In 1794, Manuel Belgrano, during his inaugural address to the Royal Consulate, highlighted a critical deficiency in agricultural and industrial knowledge among its members. He expressed concern that this lack of expertise posed a threat to the future prosperity of the Viceroyalty. Belgrano’s speech emphasized the necessity of practical education, specifically in trades and farming, to strengthen the colonial economy. He believed a skilled populace was essential for self-sufficiency and progress. The address underscored his early vision for a more developed and independent economic structure within the region. This focus on vocational training reveals Belgrano’s forward-thinking approach to colonial development and his awareness of the importance of a skilled workforce. His remarks remain relevant as a historical insight into early economic thought in the region.