Interview with Mr. H. E. Fernando Ras Consul General of Argentina in Mumbai

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Interview with Mr. H. E. Fernando Ras Consul General of Argentina in Mumbai

How long has the Consulate General and Promotion Centre of Argentina been in Mumbai and what are the roles and responsibilities of the Consulate's office?
The Consulate General of Argentina has been operational in Mumbai since 01 April 2009. I have been in Mumbai for 18 months now and as Argentina did not have a Consulate here, the first stage of my professional activity here was dedicated to the logistics of setting up the Consulate. We moved into our current office at Colaba on 01 May 2009. Argentina and India share a long and fruitful history of co-operation and mutual understanding based in the fact that both countries endorse Democracy as a system of governance for complete assurance of human rights and fundamental liberties of an individual.

In the international fora, the pursuit of these principles turns into a concrete and common backing extended by both the countries to multilateralism and to the principles established in the United Nations Charter, in the emphasis that fully puts International Rights as a medium to assure peace and international security, and also with regards to international economy in the promotion of the creating new consensus intended to reinforce the multilateralism on the base of commitment of each and every nation to respect the common norms. This understanding and goodwill, however, has been only partially reflected in the economic and commercial links that unite both countries. In spite of the rapid growth in bilateral trade seen in the last few years, trade between the two countries continues to be concentrated in a few products, and the awareness that economic agents of one country have regarding the other is more stereotypical than representative of reality. In this context, the Argentine government's decision to open a Consulate General and Promotion Centre in Mumbai is part of a broader policy geared towards enhancing closer ties through trade, culture and tourism, seeking to facilitate a better understanding and knowledge of the opportunities offered by both countries for trade, investment and professional training.

What is the awareness of India amongst the people of Argentina in terms of opportunities in trade and tourism?
I think the perception regarding each other's countries is approximately the same. India considers Argentina to be an exotic destination and Argentina considers India to be an exotic destination. This has to do with the fact that we have very little practical knowledge of each other. Argentines think that India is the land of elephants and maharajas. I am sure that Indians think of Argentina as the land of tango and football. But there is a lot more to both countries. And that is the type of information which is lacking. We must bring our fantastic notions of what the other country is to ground level and get to know each other on real terms. Both governments realize the importance of this pursuit. The Indian government has upgraded its Embassy in Buenos Aires and an Honorary Consulate has been opened in the city of Cordoba. And of course, the Argentine government has decided to open this Consulate General in Mumbai.

In which areas can India and Argentina exchange ideas and expertise and how does your office play a role in forging these alliances?
There are a wide variety of products in which Argentina has a well-established international reputation. This is true also of India. Argentina is a leading exporter of and global leader in agricultural commodities, processed foods and the production of capital goods for processed foods. Argentina ranks among the top five food producers in the world and Argentina also has immense biofuel production capacity, just to mention some obvious areas of prospective co-operation. This enables an optimistic outlook. Similar to India, the IT industry has rapidly consolidated in Argentina as a sector that can strongly contribute to the development of the country offering interesting opportunities for Indian companies as the presence of Indian investors in the sector attests. There are also sectors in which India and Argentina are naturally complementary, such as synthetic fibres and pharmaceutical products. There is a wide variety of possibilities for closer cooperation. In this regard, from 13 October to 16 October 2009, a commercial delegation of over 150 members will accompany Argentine President Ms. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner as part of her state visit to India. The delegation will include a wide variety of sectors and we expect that this will operate as an exploratory mission wherein we will be able to develop new areas of cooperation and trade between the two countries.

How different is Argentina compared to other South American destinations in terms of value?
Rather than referring to the South American continent, I prefer to consider the position of Argentina in Latin America - from the Rio Grande and Mexico to the tip of South America - because that is generally what is understood as being of Iberian heritage. Latin America is a massive area in which its diversity extends to climate, geography and cultural heritage. Before the arrival of the Spanish and European culture, there were areas heavily influenced by important indigenous civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico and the Incas in Peru and Bolivia. These civilizations culturally branded their territories very heavily. In the case of Argentina and the surrounding 'southern cone' countries which include Chile, Uruguay and southern areas of Brazil, the native population was very scarce and primitive, unlike the highly developed civilizations of Mexico and Peru. Consequently, the colonization of the area had greater impact and defined the national character more heavily. Generally, the further south you go along the South American continent, the greater the similarities you find with the population's European heritage and if you visit Argentina, particularly its urban centres such as Buenos Aires, Rosario, Cordoba and Mendoza, you will immediately realize the European influence on its people, architecture and heritage also.

