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A Few Good Men (& Chevys) To Protect BA

On February 5, 2010, In buenos aires events, competitiveness, by InvestBA
Just two of the new officers, Chevys & Hondas that hit the streets of BA this morning.

500 new police officers, Chevy Merivas & Honda motorcycles hit the streets of BA this morning.

The new International Living Quality of Life Index covered yesterday gave Argentina high marks for “Risk & Safety;” yet security—or the lack thereof in many lower and middle class neighborhoods—remains the most important and troubling issue for many porteños. That’s why today’s introduction of the Metropolitan Police Force is being applauded throughout many corners of Buenos Aires.  According to Clarín, 500 trained officers will hit the streets and initially serve a supporting role to the Federal Police who have long held jurisdiction. In addition to taking on additional duties in the coming months, Police Chief Eugenio Burazco says the MPF ranks will grow to 1,400 officers by May and over 10,000 officers by 2016. In addition to being armed, the new officers will be patrolling the streets of Buenos Aires in style with a fleet of 50 new Chevrolet Meriva patrol cars painted with a distinctive black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Years in the making and highly politicized by opposition parties, the acceptance and perceived effectiveness of a Metropolitan Police Force will have serious implications for 2011 candidates like BA Mayor Mauricio Macri. On his facebook page, Macri describes today as an historic day designed to restore the “tranquilidad de la gente.” (the calm of the people.)

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Report Card: BA Government “Making Up For Lost Time”

On December 14, 2009, In arts & entertainment, competitiveness, culture, foreign investment, lifestyle, technology, visionaries, by InvestBA
All first graders in BA schools study English today; only 2 schools offered classes in 2001.

All first graders in BA schools study English today; only 2 schools offered such classes in 2001.

December is usually the time for making resolutions for the year ahead, but the Government of the City of Buenos Aires is looking back and celebrating the many achievements since December 2007 when conservative Mauricio Macri was elected Mayor. “In 2 years, we accomplished more than in the last 10,” declares the city’s microsite, “We’re making up for lost time.” The accomplishments are numerous and organized into eight broad categories including Health (20 new Health Centers, 35 new ambulances), Education & Culture (Broadband connectivity in 98% of schools, record attendance at Buenos Aires festivals), Economic Development (an emerging Technology District, the opening of an Investor Assistance Center for foreign investors), and Security (the new Metropolitan Police force, a state-of-the-art Urban Monitoring Center). Another noteworthy achievement is designed to prepare the next generation of porteños for a more competitive global environment: English as a Second Language is now being taught in all first grade classes in the City; second and third grades will be added in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The website is a shining example of transparency and accountability for a city government that has delivered on many 2007 campaign promises, is working today to improve the quality-of-life in Buenos Aires  and is preparing for Bicentennial celebrations in 2010. Hence, the new website’s tagline: Hicimos, Hacemos, Haremos (We Did It, We Are Doing It, We Will Do It).

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Subtes, Strikes & The “Anything Goes” Culture

On November 19, 2009, In competitiveness, foreign investment, by InvestBA
BA subway workers threw debris on the tracks to block service November 10.

BA subway workers threw debris on the tracks to block service November 10. (Source: Clarín)

One of the primary goals of InvestBA is to promote trade and investment opportunities in Buenos Aires, but in order to maintain credibility (and not come across as a Chamber of Commerce site), it’s important to highlight the occasional negatives as well. For that reason, “competitiveness” is one of the site’s main categories and these posts typically highlight the challenges Argentina faces in embracing economic transformation and competing on the global stage. Yesterday’s Brazilian article offered a laundry list of things that make BA great including a first-class subway system. Unfortunately, a Subte worker’s strike last week plunged the city into total chaos. The Miami Herald’s Andres Oppenheimer says the hidden costs of these strikes–440 so far this year–probably outweigh the millions of pesos in lost business. On a deeper level, the government’s willingness to let these strikes continue unabated is tantamount to embracing an “anything-goes” culture where chaos reigns and the political agendas of a few penalize millions of hard-working porteños. According to Oppenhemimer, Buenos Aires Mayor Maruicio Macri criticized the federal government at last month’s Americas Conference in Miami saying such protests and street closures only move Argentina “in the direction of an anarchic society, where there will be fewer investments and more poverty.” He added: “You often have just 10 people blocking traffic, and the police are protecting those 10 people instead of the hundreds of thousands who need to go to work. That’s ridiculous.” Indeed.

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Atlanta, Buenos Aires & A Big Splash of Coke

On October 17, 2009, In arts & entertainment, buenos aires events, culture, franchises, tourism, by InvestBA

atl_ba_cokeWhile they are not official “Sister Cities,” Atlanta and Buenos Aires are certainly showing signs of mutual interest and future flirtation. Just last week Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin met with BA Mayor Mauricio Macri and exchanged a variety of best practices regarding cultural, urban transit and environmental programs. The most exciting news from a BA tourism standpoint was the joint announcement that BA would play host to an International Jazz Festival while Atlanta would sponsor Tango Appreciation Week. Both announcements were undoubtedly well received by Atlanta-based Delta Airlines which offers daily non-stops between the Capital of the South and the Argentine capital. And more Atlanta/Buenos Aires good vibrations were felt this week when the Argentine National Team—recently on the verge of elimination—defeated Uruguay and qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In a twist of international fútbol irony, Pepsi sponsors the U.S. National Team, while The Coca-Cola Company is the official sponsor of Argentina. The Atlanta-based company and its beverage brands (including Dasani and Powerade) are not only synonymous with the National Team, their creative ad campaigns (YouTube Video) demonstrate a real understanding of the passion for fútbol in BA.

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BA Mayor Shares His Vision in Miami

On September 30, 2009, In visionaries, by InvestBA

BA Mayor Mauricio Macri speaks at the Miami Herald's Americas Conference 2009

BA Mayor Mauricio Macri speaks at the Miami Herald's Americas Conference 2009

Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri spoke yesterday at the Miami Herald’s Americas Conference 2009 and shared his vision for Argentina’s future. Macri, who appeared in a panel discussion with journalist Andres Oppenheimer and Buenos Aires Province Governor Daniel Scioli, was critical of mistakes made over the past 20 years. According to Poder Magazine, “Macri told those present that his work will be concentrated on ‘trying to reverse two decades of neglect and lack of investment.’” Macri pointed to Brazil and Chile as regional models and cited the need for increased food & mineral production, greater tourism promotion and stronger, more transparent institutions if Argentina is going to be competitive going forward in the global marketplace.

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