Argentine business etiquette and taboos
The Republic of Argentina), Argentina for short. It is a beautiful and rich country in southern Latin America. It covers an area of 2.76 million square kilometers. Population 31.5 million. 97% white. Almost all of them are descendants of European immigrants. The main religion, Catholics and Christians, account for 94% of the country's population. The Constitution stipulates that the president and vice president must be Catholic. Spanish is the national language. The capital is Buenos Aires.
Argentina has great potential for economic development. It is the world's major exporter of grain, meat and wool, so it is called the "World Granary and Cold Storage". Pastures and grasslands account for 50% of the country's land. The processing and manufacturing industry is very developed. Energy is close to self-sufficiency. Argentina is one of the richest countries in Latin America. In 1987, the GDP was 79.55 billion US dollars, and the per capita income of that year was 2540 US dollars. Both grain and meat exports ranked among the top in the world. Among Latin American countries, it is the third largest economic country in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico.
When doing business in Argentina, whether with the government or private companies, contracts are extremely important.
1. When talking about business, it is best to talk face-to-face
Because telephone services in Argentina are sometimes unsatisfactory, and Argentines are willing to negotiate face-to-face, business can rarely be concluded through telephone contact, so business visits must be made in advance
2. attention to the instrument
Most Argentines are of European descent, with the majority British and Italians. People in politics and business circles generally dress well and behave generously. Therefore, when conducting business activities, we must pay attention to appearance. Men are best to wear conservative suits and ties. When attending formal receptions and banquets, Chinese or Western dark clothing can be used. Women's clothing should be decent and generous. Even if you are a tourist from other places, there is no exception. Foreigners often judge people based on their clothes. If they are not tidy, they will think you are not decent. Clothing is the basis on which they evaluate people. Therefore, when visiting companies or agencies, or visiting merchants 'homes, you must wear a suit and look like a gentleman.
Pay attention to the color of your suit. Generally speaking, wearing gray is the most unpopular color. This color makes people feel gloomy and uncheerful. If you wear clothes in this color to visit the other party, it is likely to make the other party's impression of you discounted.
3. Taboos for discussion
Don't consider inviting an Argentinian to discuss business over breakfast. He will think you are a little off the hook and lose the possibility of closing a business deal. Argentines get up late and are not accustomed to doing business early in the morning. 9:30 is generally appropriate for appointments, so don't be surprised if your business partner is late. Argentines may arrange to meet you at 7 or even 8 p.m. in the office.
Argentines often start discussing business after some social pleasantries, and it's best not to discuss personal matters unless your Argentinian colleague takes the initiative to discuss it. You must not expect a deal to be concluded in one meeting. Patience is very important.
4. business lunch
In Argentina, business lunches are important. Although what is discussed at lunch does not touch the core of business, it helps regulate emotions and create an atmosphere for further negotiations.
5. handshake ceremony
Handshaking is popular in Afghanistan's business circles and frequent exchanges of videos. Generally speaking, the attitude when talking about business still gives a better impression of being cautious. Many businessmen in Argentina speak English, and Italian and German are also commonly used foreign languages.
6. eating habits
Argentines are accustomed to eating European Western dishes in their diet, mainly beef, mutton and pork, especially roasted whole animals as their traditional food. Argentine businessmen like to invite people to their homes, and authentic Argentine beef cannot be avoided on the table.
7. gifts
Guests at an Argentinian home can send a bouquet of flowers or some candies to the hostess, or you can bring imported whiskey. When the host and guest meet, they shake hands with the man and kiss the woman lightly on the cheek to show kindness and courtesy. Don't give away personal items such as shirts and ties as gifts. Argentines like others to praise their children, the furnishings of the home and their meals. Avoid discussing controversial religious and political issues when chatting with Argentines. You can talk about sports, especially football, or about local parks. Women like to talk about fashion.
(Note that Argentinian dinners usually start from 9 to 10 p.m., and there is a cocktail party before the meal, starting from about 7 to 8 p.m. The best time for business activities is from May to November. It is best not to arrange them within two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter. January to March is the summer vacation period in Argentina.)