Domingo Peppo
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CHACO
Argentina 2017 I Special Region I Leader
BIOGRAPHY Graduated as a Civil Engineer in Resistencia, he was elected as Governor of Chaco in 2015 with 55,43% of the votes. Previously he has been a Provincial Deputy in the legislative elections, President of the Provincial Institute of Urban Development and Housing, Mayor of Villa Angela and Secretary of Public Works
“THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IS ESSENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING OUR OBJECTIVES AND WE ARE WORKING TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN CHACO AND PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP.”
THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF CHACO IS FOCUSED ON PRODUCTIVE SECTORS. CAN YOU TELL US MORE?
We have worked with all stakeholders of Chaco to elaborate the Economic Development Plan, that has been articulated between the Ministry of Production of the Nation and Ministry of Production of Chaco. The plan identifies the productive sectors as strategic axes for economic growth and the generation of opportunities. As a result, we have established the “Agenda 2030”, that is the foundation for the growth of the state in the coming years. An in-depth analysis was carried taking in consideration the potential of Chaco in the infrastructure, finance, industry and knowledge sectors.
Our main objective is to generate more income, with employment and equity distribution, while being able to eradicate poverty through sustainable development. The private sector’s role is essential for achieving our objectives and we are working to improve the business environment in Chaco and promote entrepreneurship. The Chaco Economic Development Plan proposes the consolidation of our production model based on six pillars: a boost to the economy; agribusiness and energy specialization; diversify the economy; value-added and territorial interaction; develop employment; and consolidation of the rural population.
Chaco is already most economically active state in the Northeast region of Argentina. We believe that we can improve our position to become a regional and international player in the agribusiness and industrial sectors. Today, we are exporting over five thousand tons of primary products, with over 600 companies with state-of-the-art technology and a productive structure that is internationally competitive. We are supporting sustainable development and encouraging private sector-led investment and growth that maximize economic value-added and job creation in value chains. We are working to put in place this plan in practice from 2018 and that it transcends time and constitutes a Government policy.
ONE OF YOUR GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITIES WAS TO OPEN A DIRECT CHANNEL WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO FACILITATE INVESTMENTS. WHAT IS BEING DONE IN THIS DIRECTION?
We are in permanent discussion with all the stakeholders of our community. We believe that the private sector has an important role to play in Chaco’s development and this is the reason why I have my doors open to any new investors willing to discuss about investment opportunities or to help those that already invested in Chaco to simplify any challenges that they may face in their activities. I believe that a successful Government is the one that has the ability to serve as a catalyzer for the development of opportunities that support economic growth and job creation.
Chaco is the only state in Argentina to have three Universities and we want to develop a technological hub that can benefit from our skilled population and our fiber-optic connectivity. We have already important software and technology companies that are based in Chaco and we want to stimulate growth in this sector. Chaco has also developed industrial parks to help and promote industry and economy. These parks facilitate the establishment of new businesses and investment in key sectors of our economy.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO DEVELOP THE TOURISM SECTOR IN CHACO TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL?
Chaco has a very recent trajectory in the recognition of tourism as a strategic state policy, however our Government has been investing in infrastructure so that Chaco can be positioned as an attractive tourism destination, offering authentic and quality tourist experiences. We are working on the positioning and commercialization of Chaco at national and international levels. We have also been working on a strategy to evaluate, identify and differentiate the natural, historical, cultural and tourist heritage of Chaco, with special emphasis on natural resources, culture, gastronomy, celebrations and major popular events. We are incorporating value to existing products and redefining memorable and innovative tourist experiences for our population as well as tourists and visitors.
We have encouraged private investors to invest in the hospitality, gastronomic and service infrastructure to promote the tourist destinations in the state. Our priority will remain the sustainable tourism development that should be balanced throughout the state, based on a permanent interaction with all local stakeholders.