Río Gallegos launches BIEN Program to provide microcredits for local businesses

The Municipality of Río Gallegos has launched the BIEN Program (Investment Bank for Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses) to stimulate economic development through microcredits. The initiative, presented by Mayor Pablo Grasso, provides low-interest financing for local merchants and entrepreneurs via a Public Trust Fund managed in collaboration with the private sector.

Local leaders and representatives have expressed support for the program as a means to inject liquidity into a restrictive economy. Leandro Fadul, president of the Río Gallegos Chamber of Commerce, noted that the initiative could serve as a motor for the local market by addressing the decline in consumption and demand.

Karina Franciscovic, Dean of UNPA-UARG, highlighted the importance of circulating money within the local economy to reactivate consumption, noting that the current economic climate has forced students and faculty to seek secondary employment due to devalued wages. National Deputy Moira Lanesan also emphasized the program as a tool to support families and businesses facing rising costs and limited access to traditional credit.