The Argentine economy has been steadily improving since it slid into recession in the late 1990s. The country has made good progress in restoring investor confidence and once again represents an attractive destination for foreign investors. Various legal measures have been enacted and institutions established in order to curb corruption. However, in contrast to her late husband and presidential predecessor, President Cristina Kirchner has not been very vocal concerning corruption, and anti-corruption policies have not been at the forefront of her administration's agenda.

Positive developments in relation to corruption and investment:

• It is widely agreed that Argentina has a well-developed legal and institutional framework for dealing with corruption.
• President Kirchner has initiated several measures to deal with allegations of politicisation and corruption within the judiciary, such as reforming the process of nominations of Supreme Court judges. Observers see this as a positive step towards increased transparency and neutrality within the judiciary.

Risks of corruption:

• Corruption and politicisation within the judiciary and public administration make regulating property acquisition and enforcing property rights difficult in Argentina.
• Companies intending to bid on procurement contracts in Argentina should be aware that tender procedures in the provinces have been identified as vulnerable to bribery and nepotism.
• Companies report that they experience corruption in tax collection, where they face frequent interaction with tax officials.
• Customs administration has been rife with corruption; while some observers suggest that this situation is changing, companies should note that others still consider the customs officials at border crossings to be coimeros, i.e. officials who receive bribes.