Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR WAYNE AT THE AMCHAM 90TH ANNIVERSARY
October 04, 2007
I would like to thank all of you for joining me here this evening to honor the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina’s 90th Anniversary Celebration.
It is an honor for me to host this event, as the AMCHAM is a strong friend and partner of the Embassy whose mission is complimentary to our own.
I would like to thank Juan Bruchou, President of the AmCham, and Alejandro Diaz, Executive Director, for their constant support and efforts in advancing U.S. business interests in the Argentina market.
I would also like to recognize Mr. Javier Wajncymer, Commercial Director for Semana Musical Llao Llao, for his efforts in organizing such a spectacular event that features several international and American artists, two of whom you will hear from shortly this evening as the Malkin Duet.
AMCHAM was established in Argentina in 1918 when the U.S. and Argentina were both expanding their international commercial ties.
American Express Argentina was the first U.S. company admitted to the Chamber in 1918 after establishing themselves in the market two years before.
Shortly thereafter, companies such as Ford, Dunn & Bradstreet, IBM and Citibank followed.
The Chamber has grown remarkably as they now have 766 members, more than 60 percent of which are U.S. firms. AMCHAM’s members employ 250,000 people.
I am always impressed by the Chamber’s expertise and knowledge in all fields related to business and development in Argentina. And I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with them on issues that promote a better understanding of our two cultures.
This has included such recent topics as the protection of intellectual property, promotion of innovation and creativity in the business environment, highlighting strong corporate social responsibility programs and the regularization of the workforce down the supply chain.
On this special evening, I would like to congratulate the AMCHAM, its members, and all of you here for supporting their efforts in Argentina as this has helped assure a successful first 90 years.
I wish AMCHAM another successful 90 years, and hope that all of you enjoy this evening’s festivities. I would now like to invite Mr. Rolando Meninato, Member of the Executive Committee of the AmCham, to make a few remarks.