Eduardo Costantini: the 'closed economy', the harsh comparison with China and Milei's clashes with business leaders
Business leader Eduardo Costantini supports President Javier Milei's administration but emphasizes the need for a more open economy, discussing the challenges ahead.
Eduardo Costantini, a significant figure in the Argentine business community, shares his insights on the current economic scenario in Argentina during an interview with Clarin. While he generally supports President Javier Milei's administration, he expresses concern that 'the economy is still too closed'. Costantini acknowledges that the changes initiated by the government have thus far been more beneficial for some sectors than others, illustrating the uneven impact of Milei's policies on various industries.
Moreover, Costantini addresses the tension between President Milei and certain industrialists, suggesting that these conflicts are not indicative of a broader problem within the business landscape. He characterizes the disputes as isolated incidents rather than reflective of systemic issues. He believes the central discussion revolves around the degree of economic openness that is necessary for Argentina, highlighting that some industries have been excessively protected for decades and that a shift toward a more open model is essential for future growth.
The significant consideration here is the balance between protecting certain sectors of the economy and fostering a more competitive environment that may lead to growth. Costantiniβs comments highlight the complexity of the situation, where industries accustomed to long-term protection must navigate the challenges posed by new policies aimed at liberalization. As such, the debate on economic strategy is expected to be contentious as differing opinions on the best path forward emerge among stakeholders in the Argentine economy.