allowed for the production of transgenic cattle and animal
30.000
vaccines. Important progress was made in the areas of
20.000
animal food and health due to the active involvement
10.000
of national and multinational companies present in
-
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Source: Center of Studies for Production (CEP)
Argentina. A salient case in the area of animal vaccines
is the production of the vaccine against bovine neonatal
diarrhea caused by rotavirus. This vaccine was the result
Human Health and Diagnosis. Applied biotechnology’s
of a joint project between the Center for Animal Virology
greatest impact in terms of industry has occurred in
(CEVAN) and the National Council for Scientific and
pharmaceuticals, where a long-standing tradition of
Technical Research (CONICET). Other examples of public-
biomedicine combines with a large domestic industry.
private collaboration include the vaccines developed by
With local pharmaceutical production growing at an
the Virology Lab of the National Institute for Agricultural
annual rate of 16% between 2002 and 2008, investments
Technology (INTA) that were produced and marketed
have increased 10 times during this period. Pharmaceutical
by Biogénesis and San Jorge-Bagó labs. This sector also
domestic companies have the capacity to develop new
produces and markets vaccines against foot-and-mouth
products covering all stages from product innovation
disease and exports vaccines for salmons. Vilmax, a leading
through commercialization, including pilot plant tests,
company in the production of colorants, manufactures
manufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory authority
specific colorants to purify proteins.
approval. Most products result from applying Recombinant
CASE STUDY
Bio Sidus: translating scientific breakthroughs into products for a better quality of life
BioSidus, under the guidance of the pharmaceutical
firm Sidus, has become a leading organization in
the biotechnological field, thanks to the efficient
integration of both enterprise and technology.
By the end of the 1970s, the managing staff of
“Instituto Sidus”, conscious of the central role
of modern biotechnologies, decided to enter
in the biotechnological research field. In 1980,
Sidus’ Area of Biotechnology was created,
under Sidus’ entrepreneurial support and the
scientific concurrence of an important group of
professionals from the University of Buenos Aires.
The goals successfully achieved in technological
and manufacturing developments led Sidus in
1983 to create BioSidus as an organically individual
enterprise, which by 1990 had rolled out its first
biogeneric product: erythropoietin. Almost 20 years
later, BioSidus commercializes locally and abroad
seven recombinant proteins for use in human health:
erythropoietin, interferon alfa 2a and 2b, interferon
beta 1a, filgrastim, lenograstim and somatropin.
Additionally, BioSidus counts with a pipeline of
multiple biosimilar candidates in different stages of
development. Lead products in the pipeline include
PTH 1-34, interferon beta 1b and streptokinase.
Over 75% of BioSidus revenues come from exports
to almost 30 countries in Latin America, Middle East,
Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific (including India,
Thailand and Lebanon) holding a significant market
share in these territories. Furthermore, the company is
filing for regulatory approval to distribute its products
in 10 additional countries through partnerships with
local pharmaceutical firms. Its recently launched
product, Interferon beta 1a, is rapidly gaining market
presence in different countries.
In addition, the company is taking steps to prepare
for its eventual commercialization in developed
countries. To achieve this goal, BioSidus is in the
process of upgrading its manufacturing processes
and refurbishing a new facility in line with U.S. FDA
and EMEA regulatory standards. To accomplish this,
BioSidus has entered into a strategic association with
an U.S. based firm to distribute its current product
portfolio in the U.S..
With significant investments in R&D, BioSidus activities
include the development of expression systems to
produce, formulate and clinically test recombinant
proteins for human health. The company’s R&D efforts
focused on innovative transgenic biopharmaceutical
manufacturing merit special mention. BioSidus has
built up a pharmaceutical dairy comprised of a herd
of 33 cloned transgenic cattle, including twelve cows
producing biopharmaceutical grade recombinant
human growth hormone in their milk and seven bulls
to ensure the perpetuity of the transgenic lineage.
