国际英语新闻:Argentina inaugurates new energy, production ministers

BUENOS AIRES, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Argentinian President Mauricio Macri oversaw the inaugurations of Energy Minister Javier Iguacel and Production Minister Dante Sica on Thursday during a ceremony at the government's headquarters.

Macri expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Energy Minister, Juan Aranguren and outgoing Production Minister, Francisco Cabrera, for the "important contributions" they made throughout their terms in office.

New Energy Minister, Javier Iguacel, is a former petroleum engineer and until last week was in charge of Argentina's National Road Network (DNV).

In a press statement released shortly after his inauguration, Igaucel said that the objective of his role would be to "reduce energy costs for Argentinians and allow small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to grow."

New Production Minister Dante Sica is an economist and accountant with expertise in development, industrial politics and international negotiations.

After his swearing in, Sica told press that his greatest challenge would be to improve competitiveness and create a fully integrated economy.

He added that "special attention and focus will be given to SMEs, which are great generators of employment."

Sica previously worked as a secretary overseeing industry, commerce and mining during the administration of former President Eduardo Duhalde.

Also present at the ceremony was the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers, Marcos Pena, and state ministers and secretaries from both chambers of Argentina's National Congress.