Canada-Argentina relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Argentina have enjoyed uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1940. Canada and Argentina enjoy a close and multifaceted relationship, built on a commitment to multilateralism and share similar perspectives on many global issues, including peacekeeping, nuclear non-proliferation, human rights, the environment, strengthening democracy and combatting terrorism.
Numerous links exist between Indigenous communities and associations in Canada and Argentina. Member of Parliament Pablo Rodriguez currently chairs the interparliamentary Canada-Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Indigenous leaders of Argentina have often welcomed official delegations from Canada to exchange views and experiences, both in person and virtually. In 2019, BAIRS launched the “Indigenous Encounters” regional series with indigenous representatives from 8 countries in Latin America and 10 from Canada to discuss various indigenous topics, with an initial focus on architecture. In 2012, the City of Buenos Aires erected a new totem pole in Canada Plaza to renewthe original that was there from 1964.
The Association for Canadian Studies in Argentina, created in 1990, sustains seven centres across the country. Its members include academic and research experts in an across‑the‑board selection of domains, as well as former Canadian academic fellows, alumni and institutions and individuals who wish to develop projects in connection with Canada.
Canada’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program provides short-term scholarship opportunities for students from Latin America and the Caribbean, including Argentina, to study or conduct research in Canada. These academic agreements help foster research collaborations and student exchanges. Between 2009 and 2022, 415 Argentine students have participated in exchange opportunities for study or research at the college, undergraduate and graduate level under this program.
In Argentina, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to Argentina and Paraguay, in Buenos Aires, and also maintains a Visa Application Centre to facilitate visa applications for residents of Argentina. In Canada, Argentina is represented by the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Ottawa, and also maintains consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal.
Trade relations
Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Argentina was valued at $1.6 billion in 2022. Canadian exports to Argentina were valued at nearly $325.3 million in 2022, making Argentina Canada’s 54th-largest export destination. Top merchandise exports were mineral products, machinery, products of the chemical or allied industry, plastics, rubber and articles made from these materials, and clocks, watches and specialized instruments. Canadian imports from Argentina had a value of $1.3 billion in 2022, of which the vast majority were metals (principally gold) due to Canada’s significant presence in the Argentinian mining sector. Other primary imports included pearls, precious metals or stones, coins and jewellery, base metals and articles of base metal, food products, beverages, spirits, vinegar and tobacco products, products of the chemical or allied industries, and vegetable products..
The Argentina offices of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service are responsible for Argentina and Paraguay and are based out of Buenos Aires. Export Development Canada serves Argentina from São Paulo, Brazil.
The Argentine-Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been in operation since 1977, when it was set up to help grow and strengthen ties between its members, providing support to both Canadian and Argentine business communities. Today, the chamber is particularly active, with its membership representing significant two‑way trade and investment interests, supporting jobs, commercial and technology development and economic growth in both countries.
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Development
Canada’s development relationship with Argentina has evolved from one of donor and recipient, respectively, to one of development cooperation partners. Although Canada no longer has an active bilateral development program in Argentina, the relationship continues to benefit from modest but targeted assistance, most notably through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). Since 2007, Canada has supported projects in Argentina related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusive governance and climate change measures.
As well, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) supports research in Argentina to promote sustainable and inclusive development. Argentina researchers are focused on issues such as gender equity in employment, health, and environmental justice; improved epidemic and pandemic outbreak detection; and social engagement and citizen agency.
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Operations
In recent years, Canada and Argentina have jointly engaged in reconstruction and peacekeeping operations in Haiti and have collaborated as part of the Group of Friends of Haiti. Canada and Argentina both supported the UN Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Under that framework, Argentina benefited from Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program through which Canada makes military training available to partner countries thus enhancing defence relations between our nations.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Argentina work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- G20
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- The Pacific Alliance
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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