Argentina launches new infrastructure plan

The Argentine government has launched a new national infrastructure plan, the Plan Estratégico Territorial (PET) 2008-2016 (Territorial Strategic Plan).

The plan, which was announced by President Cristina Fernández and the country's planning minister, Julio de Vido, includes 517 projects to be completed by 2016, when the country celebrates 200 years of independence, according to local media reports.

Local newspaper Clarín said the initiative is designed with the co-operation of all the provincial governments and would include energy, gas, road, railway, port, water and several border crossings. These include Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The PET also identifies specific provincial and metropolitan areas that could be developed. It is hoped that by developing these "hubs" the economies of each area would improve. The capital, Buenos Aires, has the largest number of projects, 36.

The report said no costs have yet been given to any of the projects that were announced.