The National Institute of Tourism Promotion (INPROTUR), an Argentine agency dependent on the Cabinet Chief's Office, has awarded a contract for USD 195,000 for the creation and management of social media profiles for 'Visit Argentina' in China. This decision has generated controversy and questions, especially due to the lack of clarity in the contract details and the real need for this investment.
In a meeting, trade and financial agreements with China were reaffirmed, including the renewal of the currency swap, while previously the negotiations with the Asian country were criticized. Despite past statements against doing business with communists, a million-dollar investment in Chinese social media has been authorized, raising questions about the transparency and consistency of decisions made by the Argentine government.
The contract, signed by the executive secretary of INPROTUR, Natalia Alejandra Recio, specifies a total amount of USD 195,000 divided into two concepts: USD 15,000 for opening social media accounts and USD 180,000 for one year of administration and content publication. The company Puken Media S.A. was the only one to submit a proposal, and its offer was accepted without objections.
It is noteworthy that this investment contrasts with budget cuts in sectors like education and health, and there has been uncertainty about whether Argentine tourism really depends on an active presence on Chinese social media. Experts in digital communication have expressed doubts about the high cost of this contract amid an economic crisis affecting various sectors in the country.
The contract stipulates that the awarded company must present monthly performance reports, but no specific metrics or penalties in case of failure to meet results are specified. This situation has prompted a reevaluation of the necessity and effectiveness of this investment, as well as questioning the consistency of the Argentine state’s procurement policies.
