Augusto Ardiles Diaz, Undersecretary of Investments at Ministry of Economic Development of the City of Buenos Aires
Doha, Qatar: Relations between Qatar and Argentina have witnessed a significant growth characterised by expanding trade, mutual respect, and complementary economies.
In this year’s Project Qatar, on the international front, Argentina is participating as the country of honour under the umbrella of Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative exemplifying how cultural exchange can evolve into dynamic and mutually beneficial strategic economic collaboration.
Speaking to The Peninsula in an interview, Augusto Ardiles Diaz, Undersecretary of Investments at Ministry of Economic Development of the City of Buenos Aires highlighted how several Argentinian companies are seeking to strengthen their presence in Qatar to further boost ties.
Through its national pavilion, Argentina is presenting seven innovative companies active in various fields, including clean technologies, fintech, health tech, and space technologies — aligning with Qatar’s priorities in innovation, sustainability, and diversified economic growth. This directly supports the objectives of the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy and reflects the country’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy.
Argentina is participating with a delegation of emerging tech companies in search of exciting opportunities for cooperation not only in culture but also across the economy, trade, and investment. These initiatives will further strengthen ties between Qatar and Argentina, fostering deeper connections between the two countries.
“Project Qatar is an important platform to showcase our startups and make a real difference in their development,” Diaz said. It serves as a strategic platform to bolster the competitiveness of the Qatari market by attracting leading international companies, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and showcasing the latest technologies and innovative solutions.
“We are showcasing seven startups that are focused in different thematics like health tech, green impact, satellites, blockchain and fintech. They are based in the Innovation Park in Buenos Aires, focusing on different fields. This is part of our vision of the future,” Undersecretary of Investments at Ministry of Economic Development of the City of Buenos Aires said.
These are seven startups of Buenos Aires City for Project Qatar, he reiterated. The Innovation Park is a project of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires that aims to create new opportunities for development, employment and training opportunities.
Diaz further said, “We are so enthusiastic and happy about the importance of these companies as they can provide various solutions. That’s why these companies are here as this is part of our talent that we want to export to the world.”
Highlighting the Years of Culture, he said, “We are so happy to be part of the Years of Culture. Japan, UK, France and other countries had the chance to be part of it. For Argentina it is important as this represents the strong relations that we have with Qatar. Two years ago we won our first FIFA World Cup 2022, here. So I think that this is another step of the strong ties between Qatar and Argentina.”
Launched in 2012 under the leadership of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Years of Culture initiative reflects Qatar’s strategic vision to foster intercultural dialogue, promote peace, and deepen mutual understanding through cultural collaboration. It has evolved into a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy and economic cooperation, supported by 23 members of the National Years of Cultural Committee.
The Qatar-Argentina 2025 Year of Culture invites communities from both nations to connect through a celebration of cultures. Argentina, a land of dramatic landscapes with a rich cultural legacy, brings its iconic tango, renowned literature, and world-class football to the heart of Qatar, fostering dialogue and discovery.
Regarding the confidence in Qatari economy, he said, Qatar’s economy is one of the most important economies for the next decade; therefore it will be so important for us to have strong relations with the country’s financial system and economy.