What does Argentina have to offer to the discerning traveller and what is the length of stay you would recommend to suitably experience Argentina?
Argentina offers tremendous opportunities to the discerning traveller. This would depend however, on the time a traveller decides to spend in Argentina and what their interests are. Ideally, travellers should concentrate on those areas which are of specific interest to them to truly experience the vast extent of what Argentina has to offer. I would certainly recommend a few nights in Buenos Aires as it is the gateway into Argentina and a vibrant cultural metropolis. As you go north, there are the fantastic and world-renowned Iguazu Falls. The northwest of the country is a very distinct and arid area with absolutely fabulous landscapes including salt flats, beautiful mountains and even one of the world's highest trains – Tren de Las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). As you go further south along the Andes, you experience the magnificent vineyards of Mendoza and its surrounding area. Argentina is the world's fifth largest wine producer and this region is the major concentration of wine production in the country. Further south along the Andes, you have San Carlos de Bariloche and the Lake District. This region is characterized by fantastic scenery and the well-known Perito Moreno glacier in the Calafate region. Towards the southern tip of the continent, you have Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego which is the world's southernmost urban concentration. From here, there are cruises to Antarctica during the summer months.

As you continue north along the Atlantic coast, there is the important natural reserve of Peninsula Valdes where whale watching is a prime activity, especially during the mating season. The local community actively participates in preserving and protecting the ecology of the area. Further north along the coast, there is the city of Mar del Plata, which is Argentina's most popular beach resort. It is a beautiful, impeccably well-kept town. As you head towards Buenos Aires, you can experience the many attractions surrounding the city. North of Buenos Aires, you have the town of Tigre which is an important tourist and weekend attraction, easily reached by bus and train services including the scenic Tren de la Costa. Northwest of the city, you have the many polo fields and country clubs. You also have many farms which are open to the public. The attractions surrounding Buenos Aires are just as plentiful as those within it.

Which according to you are the famous icons of Argentina?
I think icons should be conceptualized in specific areas. One of Argentina's distinctive features is its diversity and this applies not only to its climate, landscape and culture but also to its global perception and iconic status. Argentines are a sports-oriented people and obviously with regards to sports, Diego Maradona and football are major icons. More recently, Juan Martín del Potro has suddenly become a major figure in international tennis by upsetting a player of extraordinary caliber as Roger Federer and winning the US Open. Argentines are also very good at rugby (Los Pumas), basketball and women's hockey (Las Leonas). Many consider Juan Manuel Fangio to be the greatest racing car driver of all time who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing during the 1950's.

Although the sports mentioned above are internationally popular and thus are able to produce international personalities, there is one sport in which Argentina holds absolute dominance internationally: polo. Of the ten greatest polo players in the world, nine are from Argentina. Very few people are aware of this. Most share a misconception about polo being an upper-class sport available only for the wealthy. In the case of Argentina however, it is absolutely a middle-class activity where hard-working people get up early in the morning to train their horses, complete their daily responsibilities and then come back in the afternoon to ride their horses. In Argentina, polo definitely breaks the international mould. In politics, Eva Peron is a very significant icon. She marked an era of change in Argentina and as such, she has held sway in the hearts of many Argentines. More recently, she has been given a second lease on life due to Andrew Lloyd Webber's opera Evita, which I understand has been the longest running musical in Mumbai. Obviously her story touched the Indian public in a very special way.

In the area of literature, Jorge Luis Borges is a major Argentine icon and is considered to be one of Latin America's finest literary figures, best known for his essays and collections of short stories such as Historia universal de la infamia (A Universal History of Infamy). Of the Latin American countries, Argentina has received the most Nobel Prizes with five such awards including Bernardo Alberto Houssay who received the 1947 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on diabetes and Adolfo Perez Esquivel who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1980 for his work in the Argentine human-rights movement. In their respective fields, these notable personalities are truly global icons. In terms of tourism, one of the country's chief icons, which we share with Brazil and Paraguay, are the legendary and magnificent Iguazu Falls. Towards the southern tip of the country, there are the glaciers. The most famous glacier is the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile and is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water. Interestingly, the Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. As the glacier advances, the geological dynamics causes massive chunks of ice to rupture and fall in a stunning visual display.

Aside from natural icons, a structure which would represent Argentina - as the Taj Mahal represents India and the Eiffel Tower represents France - would have to be the 67 metre high Obelisk in Buenos Aires (El Obelisco). The Obelisk was inaugurated in May 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first founding of the city. It is located in the center of the Plaza de la Republica, where the Argentine flag was flown for the first time in Buenos Aires, The Obelisk is the focal point and venue for various cultural activities and events. It is also the traditional gathering spot for sports fans to celebrate when their favourite team wins, especially victories by the national football team, often resulting in colourful events and extensive media coverage.

