G20 in Argentina: Nation hopes summit will boost domestic economy

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02:33

The world spotlight will be on Argentina this week as it hosts the G20 leaders' summit in Buenos Aires. Much of the focus will be on sideline meetings between heads of state, not least the expected meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Still, the hosts are hoping the main event can serve as a turning point, toward economic recovery. CGTN's Joel Richards reports.

Roger Rojas has been working for a food delivery app since arriving in Argentina from Venezuela earlier this year. He was able to start work immediately, but there is a downside to joining the so-called "gig economy".

ROGER ROJAS DELIVERY APP WORKER "Sometimes you can be waiting for four hours for one job which pays less than two dollars. You have to be available all day and out on the street."

Workers in this growing, temporary work industry in Argentina have now put their collective foot down. They formed a new trade union to argue for better conditions.

This is just one group of workers who've protested labor conditions, and the economic situation, in Argentina.

JOEL RICHARDS BUENOS AIRES "Unemployment is up, economic activity is down, and inflation is hovering at around 45%. We are nearing the end of a difficult year for Argentina's economy, the country had to seek a 56 billion dollar bailout from the International Monetary Fund, but now the government sees the G20 as an opportunity."

Argentina had hoped to show a very different image to the world as it hosts the first G20 summit to be held in South America.

ALEJANDO CATTERBERG POLIARQUIA CONSULTANCY "It is very important and also an opportunity for the government in a moment which the economic conditions in Argentina are quite severe."

Many analysts see this G20 as a chance for Argentina to change the narrative.

ALEJANDO CATTERBERG POLIARQUIA CONSULTANCY "Macri's popularity has been damaged during this year and G20 is an opportunity for the government and the president to shift the agenda, to start talking about other priorities of his policies, not only the economy, and start showing that Argentina re-engagement with the world can pay off and bring opportunities for Argentine society."

The formal agenda for the G20 summit is expected to focus on issues from development and food security, to the future of work. But as host, Argentina offers a clear snapshot of the complex problems facing many economies around the world. Joel Richards, CGTN, Buenos Aires.