Miedziak: 'A victory by the government would calm the waters and consolidate confidence'

In a pre-interview for the 46th Annual IAEF Convention  (September 4 to 7, Llao Llao hotel), its president, Pablo Miedziak, previewed the agenda and focus of the event: competitiveness, consumption, energy, mining, and financing, with a strong presence of government officials, economists, and CEOs.

He also analyzed the current situation: electoral noise, exchange rate, and structural reforms. He was blunt with two statements: "devaluation doesn't make you competitive" and "without labor, tax, and pension reforms there won't be sustainable investments." He also highlighted IAEF's progress in AI and digital transformation, and stated that "a victory by the ruling party would calm the waters and consolidate investor confidence."

The convention, a classic that returns with a powerful agenda

The IAEF, about to turn 60 years old, will hold its 46th convention. "It's the institute's most traditional event," Miedziak said. The opening will be led by the Central Bank and officials such as Patricia Bullrich, Federico Sturzenegger, and Pablo Quirno will attend.

There will be panels with governors, legislators, economists, and CEOs to discuss how to compete "in a world in transition." "We want to discuss what Argentina needs to become more competitive," he summarized.

Main topics and agenda: consumption, energy, and mining

Thursday begins with economy and social mood; then consumption, infrastructure, and ends with security. Friday starts with human capital, continues with the business agenda and finance lunch, and concludes with energy, nuclear plan, and mining. Saturday is reserved for networking.

"It's not just technical content; it's a social space where the public and private sectors talk without microphones," he emphasized. "That back and forth also builds the agenda," he added.

Electoral noise and macroeconomics: how much does it impact

Miedziak admitted that the electoral calendar "affects a lot, as always": investment and financing decisions are delayed until the scenario becomes clearer.

Meanwhile, he highlighted two anchors: "zero deficit and compliance with the IMF." He emphasized: "With fiscal anchoring, volatility is more about the current situation than about the trend."

"Devaluation is not enough": reforms to truly compete

"The debate about whether the exchange rate is fixed is a short-term discussion," he stated. "Devaluation doesn't make you competitive or bring investments."

To support this, he went to the root: "Competitiveness depends on labor laws, the tax system, and the pension scheme." He added a hard fact: "Argentina has 155 taxes: 35 national, 25 provincial, and 85 municipal. Competing like this is not possible."

AI and finance: being left out is not an option

IAEF has promoted the Digital Finance Forum for seven years, which in its latest edition surpassed one thousand registrants. "AI and data are already the standard; if you don't learn, you'll be left out," he said.

"We bring in CEOs and technology leaders because productivity comes from adopting digital solutions, not from waiting for a devaluation," he added.

Investment climate after the polls

Can a victory by the ruling party align expectations? "Very much so," he replied. "The path of fiscal balance and the reduction of country risk are signals that the market validates."

"If confidence is consolidated, the risk premium will decrease and there will be more financing for the private sector," he concluded.