Business mission to Argentina and Brazil

Confindustria e ICE Agency, in close coordination with the Italian Embassies in Buenos Aires and to Brasília, are organising a business mission to Argentina and Brazil from 7 to 11 September 2026.

The initiative represents an opportunity for Italian companies keen to strengthen their presence in South America at a time when the region is becoming increasingly open to economic and trade ties Mercosur. The entry into force provisional text of the EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement It opens up new prospects for the internationalisation of businesses, thanks to the gradual reduction in tariffs, greater openness in public procurement and new opportunities for integration into local supply chains.

According to available estimates, Italy’s as yet untapped export potential in Argentina and Brazil totals more than one billion euros, with long-term growth prospects estimated at a further 6 billion euros.

Sectors involved

The mission is aimed at businesses operating in the following sectors:

• Agri-food
• Pharmaceutical and medical
• Energy transition and sustainable infrastructure
• Industrial machinery and plant engineering for the energy and mining sectors
• Digital

The mission programme

The delegation will visit three cities over the course of five working days:

• Buenos Aires (7–8 September): meetings with buyers, importers, trade associations, regulatory bodies, financial institutions and local stakeholders.
• São Paulo (9–10 September): business meetings with commercial partners, distributors, specialist operators, funds and investors.
• Brasília (11 September): institutional meetings and dialogue with local authorities, which are particularly important for businesses interested in regulatory issues, authorisations and public procurement.

The provisional programme includes:

• B2B meetings with Argentine and Brazilian companies;
• sector-specific seminars focusing on market opportunities, investment plans and key government projects;
• networking opportunities with Italian companies already operating in the two countries;
• strategic, regulatory and institutional roundtable discussions for sectors characterised by high levels of technology and regulation.

The final agenda is currently being finalised with the support of the Italian embassies, of the ICE offices operating in the two countries, of the Italian Chambers of Commerce and the main local trade organisations, including Argentine Industrial Union, National Confederation of Industry and Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo.

How to take part

Participation in the mission is free of charge. Participating companies are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Interested companies must complete the application form available on the ICE Agency website by 15 June 2026.

Logistical information

Participants are advised to arrive in Buenos Aires by 6 September, when a preparatory briefing for the Italian delegation is scheduled to take place.

Domestic flights must be scheduled to take place once the activities planned in the respective cities have been completed:

• Buenos Aires – São Paulo: 8 September, no earlier than 5.00 pm;
• São Paulo – Brasília: 10 September, no earlier than 5.00 pm.

Agreements with hotels and discounted rates are also being finalised at selected establishments in the three destinations covered by the mission.

Documentation and updates

A dedicated microsite containing the materials from the webinar series “Mercosur Route: looking ahead to the September mission to Argentina and Brazil“, as well as organisational and logistical updates relating to the initiative.

Registration for the mission will close on 30 June 2026.