Human growth hormone obtained from the milk
of these transgenic cows has already been tested
for bioequivalence against the bacterial-derived
reference product and is about to start efficiency
clinical trials. The production of recombinant human
proteins in the milk of transgenic cows is expected
to be a highly efficient and cost-effective method
compared to more traditional manufacturing
techniques, with the yield from only a small number
of transgenic cows meeting market demand for
many medical applications. Additionally, BioSidus has
developed lineages of transgenic cows to produce
bovine growth hormone for veterinary use. However,
the most ambitious target in this technological
platform is the development of transgenic cattle for
human insulin precursor. To this day, eight cloned
transgenic cows were born which will be induced to
lactation in the coming months to assess presence
of human insulin precursor in their milk. As from this
milk, the human insulin precursor will be purified to
homogeneity and submitted to an enzymatic cleavage
to recover biopharmaceutical degree human insulin.
This will be of special significance because it will allow
large quantities of product at an affordable cost to
meet the increasing demand of insulin to treat the
growing population of diabetes patients.
Ongoing projects also include gene therapy targeting
angiogenesis of ischemic heart tissue. BioSidus has
developed and produced pharmaceutical grade
naked plasmid DNA codifying for the human protein
vascular endothelial growth factor and has assessed
through preclinical testing in laboratory animals
that its injection into the cardiac muscle resulted in
increased growth of new blood vessels as well as in
muscle regeneration. These findings led to conduction
of Phase I clinical studies currently underway with
promising results. Phase II clinical trials are set to start
in 2009.
In collaboration with the Argentine Dirección Nacional
del Antártico, research has been conducted aimed
at the isolation and characterization of certain
microorganisms from the Antarctic territory that
are particularly adapted to extreme temperature.
A novel species has been isolated and identified
- Bizionia argentinensis, and its full genome has been
sequenced. In this sense, BioSidus is once again a
pioneer in genomics in Argentina since this is the
first national experience of integral sequencing of
a microorganism genome. The genome is currently
under analysis seeking for genes that encode for
enzymes active at cold temperature. There is a great
potential for industrial applications of these “cold
enzymes” in the food, textile and laundry industries,
among others.
III. Foundation for Success
LOCAL SKILLS AND TALENT
financed courses for more than 2,400 students from
Qualified human resources. Developing
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay
biotechnology requires highly qualified human resources.
Argentina is the country with the highest number of
researchers per active person in Latin America (3.4/1,000
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
active) and has internationally renowned scientific
Research institutes. Research institutes from
skills and a pioneering spirit. In natural sciences, this
universities and companies carry out R&D activities in
tradition is evidenced by three Nobel Prizes awardees (B.
a wide range of disciplines and specialties in Argentina.
Houssay, L. Leloir and C. Milstein). In total, over 59.000
Almost 70 of these centers (41 companies and 27 research
researchers and scholars undertake research activities
groups) are focused on agricultural issues and 37 are
both in the public and private sectors. These talents are
dedicated to biosciences. Specifically, 28 are devoted
also growing thanks to the Program RAICES, a strategic
to biotechnology research, including public centers,
project from the Ministry of Science and Technology
university centers and private foundations.
that promotes and facilitates the return of Argentine
distinguished researchers working abroad. In the last few
Regional hubs and business incubators. A recent
years more than 600 professionals have been relocated in
trend has been the emergence and consolidation
local research institutions.
of technological hubs and business incubators in
different knowledge-intensive fields. A highlight within
agricultural research is the Rosario biotechnological
researchers and technicians undertake scientific
hub in the province of Santa Fe. Comprised of several
research in biosciences. Specifically, 241 scientists and
institutions mainly devoted to vegetal biotechnology,
101 technicians are involved in biotechnological research
the hub brings together more than 400 professionals,
lines. More than 30 universities and higher education
constituting the main biotechnological pole in Latin
institutions offer undergraduate and graduate careers
America. The Argentine-Spanish Center for Plant
in biotechnology. Scientific researchers continue their
Genomics (CEBIGEVE) and the National Institute for
education through doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships
Agro-biotechnology (INDEAR) are two of its members.
sponsored by CONICET. Additionally, courses for
CEBIGEVE is an R&D center resulting from the scientific
researchers coming from the public and private
cooperation between Spain and Argentina. INDEAR, in
sector are offered at the Argentine-Brazilian School of
turn, results from the partnership between the private
Biotechnology (EABBIO). From 1987 to 2003, EABBIO
firms Bioceres and BioSidus and the CONICET.
