When speaking at the event via videoconference, the president highlighted the importance of that work and expressed his desire to see its first part completed next June.

Argentina is changing its productive matrix. More than four decades ago we had promoted a work of this magnitude and we were able to materialize it in this government. We are taking a transcendental step, he asserted.

For his part, Economy Minister Sergio Massa said the gas pipeline will save more than two billion dollars in gas imports, which will help reduce pressure on reserves.

According to official data, the work has a total extension of 573 kilometers and will make it possible to increase the availability of this hydrocarbon at competitive prices.

In addition, it generated 10,000 direct jobs and another 40,000 indirect jobs in the construction and planned production at the Vaca Muerta deposit.

The commissioning of the gas pipeline is scheduled for June 20, after carrying out the hydraulic tests and the surface installations with their valves.

ef/jha/gas