As Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deepen their economic ties, new trade opportunities, strategic partnerships, and cultural exchanges continue to emerge. Playing a key role in this dynamic relationship is the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services for the UAE (CARAE), one of several organizations dedicated to fostering bilateral cooperation and facilitating business expansion between the two regions.
In this exclusive feature for Latin&Gulf Magazine, we explore CARAE’s role in shaping Argentina’s presence in the Gulf, its efforts to promote investment, and the key industries driving this collaboration. Through an insightful interview with Juan Castillo, Executive Director of CARAE, we uncover the Chamber’s mission, recent initiatives, and the growing opportunities available for Argentine businesses looking to expand into the UAE’s thriving market.
Additionally, we cover the historic “Argentina’s Day” mission in Ras Al Khaimah, a milestone event that expanded business ties beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Organized in collaboration with local stakeholders, this initiative opened new avenues for trade and investment, particularly in the food, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.
Juan Castillo, Director of the Argentine-Emirati Chamber of Commerce.
In recent years, economic ties between Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have grown stronger, paving the way for new trade opportunities, cultural exchange, and strategic partnerships.
Established with the goal of fostering stronger economic connections, CARAE serves as a platform for businesses from both countries to collaborate, explore new markets, and promote the best of Argentine exports in the Gulf region. The chamber supports industries ranging from agriculture and technology to renewable energy and food services, helping Argentinian businesses navigate the UAE’s dynamic market while encouraging Emirati investments in Argentina’s growing sectors.
The chamber’s strategic vision and growing influence are driven by a dynamic leadership team dedicated to deepening trade ties between Argentina and the UAE:
Omar Haffar – President – Leading CARAE’s mission to foster strong economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. – Juan Castillo – Executive Director – Overseeing operations, partnerships, and trade initiatives that promote bilateral cooperation- Mohamed El Naggar – Director of Investments – Facilitating investment opportunities and promoting financial collaboration between Argentina and the UAE. – Gabriel Osatinsky – Secretary General – Coordinating administrative efforts and ensuring strategic alignment across CARAE’s activities. – Florencia Ferreyra – Director of International Relations – Strengthening global outreach and facilitating international partnerships. – Diego Gómez – Director of Institutional Relations – Managing relationships with government institutions and industry organizations to promote collaboration
To learn more about the chamber’s role, recent developments, and future ambitions, LatinGulf.ae sat down for an exclusive interview with Juan Castillo, Director of the Argentine-Emirati Chamber of Commerce.
What is the main objective of the Chamber’s participation in this event, and what opportunities does it represent for Argentine companies?
The Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services for the United Arab Emirates (CARAE) aims to strengthen commercial, institutional, and investment ties between Argentina and the UAE. Our participation in Gulfood 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary, aligns with these strategic objectives.
This event serves as a crucial platform for Argentine companies to access the dynamic and expanding Emirati market. The Chamber facilitates business matchmaking, organizes strategic meetings with potential buyers, and connects Argentine firms with investors. Our goal is to create a commercial bridge that not only increases Argentine exports but also attracts investments from the UAE into key sectors in Argentina.
In this context, we organized the Argentina Day in Ras Al Khaimah, a historic milestone as it marked the first official Argentine event in this emirate, expanding business links beyond the well-established hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Which Argentine industries or sectors have the greatest potential to strengthen
commercial ties with the UAE through this event?
Argentina holds vast potential to expand its presence in the Emirati market, particularly in the
following sectors:
● Agri-food and beverages: The UAE is a net importer of food, and Argentina can consolidate its position as a key supplier of beef, legumes, dried fruits, oils, and wines.
● Energy and mining: There are opportunities in lithium, copper, and renewable energy, sectors in which the UAE is actively investing worldwide.
● Biotechnology and applied technology: Innovations in agriculture, genetics, and healthcare can find a receptive market.
● Infrastructure and construction: Argentina’s expertise in these sectors, combined with the UAE’s infrastructure investment needs, creates opportunities for strategic partnerships.As part of Gulfood 2025, we have arranged business visits to key locations, such as the Dubai Investment Park, an industrial and logistics hub ideal for Argentine business expansion. We are also organizing meetings in the Ras area, where major importers of
legumes and dried fruits operate.
