The Argentine government is actively promoting a major railway system reform plan, which will fully privatize its national railway freight operations by divesting the state-owned Belgrano Freight and Logistics Company. This reform will divide the company's assets into three independent units for separate disposal: locomotives and vehicles will be sold directly through public auctions; The rail infrastructure and commercial properties will be granted to private operators through franchise rights, while the assets will still belong to the state; The railway workshop will also be rented out under a franchise model. According to the official schedule, the bidding is expected to start before the end of this year, and the franchise contracts for the two important routes of Saint Martin and Belgrano are scheduled to be awarded before March 2026.

This privatization process has attracted strong attention from the international market. According to Latin American news agency Infobae, Mexico's largest railway transportation company GMXT has held talks with Argentine officials and is preparing an investment proposal worth over $3 billion. GMXT transports over 100 million tons of goods in Mexico every year, and its professional strength is highly regarded. At the same time, international grain traders who have long relied on Argentina's railway network are also taking active actions. Companies such as Bongi, Louis Dreyfus Group, Cargill, ACA, and Aceitera General Deheza are jointly preparing to bid for the Belgrano franchise, aiming to ensure and improve the logistics performance and port connectivity of Argentina's agricultural exports.

The thriving mining sector in Argentina has also shown strong interest in this reform. With the expected significant increase in lithium, copper and other mineral production in the Wakamueta and Northwest Mining Corridor regions, mining companies are considering participating in concession bidding to ensure and expand railway services to these key areas. Belgrano President Alejandro Nunez encouraged mining companies to actively participate in industry conferences earlier this year, stating that their long-term freight commitments will play a crucial role in ensuring the feasibility of new franchises. Keywords: international news, international news and information

This privatization plan is seen as an important measure to improve the efficiency of Argentina's railway freight transportation and attract foreign investment. By introducing private capital and professional management, the government hopes to reduce logistics costs and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural and mineral products in the international market. As the year-end bidding process approaches, international capital competition in the Argentine railway sector will become increasingly fierce, and this reform will have a profound impact on Argentina's export-oriented economy.Editor/Cheng Liting