Are there any typical Argentine events or festivals?
Rather than the traditional festivals in the Indian sense, we have many major events and activities. For example, longstanding rivalries between football clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate become festivals in themselves. The date varies from year to year, but the resulting anticipation and enjoyment is like any major festival. There are also organized festivals such as the annual 15-day long World Tango Festival in Buenos Aires which is attended by people from all over the world. The annual Mar del Plata Film Festival is a major event taking place every November. The month of November is also the season for major polo tournaments. These are fabulous feasts for the senses with regal horses, passionate players and vibrant colours. It is a beautiful game.

Such activities are plentiful in Argentina. In fact, the summer months in Mar del Plata are essentially a two month long festival. Activities and entertainment continue throughout the days and nights. I do not think it would be considered a traditional festival such as Diwali, but it is no less festive. There are also more specific events which are generally not open to the public. For example, later this year, there will be a major international film event in Buenos Aires where about 200 film distributors from Europe and 200 film distributors from Latin America will meet to discuss distributing and organizing film events in both geographical areas.

What aspect of your role as a Consul General do you find most interesting and most challenging?
I have always had an interest in trade promotion and accordingly, most of my professional life's work has been related to trade promotion. It is this area which I find most interesting and most challenging in India. I think there is a lot to be done between the two countries. I think both countries could benefit greatly from closer ties. It is just a question of putting it together. On your personal side, you pursue photography. How and when do you pursue your creative interest? Tell us of your experiences of capturing images and also participating in solo and group exhibits. Photography is a hobby that takes up much of my free time. For many years I have concentrated on Architectural Photography, occasionally venturing into Portraiture. India, in this regard, offers endless opportunities and I am taking advantage of them by travelling to destinations where I can shoot traditional Indian architecture.

Additionally, India has opened up new perspectives in my photography. Since my arrival here I am experimenting with street photography and have taken an interest in colour photography. An old proverb says that “A picture says more than a thousand words”, so I hope that on returning home and exhibiting these photographs, they will contribute to a better understanding and knowledge of India by the Argentine public.

According to you are there ample photographic opportunities in Argentina?
Argentina offers a vast array of photographic opportunities. Nature and landscapes are enormously varied from north to south and from east to west. Architecture presents many different styles reflecting the widespread demographic origins of Argentina's population. And perhaps, it is precisely in this enormous variety of people, that photographers can best test their skills.

Which are your favourite holiday destinations in Argentina?
Without a doubt, it would have to be Bariloche in the Province of Rio Negro. In the summer, it is a gorgeous destination for walking, trekking and fishing. And in the winter, it is perfect for skiing and other snow activities. It is truly a year-round destination.

Which is your preferred holiday destination in India and what has been your overall experience during this tenure?
It is very difficult to choose one place because although I have travelled throughout India, there are still many places I wish to see. If I were to choose one place, it would be Jaisalmer. That is one place I found extraordinarily breathtaking and absolutely perfect. This most probably stems from my own personal experiences and interest in photography.

Lastly, what is your message to readers and how can they benefit by partnering with counterparts in Argentina in various fields?
My message would be to be open-minded about Argentina. There are many personal and individual features that are common to India and Argentina. We are both nations of friendly people. We are both diverse societies, open-minded towards different cultures. There are many qualities that bring us together. What keeps us apart is our lack of knowledge of each other. I would say be patient, take time to learn about the other country and be open-minded about the vast scope of possibilities. In opening its doors, the Consulate General and Promotion Centre of the Argentine Republic in Mumbai makes itself available to companies and private citizens of the state of Maharashtra and invites them to take part in the process of bringing the two countries closer together.

To arrange an appointment with the Consulate General and Promotion Centre of the Argentine Republic in Mumbai:

Address:
5th Floor, Corinthian Building, Near Fariyas Hotel,
17 Justice D Vyas Road, Colaba Mumbai-400005. Maharashtra, India.
Tel: +91 22 2871381/82/83 Fax: +91 22 22024746

Email:
For visa queries: visa@cgmum.co.in
For other consular queries: consular@cgmum.co.in
For trade, cultural and promotional queries: promotion@cgmum.co.in

Please note that no documents are accepted without a prior appointment. Contact the consular staff at the above mentioned e-mail addresses or phone numbers to place one.

Even Bollywood Loves Argentina
The latest Bollywood youth icon, Ranbir Kapoor, too seems to have a fascination with Argentina as he is headed there for a backpacking trip along with Ayan Mukerji, Director of the latest blockbuster Wake Up Sid, who adds that Argentina gives off a certain kind of energy which we wish to explore unlike most usual destinations.

Argentina: An Indian Student's Perspective
I have been living as an exchange student in Buenos Aires for about two months now. I realized on my first day that I had made a great decision. The first conversation I had with my host mother set the tone for my visit: it was spent discussing Indian politics as she wanted to talk to me about Indira Gandhi and draw comparisons between her and other women leaders, such as Eva Perón. I was impressed, to say the least.

