3rd Global lithium reserves | #1 South America wind potential
Argentina is a top-tier lithium growth market with major copper prospects and active policy incentives for large investments (USGS and market updates).
Why it matters for European investors: Strategic position in battery-material and electrification supply chains.
Argentina has substantial wind and solar resources and scaling renewable capacity (IRENA profile).
Why it matters for European investors: Improves long-term cost resilience for industrial and mining operations.
Climate-resilient transport and corridor investment remains critical for competitiveness (World Bank reports).
Why it matters for European investors: Infrastructure readiness is a key value-creation lever for international capital.
Argentina is a global agricultural powerhouse with strong export integration and processing depth (USDA/FAS).
Why it matters for European investors: Large-scale agri and logistics themes support portfolio diversification.
Argentina benefits from one of Switzerland's oldest LATAM BITs, complemented by the landmark EFTA-MERCOSUR FTA (2025) opening access to a 300-million-person market.
| Framework | Details | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) | Signed: April 12, 1991 In force since: November 6, 1992 Status: ✅ In force | Fair & equitable treatment · National treatment & MFN · Free transfer of payments · Expropriation protection (public interest, non-discriminatory, adequate compensation) · ISDS via ICSID or UNCITRAL · Applies to pre- and post-treaty investments |
| Free Trade Agreement (FTA) EFTA–MERCOSUR | Signed: September 16, 2025 (Rio de Janeiro) Status: ⏳ Pending ratification Swiss Parliament: Summer/Autumn 2026 | 96% of Swiss exports duty-free · CHF 155M+ annual savings · 300M-person market (USD 4.3T GDP) · Investment promotion chapter · National treatment for investors · Sustainable development chapter · IP protection (incl. Swiss GIs) |
| Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) | Signed: March 20, 2014 In force since: November 27, 2015 Status: ✅ In force | WHT limitations on dividends, interest & royalties · Exemption with progression method (Switzerland) · Credit method (Argentina) · Information exchange upon request · Subject to BEPS adaptation |
💡 Strategic Context: The EFTA-MERCOSUR FTA is the largest free trade agreement EFTA has ever concluded. Swiss Federal Council adopted the dispatch on February 25, 2026 — Federal Assembly discussion expected summer/autumn 2026.
Sources: SECO · SECO MERCOSUR · EFTA · Swiss Federal Tax Administration