How do you evaluate the growth of trade relations between Argentina and the UAE
in recent years, and what role does the Chamber play in this process?
Trade relations between Argentina and the UAE have been steadily growing in recent years.The economic complementarity and stability of the Emirati market have driven increased bilateral trade and mutual investment interest.
In this process, CARAE plays a crucial role by acting as a bridge between businesses, governments, and trade organizations in both countries. We facilitate access to the Emirati market for Argentine companies through trade missions, networking events, and training sessions. Additionally, we strengthen institutional ties with Emirati chambers of commerce and investment bodies, fostering trust and mutual cooperation.
The participation of the governors of Santiago del Estero and Catamarca in Argentina Day in Ras Al Khaimah highlights the importance of this relationship.
What are the Chamber’s main expectations and goals for this event in terms of agreements, investments, or strategic connections?
At Gulfood 2025, our main objectives are to:
● Secure trade agreements for the export of Argentine products with Emirati importers and distributors.
● Promote Emirati investments in strategic Argentine sectors by facilitating connections with sovereign wealth funds and investor groups.
● Expand the presence of Argentine companies in the Emirati market by identifying business opportunities and providing support throughout the negotiation process.
● Strengthen institutional ties with UAE chambers of commerce, fostering joint initiatives that benefit both countries.
What challenges do Argentine companies face when entering the Emirati market,
and how does the Chamber help them overcome these obstacles?
The Emirati market offers great opportunities but also presents challenges for Argentine businesses. The Chamber helps overcome these through:
● Pre-mission training: We provide specialized training on market regulations, cultural differences, and negotiation strategies.
● Personalized support: During trade missions, we offer continuous assistance to optimize business meetings and maximize participation in key events.
● Post-mission follow-up: We evaluate the results of each company’s participation and work to finalize agreements, ensuring long-term success and preventing frustrations.
What sets the Chamber apart in this process?
At CARAE, we have a multidisciplinary team of professionals with over 25 years of experience in the UAE. Our presence in Dubai and Argentina (Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires) allows us to operate seamlessly in both countries, maintaining strong connections with businesses, governments, and trade organizations.
This structure gives us a unique advantage in assisting Argentine companies and governments in their internationalization process, providing training, strategic contacts, and hands-on support throughout their commercial and institutional development. Our mission is to continue strengthening the ties between Argentina and the UAE, facilitating trade, investment, and long-term cooperation between both nations.
🇦🇪🇦🇷 “Argentina’s Day” in Ras Al Khaimah: A New Era of Economic Cooperation, Supported by CARAE
A defining moment in Argentina-UAE economic relations took place on 18th February 2025 with the “Argentina’s Day” event, organized by the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This high-level business meeting welcomed a distinguished delegation from Argentina to explore new avenues for trade and investment cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and Argentina, with a strong focus on the foodstuffs sector—a key area of mutual interest.
The event, held at the Chamber’s headquarters, was supported by the Argentine-Emirati Chamber of Commerce (CARAE), which played a vital role in facilitating connections between business leaders, government officials, and trade representatives from both nations.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Youssef Ismail, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Saud bin Saqr Foundation for the Development of Youth Enterprises; Dr. Ahmed Al Shemeili, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber;Gobernors of Argentina: Santiago del Estero: Gerardo Zamora and Catamarca: Raúl Jalil. Argentina’s delegation also included Ministers of Trade and Production, heads of Chambers of Commerce, government officials, and entrepreneurs from various sectors—especially those connected to the food industry.
In his opening remarks, Youssef Ismail emphasized the strong, long-standing economic ties between the UAE and Argentina, highlighting Argentina’s role as a key trade and investment partner in Latin America. He praised the UAE’s business-friendly environment and reaffirmed Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to attracting foreign investments through supportive legal frameworks and strategic business initiatives.
The success of “Argentina’s Day” not only strengthened Argentina’s presence in the UAE’s thriving food industry but also laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation across sectors such as logistics, technology, and renewable energy. Moving forward, the partnerships formed during this event—facilitated by the support of CARAE—are expected to drive long-term economic growth and reinforce Argentina’s role as a key partner for the UAE in the global market.
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