Bridging Argentina & Texas: A Delegate’s Perspective

Joshua Jones, Vice President – Oil, Gas & Energy Division at AFEX Fire Suppression Systems

Joshua Jones, Vice President of AFEX Fire Suppression Systems, participated as a delegate in the Argentina edition of Bridging Argentina & Texas. For his company, the mission represented an opportunity to respond to specific requests from Argentine partners and to explore a market that, until now, had remained distant. For Jones personally, it became one of the most valuable professional experiences of the year.

He explained that he initially joined the program with modest expectations: networking opportunities, a chance to have Spanish-speaking colleagues nearby to help with communication, and a good price point to justify the investment. However, what he experienced in Buenos Aires far exceeded those expectations. “What I received when I got there was totally way more impactful than what I originally thought it was going to be,” he shared.

What stood out most for him was the level of curation and organization by ATCC. He highlighted the communication before and during the mission, the detailed itineraries, and above all, the quality of the meetings arranged. The program not only gave participants access to senior government officials, regulators, and industry leaders, but also created the conditions for meaningful conversations. “You gave us access to people we’ve never had access to in the Argentine markets, and just being able to hear the perspective of the operators was incredibly valuable.”

Networking was another key element. Jones emphasized that the delegation included executives with decision-making power, responsible for budgets and performance. Being able to connect with peers at that level was, in his words, “very powerful.” Beyond potential business opportunities in Argentina, the mission also created ties among delegates themselves, opening doors in other markets.

Jones also underlined the importance of timing. After years of uncertainty in Argentina’s political and economic context, he perceived a renewed consensus about the strategic role of oil and gas. In this sense, he considered ATCC’s initiative crucial, as it brought together stakeholders from both countries to identify opportunities for collaboration at exactly the right moment.

The experience in Buenos Aires also allowed him to appreciate the cultural side of the country. Visiting the city, attending receptions, and sharing informal moments with colleagues and local partners enriched the mission and strengthened the foundations for long-term relationships. “I really enjoyed going there… the quality of the after events, the embassy reception, the Palacio Bosch—it was amazing. And the opportunity to meet people that I would have never met and spend time with them was so valuable.”

Looking back, Jones described the mission as the best investment he has made in a trade organization. He highlighted the return on investment not only in terms of business opportunities but also in the visibility, connections, and access provided.

Now, his focus is on the second phase of the mission in Midland, Texas. After the relationships initiated in Argentina, he plans to bring more members of his team to continue building momentum. His closing message for those considering joining is clear: the mission has already proven to deliver extraordinary value, and participating in the Texas edition is the next step to solidify partnerships and showcase capabilities.

Through testimonies like his, the impact of Bridging Argentina & Texas becomes evident: ATCC’s work in curating high-level access, facilitating trust, and connecting two key energy ecosystems is creating tangible opportunities for collaboration and growth.