Photo: courtesy of Biogénsesis Bagó
Specialized research and training. Today, 1,350
Photo: courtesy of Roemmers labs
COMMUNITY
INDUSTRY NETWORKING
Public perception. Argentina has a positive public
There are several organizations that promote
perception of biotech products and a good acceptance
biotechnology and communicate the sector´s news
of transgenic organisms. The first genetically-modified
and achievements in Argentina:
crop in Argentina’s agriculture was glyphosate-tolerant
soybean, approved in 1996. Since then, several crops
•FAB (Argentine Forum on Biotechnology):
and their features have been tested in the field, and
with 20 years of continuous experience, the
this type of technology has spread rapidly. In the last
organization promotes biotechnology and
agricultural campaign, they accounted for over 90% of
cooperation and collaboration among researchers,
soybean planted area, around 70% of corn planted area,
companies and the government to fully develop
and approximately 60% of the cotton planted area. At the
biotechnology.
government level, Argentina supports biotechnological
undertakings, leveraging communication and information,
and improving controls to provide security to consumers.
•BIOTECSUR: a biotechnology platform that
brings together the private, academic and public
sectors from the four countries of MERCOSUR
and works to establish a common long-term
vision for the development and application of new
technologies in the region.
Sowed Area by Type of Crop
(in thousands of hectares)
•ASA (Argentine Association of Seed Traders):
GMO’s
Conventional
30,000
it has a proactive attitude to spread biotechnology
25,000
through the “Por qué Biotecnología” (Why
20,000
Biotechnology?) program.
15,000
10,000
• RedBio (reporting to Food and Agriculture
5,000
Organization): responsible for a communication
8
/0
/0
07
20
06
20
20
05
/0
7
6
5
4
/0
20
03
20
04
/0
3
2
/0
02
20
20
01
/0
/0
1
0
00
20
19
99
/0
/9
8
19
98
/9
7
/9
96
97
19
19
9
-
Source: Argentine Association of Seed Traders (ASA) and Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, fishing and Food (SAGPYA).
campaign at primary, secondary and tertiary
educational levels.
Photo: courtesy of INTI. National Institute of Industrial Technology
IV. Policy Initiatives
BUSINESS PROMOTION
investment, and biotechnology has always been a priority
Incentives. Government, private companies and
topic during the last decades. These tools have been
research institutions are working together in the
deepened since the creation in 2007 of the Ministry
promotion of modern biotechnology. Law 26,270
of Science and Technology. Within the Ministry, the
sets promotional measures that are related to human
National Agency for Scientific and Technological
resources and capital expenditures during R&D and
Promotion (ANPCyT) encourages scientific, technological
production of technologies applicable to several
and innovation-related activities with resources coming
productive areas. The law’s main benefits, which are in
from contributions from the national budget and the
process of being regulated by the technical authorities,
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The two
include accelerated amortization of the income tax,
main Agency funds are the Fund for Scientific and
early reimbursement of Value Added Tax, and tax credit
Technological Research (FONCyT) and the Argentine
bonds for contributions to the social security and services
Technology Fund (FONTAR).
purchased from government-owned research institutes.
It also establishes the development of a special fund for
new undertakings. Innovation resulting from the benefits
of the scheme shall be, in the first place, patented by the
relevant domestic patent offices.
Venture capital. Government is increasingly involved
in the promotion and development of venture capital
funds for technology-based companies in Argentina.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has put in place
the Program CREARCIT to encourage the growth and
creation of innovative firms in all technological fields
National Agency for Scientific and
Technological Promotion (ANPCyT)
Fund for Scientific and Technological Research
(FONCYT): Supports research projects targeted
at generating new scientific and technological
knowledge. Promotion and financing instruments are
awarded, in all cases, through public bids. The FONCyT
has sponsored an important number of projects in the
area of biotechnology between 2003 and 2008, for
over US$37 million.
through venture capital investment.
SCIENTIFIC PROMOTION
Funds for R&D. The national government has
implemented several programs and instruments that
promote and facilitate basic research and technological
10
Argentine Technology Fund (FONTAR): Supports
projects targeted at improving the private sector
productivity on the basis of technological innovation.
There are various financing instruments granted
through public bids or permanent window. The
FONTAR has approved biotechnological projects for
over US$15 million in 2003-2006.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Promoting and protecting health. The National
Environmental and health safety. In Argentina,
Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Technology
GMOs are evaluated before these products are marketed.