People here are fascinated to meet an Indian, and more often than not, I will be the first Indian they have ever met. I have received nothing but positive reactions from every Argentine I have met here. They all want to talk about the Indian economy, Indian films, Indian food, Indian politics, and of course, issues like poverty and education. I had studied Spanish for four years before coming here, but never had the opportunity to speak it in a native environment, so at first it was hard trying to answer a barrage of questions about India in Spanish. However, I have now realized that people initially ask me the same kinds of questions, and my answers are so rehearsed that they think my Spanish is better than it really is!

I haven't had the chance to travel around Argentina yet, but I did visit the Iguazú Falls (where I saw some other Indian tourists!). As for Buenos Aires, I am completely in love with the city. Being from Mumbai, I feel very much at home and comfortable in another big city. The arts are especially valued here, and there is no dearth of theatres, ballets, operas, music concerts or art shows to visit, and most are affordable to an average student. Museums, tango lessons, wonderful restaurants, street fairs, libraries and bookstores - the city is exploding with things to do and see. For a tourist, and as a newly arrived student, it is an exhilarating experience.

Living with a family here also made me realize how similarly Indians and Argentines value family and friends, and how warmly I have been received by my host mother's relatives and friends just by association with her. Socially, I do find that Argentines are more outgoing than Indians, although both cultures are known for their warmth and friendliness. It is easy to meet people and make friends, even of different age groups, as the social norms here are very different and, in my opinion, more relaxed.

The visa process in order to get to Argentina was somewhat exasperating. I can only hope that with more awareness of Argentina, increased study of Spanish, and steadily improving relations between the two countries, more students will be encouraged to discover this wonderful country, resulting in a much easier visa process! However, despite being newly opened, the Argentine Consulate in Mumbai was amazing - they made a complicated situation much easier by helping me with my paperwork, sharing advice about Argentina and just calming me down when I got too upset.

For an Indian, Argentina is incredibly welcoming. I felt right at home not only because I was in a big city again, but also because people are genuinely excited to meet me and talk with me about India and ask me questions about my family and friends at home. I can only hope that increasing numbers of Indians decide to make the trip here - despite the incredible length and expense of the journey, it is truly worth every second!

Event & Festival Checklist

CARNAVAL, Gualeguaychú
The week before the start of Lent, Carnaval is celebrated in many towns across Argentina. The main area for this is in Gualeguaychú, about 3 hours north of Buenos Aires in Entre Ríos Province. Various neighbourhoods have costumed street band competitions full of loud music, drums and dancing.

NATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL, Cosquín
This festival is one of the longest running festivals and has been taking place on an annual basis since 1961. The festival is witness to some of the most popular musicians and dancers within Argentina.

ENCUENTRO Y FIESTA NACIONAL DE COLECTIVIDADES, Rosario
The Encuentro y Fiesta Nacional de Colectividades (Communities Meeting and National Celebration) provides immigrant communities and festival attendees the opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures represented within Argentina. You will find stalls, kiosks, tents and performances all dedicated to this objective.

GAUCHO PARADE, Salta
The Gaucho Parade takes place in Salta on 16 June. Loosely equated to the North American “cowboy”, a gaucho is a term commonly used to describe residents of the South American grasslands who practiced herding cattle and hunting as their main economic activities. The event is highlighted with live folk music and gauchos dressed in traditional costumes.

WORLD TANGO FESTIVAL, Buenos Aires
The World Tango Festival is celebrated primarily in the neighbourhood of Buenos Aires' San Telmo. The festival is not only limited to tango performances of celebrated dancers within Argentina, but also dancers from across the globe. Festival attendees are given the opportunity to take part in classes – with master classes which cater for more advanced dancers.

Argentine-Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Argentine-Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAI) provides details of services, initiatives and events, as well as practical information on India, the Indian economy and existing investment legislations. In addition, it provides information on Argentina and its economy.

The goal of CCIAI is to present its members with high-quality services to help them deal with an ever-evolving business environment. Meeting those challenges head on, CCIAI has expanded the scope of its services to both members and the international clientele interested in what the CCIAI has to offer. Promotional activities are boosted by increasing reciprocal international trade visits which provide a platform for business-to-business meetings, and information services on local and foreign business opportunities. CCIAI is proud to represent India in a country with a long and important history of partnership and trade with Asia. Economic relations between Argentina and India have developed very well over the past years in spite of the long distance that separates the countries. In recent years, trade and economic ties between India and Argentina have been diversifying and strengthening. This structure of complementary bilateral trade certainly provides an immense scope for further expansion in both directions.

CCIAI plays a pivotal role as a catalyst to further enhance the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Those who wish to seek out such opportunities are encouraged to visit the CCIAI website (http://www.cciai.com.ar) and become a member of this fast growing community.