Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza is working to improve its business climate to attract investment and enhance its competitiveness. The city is developing a 'Business Climate Improvement Manual' with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) and the Cippec think tank. The main goal is to make Mendoza more attractive to investors compared to other cities. Mayor Ulpiano Suarez emphasizes that his priority is city management, and he prefers to walk the streets to better understand residents' issues. He notes that official data on poverty reduction does not always align with what people see on the streets, and the main challenge now is to respond to the public's support and trust. Suarez also stresses the importance of simplifying procedures for investors and reducing tax burdens. He mentions the potential of areas like the Aeropark and Mendoza Central Station for redevelopment. The mayor plans to completely renovate the sidewalks on the west side of the city and complete work on the Sarmiento section before Christmas. He also touches on the topic of shared governance, stating it is inefficient, and expresses a desire for the municipality to manage General San MartÃn Park instead of the province. Despite political debates and upcoming elections, Suarez is focused on current tasks: combating homelessness, improving public transportation, and addressing issues related to rental non-payment. He underscores the need for an effective state that can control the economy and care for the most vulnerable populations. The mayor also mentions the need to develop 'triple-impact' mining that will benefit the economy, create jobs, and not harm the environment. He notes that Mendoza lacks its own mineral deposits but can become a hub for attracting investment in this sector. In conclusion, Suarez speaks of his responsibility to the citizens and states that his performance will be judged by tangible improvements in the city, not by rankings.