(ANMAT) promotes and protects human health by
Since 1992, 400 field trials for different transformation
assuring the quality and efficacy of medical products,
events have been assessed and authorized. The
food and domestic-use products, medical and diagnosis
evaluation process includes three steps. First, the
devices. Since 1992, the Ministry of Health is in charge of
National Advisory Committee for Agricultural
providing authorization for release to the market.
Biotechnology (CONABIA) evaluates the likely impact
on the agricultural ecosystem, comparing potential
Intellectual Property Rights. As a signatory of the
environmental consequences with those of conventional
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
plants, initially through experimental release and then
agreement (TRIPS), Argentina provides an effective
more extensive release into the environment. Second,
patent protection system, including pharmaceutical
the National Service of Agricultural and Food Health
products. The National Institute of Industrial Property
and Quality (SENASA) conducts a food safety evaluation.
(INPI) made significant progress in reducing its patent
Third, the National Direction for Agricultural Food
backlog, including the implementation of fast-track
Markets (DNMA) makes an evaluation of potential
procedures and a one-time opportunity in 2005 for
commercial impact by analyzing the status of the GM
companies to prioritize their patent applications before
product under study in the destination markets in terms
INPI. FONTAR offers subsidies to SMEs to apply for
of whether the product has been approved or not and, as
patents both locally and abroad.
a result, whether the addition of a GM crop to Argentina’s
exports might represent a potential barrier to access
these markets. To date, 10 GM crop varieties have been
Photo: courtesy of Biogénsesis Bagó
authorized for sale.
11
V. Main Challenges
Industry players and government agencies face key
challenges to sustain growth and consolidate the sector’s
competitiveness. In themselves, these challenges present
attractive opportunities for the industry and Argentina.
•Increase the availability of qualified human
resources: an increasing domestic and international
demand for Argentine biotech products will require
expanding the current R&D capacity in human resources
and facilities on which Argentina sustains its competitive
advantage.
•Consolidate and expand its leadership in the use
and development of GM crops: Argentina’s substantial
use of GM crops presents a vast area of application for
biotechnology, which must be consolidated as a driver for
local industry growth.
•Promote and foster the integration of
biotechnology research centers with companies:
the adequate institutional processes must be developed to
further close the gap between research in biotechnology
and its technology transfer to the demanding industries.
• Establish efficient interaction mechanisms
between the public and private sectors: achieving
a balanced growth within the industry will require
strengthening the strategic cooperation among firms and
government agencies.
•Develop and provide biotechnological solutions
to regional economic activities: regional activities
like wine and fruit production could surely benefit from
the application of new biotechnologies.
OUR CHALLENGES ARE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES.
12
Photo: courtesy of INTI. National Institute of Industrial Technology
SOURCES: The trends, data and figures included
in this material were elaborated by ProsperAr
based on information provided by: Argentine
Association of Seed Traders / Argentine Forum on
Biotechnology (FAB) / BiotecSur / Bisang, Campi
and Cesa, “Biotecnología y desarrollo”, CEPAL,
2009 / Bisang, Gutman, Lavarello, Sztulwark and
Diaz (comp.) “Biotecnología y desarrollo. Un
modelo para armar”, UNGS-Prometeo, Buenos
Aires, 2006 / Center of Studies for Production
(CEP) / Ernst & Young, Beyond Borders: Global
Biotechnology Report 2009 / ISAAA Report
on Global Status of Biotech/GM Crops, 2008 /
Ministry of Science and Technology (MINCYT) /
National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC)
/ National Observatory for Science Technology
and Innovation, Strategic Plan, 2005 / OECD,
Biotechnology Statistics, 2006 / Sánchez,
Rozemberg, Butler and Rufo, “The emergence
of new successful export activities in Argentina:
self-discovery, knowledge niches, or barriers to
riches?”, IDB, 2008 / Secretariat of Agriculture,
Livestock, fishing and Food (SAGPYA).
The information provided through this brochure
does not in any way constitute legal or
professional advice. ProsperAr (Agencia Nacional
de Desarrollo de Inversiones) reserves the right
to revise, amend, alter or delete the information
provided herein at any time and in no way be
held responsible or liable in respect of any such
revisions, amendments, alterations or deletions.
Cover photo: courtesy of Roemmers labs.
