“SAGSE has always been a benchmark in the sector”

How do you see the situation of the sector in Argentina in particular and in the region in general?

Being that we are celebrating a new edition of SAGSE, and given the current situation of the country in particular, I will answer only about Argentina. As we all know, the foreign exchange market has been very "hectic", and maybe this is not over yet. However, I do not think the exchange rate is a big problem for international slot manufacturers, since they do not compete with local production. Yes I see it as a great obstacle for those who import products that are manufactured in Argentina (live game, electromechanical roulettes, etc.). But beyond the exchange rate contingency, demand is the demand in the sector, and as long as it does not recover the rooms will not make large investments, which causes a domino effect in the industry. 

Do you think there have been changes in recent years regarding foreign trade policies?

What policies? ... Hehehe ... In my forty years of profession I have seen countless isolated measures in what refers to Foreign Trade. But policies, none. Imports have been opened and closed. Export duties have been imposed and have been removed (and now, they are put again). There have been para-tariff measures, increases and decreases in duties, exchange rate changes, export refunds, interventions by organizations of all types and colors, and of course a discretionary management of the exchange rate. But never, there have NEVER been policies. Foreign Trade has always been taken as an adjustment variable. For example, one button is enough: now that the peso has been strongly devalued, a good part of the exchange rate improvement for the exporters is counteracted by applying rights again to all exports (rights that had been repealed approximately one year ago). Historically, foreign trade has been available to the executive branch to finance the infamous fiscal deficit. And this government, unfortunately, does not escape this rule.

If so, what has been benefited and what has been harmed?

All sectors are harmed when there are no policies that endure over time. Nobody knows how to do the accounts when you can not predict the value of the currency in the medium / long term (and in many moments, as in this, not in the short). A company that imports products, sells them in the domestic market (in pesos) and pays abroad after 90 days, has no idea which will end up being its cost. In the case of export, the same thing happens, but vice versa. Yes, of course someone can temporarily benefit from these situations, but that is more like winning the lottery than doing business.

With what expectations do you come to this new edition of SAGSE?

SAGSE has always been a benchmark in the sector, which is why expectations are always high. I have no doubt that the level of the fair, its exhibitors and visitors will maintain their high standard, and that business will be generated that will add value to the industry.

¿Cuáles son los objetivos para el show?

As always for 20 years, ASAP will be present at the fair with a support, giving support to its customers and other companies in the sector so they can develop their businesses with reliable information in hand.