Photos © IMBRICS Forum Directorate; CICRAL
In February 2025, a series of meetings took place in Argentina, organised with the support of the International Municipal BRICS Forum (IMBRICS Forum) partner, the Centre for Integration and Cooperation between Russia and Latin America (CICRAL). These events marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between BRICS countries and Argentina, as well as in developing new initiatives in trade, manufacturing, energy, and municipal development. The IMBRICS Forum Directorate was represented at the meetings by Maria Osipova, Deputy Head of the Directorate for Cooperation with Foreign Partners.
Meeting at the "Russian House": IMBRICS Forum Projects Platform
On 17 February, a meeting was held at the "Russian House" (La Casa Rusa) in Buenos Aires with Víctor Repetto, Vice President of the General Confederation of Producers (C.G.P.), and Julio Fernández Baráibar, a political commentator.
Previously, Argentine partners had discussed with the Russian Embassy the possibility of establishing a Production Chamber (CPI) to develop projects in various fields. During the meeting at the "Russian House," the IMBRICS Forum’s partner projects platform was presented, which sparked considerable interest among the participants. The Argentine side noted that such a platform opens new opportunities for strengthening trade and production ties with Russia and other BRICS countries.
A key topic of discussion was cooperation in agriculture. The C.G.P. presented a project related to soil monitoring using space technologies. This project will be further reviewed by the Forum Directorate in collaboration with Russian Space Systems.
Previously, Argentine partners had discussed with the Russian Embassy the possibility of establishing a Production Chamber (CPI) to develop projects in various fields. During the meeting at the "Russian House," the IMBRICS Forum’s partner projects platform was presented, which sparked considerable interest among the participants. The Argentine side noted that such a platform opens new opportunities for strengthening trade and production ties with Russia and other BRICS countries.
A key topic of discussion was cooperation in agriculture. The C.G.P. presented a project related to soil monitoring using space technologies. This project will be further reviewed by the Forum Directorate in collaboration with Russian Space Systems.
José C. Paz Municipality
On 18 February, an important meeting took place in the municipality of José C. Paz, also located in the province of Buenos Aires, highlighting the municipality’s commitment to active engagement with BRICS countries. The Argentine side was represented by the municipality’s mayor, Mario Ishii, and Poli Cousiño, President of the Russian-Argentine Business Council.
The municipality of José C. Paz already has a successful track record of cooperation with Russia, China, and other BRICS countries, making it a strategically valuable partner for the IMBRICS Forum. A notable example of this collaboration is the acquisition of HAIFU medical equipment from China, used for non-invasive cancer treatment. The purchase of this equipment marked a significant step in the development of the region’s healthcare system and demonstrates the municipality’s readiness to adopt advanced technologies. Another example of cooperation was the delivery of the Sputnik V vaccine to the municipality, supported by the Russian Embassy in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic, which strengthened the local healthcare system and protected the health of its residents.
During the meeting, mayor Mario Ishii emphasised that the municipality is ready to actively promote its projects on the international stage and views the IMBRICS Forum as a key platform to achieve this goal. The parties discussed the possibility of listing the municipality’s projects on the Forum’s partner projects platform, as well as the IMBRICS Forum’s support for these initiatives. Additionally, Poli Cousiño proposed signing a cooperation agreement between the Province of Buenos Aires and the Moscow Government, which could be a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
The municipality of José C. Paz demonstrates a high level of interest in developing cooperation with Russia and other BRICS countries, making it a promising partner for implementing joint projects in various fields, including healthcare, technology, and municipal development.
The municipality of José C. Paz already has a successful track record of cooperation with Russia, China, and other BRICS countries, making it a strategically valuable partner for the IMBRICS Forum. A notable example of this collaboration is the acquisition of HAIFU medical equipment from China, used for non-invasive cancer treatment. The purchase of this equipment marked a significant step in the development of the region’s healthcare system and demonstrates the municipality’s readiness to adopt advanced technologies. Another example of cooperation was the delivery of the Sputnik V vaccine to the municipality, supported by the Russian Embassy in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic, which strengthened the local healthcare system and protected the health of its residents.
During the meeting, mayor Mario Ishii emphasised that the municipality is ready to actively promote its projects on the international stage and views the IMBRICS Forum as a key platform to achieve this goal. The parties discussed the possibility of listing the municipality’s projects on the Forum’s partner projects platform, as well as the IMBRICS Forum’s support for these initiatives. Additionally, Poli Cousiño proposed signing a cooperation agreement between the Province of Buenos Aires and the Moscow Government, which could be a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
The municipality of José C. Paz demonstrates a high level of interest in developing cooperation with Russia and other BRICS countries, making it a promising partner for implementing joint projects in various fields, including healthcare, technology, and municipal development.
Energy and Strategic Coordination
On the same day, 18 February, another meeting was held, attended by Federico Savizki, CICRAL Director for Latin America, Carlos Alberto Minucci, Secretary General of the Association of Energy Company Executives, and Mara Rivera, Secretary for Technical Affairs and International Relations of the Association.
The main topic of discussion was the strategic coordination of the IMBRICS Forum’s activities in Argentina. The Association of Energy Company Executives presented itself as a key partner of CICRAL. Federico Savizki emphasised CICRAL’s readiness to cooperate with the Forum and to engage all Latin American countries where CICRAL operates.
The main topic of discussion was the strategic coordination of the IMBRICS Forum’s activities in Argentina. The Association of Energy Company Executives presented itself as a key partner of CICRAL. Federico Savizki emphasised CICRAL’s readiness to cooperate with the Forum and to engage all Latin American countries where CICRAL operates.
Industrial Parks and Cooperation with APIA
On 19 February, the final meeting took place in Buenos Aires. It was attended by María Luján Rodríguez, Secretary General of the organisation “Mujeres Argentinas por el Desarrollo” (Argentine Women for Development) and a Member of the Board of the Association of Argentine Industrial Parks (APIA).
María Luján Rodríguez presented a project related to the development of stevia-based products and their industrial production, as well as expressed interest in establishing an industrial park in Russia. Given Moscow’s successful experience in creating industrial parks, this initiative sparked considerable interest on the Russian side. The proposed project will be considered for inclusion on the IMBRICS Forum’s partner projects platform.
María Luján Rodríguez presented a project related to the development of stevia-based products and their industrial production, as well as expressed interest in establishing an industrial park in Russia. Given Moscow’s successful experience in creating industrial parks, this initiative sparked considerable interest on the Russian side. The proposed project will be considered for inclusion on the IMBRICS Forum’s partner projects platform.
The February meetings in Argentina marked an important stage in strengthening cooperation between the IMBRICS Forum and Latin American partners. Discussions on the development of municipal and energy projects, as well as initiatives in the field of industrial parks, open new prospects for collaboration between BRICS countries and Argentina. These meetings confirmed the parties’ readiness for active cooperation and the implementation of joint projects, contributing to the strengthening of economic and cultural ties between regions.
The IMBRICS Forum continues to play a key role in fostering international cooperation, creating a platform for dialogue and the implementation of strategic initiatives.
The IMBRICS Forum continues to play a key role in fostering international cooperation, creating a platform for dialogue and the implementation of strategic initiatives.