Milei pitches Argentina as regulation-free AI hub

Argentina's lower house passed Super RIGI 130-106 on 24 June, locking in a 15% corporate tax for AI and data-center projects of at least $1 billion, plus a 7% dividend tax falling to 3.5% after four years, a 10% employer contribution on new jobs, zero export duties from day one, and benefits guaranteed for 30 years. Javier Milei told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce last month the government will not regulate artificial intelligence. Green Capital has leased 130,000 hectares near Trelew for a $3 billion campus still without a customer; an AP calculation puts its projected peak draw at about 2.7 times Buenos Aires's 2025 electricity use. Pampa Energía plans gas-fired supply near Vaca Muerta. Marta Zlotkowska said Patagonia topped every category in Green Capital's global search. Rubén Etcheverry said being at the end of the world used to be a disadvantage; Francisco Sáenz said sheep farmers are hunting other income. Contested, attributed: Alan Rocha Varsanyi said the centers will not strengthen Argentine technological sovereignty and will export capacity wherever OpenAI or others need it. Nicolás Wolovick said that without rules Argentina will become a laboratory for tests barred in developed countries. Argentina's Economy Ministry told Perfil there is nothing to back the Stargate letter of intent; Emiliano Kargieman said in October it had not moved beyond that letter. Andrés Arbeletche cited the task of showing investors Argentina stays friendly across parties. A small Trelew group has rallied as Trelew Free of Data Centers. Super RIGI still needs the Senate; named projects lack customers or firm contracts.