Buenos Aires, Argentina, 20 July 2026 – Following the UNIDO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller visited Argentina where he met with government officials, visited industrial facilities operated by Daimler Trucks and Bayer in Zárate, and engaged with stakeholders involved in an urban development initiative in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
During the visit, DG Müller met Ambassador Fernando Brun, Secretary for International Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Daniela Ramos, Undersecretary for Industry and the Knowledge Economy at the Ministry of Economy.
Discussions focused on how to best position Argentina and the countries of Mercosur to harness the many opportunities the EU-Mercosur trade agreement offers. The conversation outlined Argentina’s industrial priorities and opportunities to deepen cooperation with UNIDO in areas such as quality infrastructure and standards to strengthen trade competitiveness, harmonize standards, and address compliance gaps, thereby facilitating better access to the EU market, as well as support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Visiting Zárate Industrial Center
The Director General also visited Zárate, one of Argentina’s most important industrial hubs, where he visited facilities operated by Daimler Trucks and Bayer.
At Daimler, DG Müller toured the brand-new production and logistics facilities and exchanged views with company representatives on the challenges and opportunities for local manufacturing, regional supply chains and workforce development. The visit provided an opportunity to observe first-hand how advanced industrial operations contribute to competitiveness and job creation.
At Bayer’s production site, discussions focused on innovation, sustainability and the role of technology in supporting food security and Argentina’s agricultural sector, one of the country’s main economic drivers.
The visits offered a direct look at how investment, technology and skilled labor come together to strengthen productive capacity.
Inclusive urban development
DG Müller also visited Barrio Padre Carlos Mugica, one of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic urban integration projects. The neighbourhood has undergone significant transformation in recent years through investments in housing, public infrastructure, community services and public spaces. The visit reiterated UNIDO's initiative to advance partnerships for inclusive and sustainable urban-industrial development.
The Director General’s mission to Argentina reaffirmed the strong partnership between UNIDO and Argentina and the country's important role in advancing sustainable industrialization across the region.