13
Argentina at a glance
Country profile
Official name
República Argentina
Capital city
Buenos Aires
Main cities
Córdoba, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Rosario
Surface area2.7 million square kilometers
Population40.6 million inhabitants
Population growth 1.0% per year
Adult literacy rate
98%
Life expectancy at birth75 years
GDP per capita (PPP) US$ 14,413
Currency
Argentine peso ($)
Form of government
Federal Presidential Republic
Political division23 autonomous provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires
Time zone
GMT-03:00
Official language
Spanish
Main Economic Indicators
200320042005200620072008
GDP growth rate (annual %)
8.8%
9.0%
9.2%
8.5%
8.7%7.0%
GDP (PPP) (millions of US$)333,399373,041419,568469,750524,140572,860
GDP (millions of US$)
128,078
152,158
181,967212,868260,682328,502
Exports of goods and services (millions of US$)34,43939,86447,02454,547
66,088
82,608
Imports of goods and services (millions of US$)
18,82727,93034,93941,12053,353
67,492
Balance of trade of goods and services (millions of US$)
15,612
11,934
12,085
15,115
Trade surplus (% of GDP)
12.2%7.8%
6.6%
Current account surplus (% of GDP)
13,427
12,735
6.3%4.9%4.6%
6.4%2.1%2.9%3.6%2.7%2.3%
Primary fiscal surplus (% of GDP)2.3%3.9%3.7%3.5%3.2%3.1%
Gross capital formation (% of GDP, constant prices)
14.3%
17.7%
19.8%21.6%22.6%23.0%
Gross national savings (% of GDP, current prices)
19.6%20.6%23.7%26.4%26.6%26.7%E
Foreign direct investment (millions of US$)
1,6524,1255,2655,537
6,4737,979
Exchange rate ($/US$)2.952.942.923.073.123.16
Foreign reserves (millions of US$)
14,119
Unemployment rate (% of EAP)
17.3%
19,64628,07732,03746,17646,386
13.6%
11.6%
10.2%
8.5%7.9%
Source: ProsperAr based on data provided by the Argentine National Institute of Statistics and Census, the Central Bank’s Market Expectations Survey (REM), the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development (as of April 30, 2009).
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ProsperAr is Argentina’s National Investment Development Agency
Our mission is to develop direct foreign and domestic investment to contribute
to Argentina’s competitiveness and sustainable development.
ProsperAr’s four main objectives are:
Provide services to investors
ProsperAr provides investors with personalized professional services throughout the investment
process, from initial advisory services to investment facilitation and aftercare. The Agency’s team
assesses on investment projects, responds to queries from investors and provides key business
information. Leveraging the Agency’s cooperative relationships with different government bodies,
ProsperAr’s integral services offer investors a unified one-stop support system.
Attract and generate investment
ProsperAr works in the promotion, attraction and expansion of both domestic and foreign investment.
We identify investment and innovation opportunities in high growth sectors, communicating
them to national and overseas investors through international missions, conferences, meetings and
publications. We work to build relationships that enable multinational companies to take advantage of
local, regional and global opportunities. We also encourage domestic firms to expand and develop their
businesses.
Boost the Investment Environment
ProsperAr works to strengthen Argentina’s investment environment. We interact with local and
multinational companies, as well as potential investors, identifying and removing possible obstacles to
doing business in Argentina. Through active dialogue with the private sector, and in coordination with
other government departments, we advocate for the formulation of policies and programs to optimize
the investment and innovation environment.
Promote the internationalization of local companies
ProsperAr promotes the growth and internationalization of Argentine firms. Fostering local vocation
for innovation and entrepreneurship and promoting overall competitiveness are key aspects of
the Agency’s strategy. Two programs “Entreprenuer Development” and “Pioneers” are in place to
strengthen local companies’ critical capacities in different growth phases. ProsperAr also assists
international companies to invest in and/or work with their local counterparts to form global joint
ventures.
ProsperAr is your strategic partner to invest and prosper in Argentina.
What ProsperAr can do for you:
>>Provide timely and relevant information on business sectors and geographical
locations in Argentina.
>>Help identify investment and innovation opportunities in strategic sectors.
>>Troubleshoot red tape and obstacles; facilitate the investment process and doing
business in Argentina.
>>Assist in building partnerships between foreign investors and local companies.
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To learn more about how investing in
BIOTECHNOLOGY in Argentina
can benefit you, please contact us:
www.prosperar.gov.ar
[email protected]
+54 11 4328 9510