Argentina urged Mercosur to speed up regional trade and pursue global agreements during a meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, before the Mercosur Heads of State Summit.
Foreign Minister Diana Mondino emphasized Mercosur’s potential as a significant market and global platform.
In 1998, 25% of the bloc’s exports were intra-regional, but now only 12.5%. Mondino criticized Mercosur’s current state, calling for a “shock of adrenaline” to enhance its capabilities.
She noted that Mercosur has not secured access to major external markets and lacks trade agreements with dynamic economies.
Mondino reaffirmed Argentina’s commitment to Mercosur and its strategic importance for Argentina’s economic policies.
She highlighted Argentina’s goal to leverage Mercosur for internationalizing small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Common Market Group (GMC) concluded its 62nd Extraordinary Meeting, achieving notable progress on economic and commercial agendas.
Key advancements were made in regulatory issues, intellectual property, and sustainable development.
The GMC approved over 100 reports, five resolutions, and proposed three decisions for the Mercosur Council.
Key achievements included creating an Ad Hoc Group on Intellectual Property to harmonize policies on geographical indications, trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
The importance of the Mercosur Structural Convergence Fund II (FOCEM II) was reiterated, enhancing support for SMEs and border locality agreements.
Mondino proposed an institutional and financial update for Mercosur to ensure efficient resource use and avoid task duplication. She suggested a comprehensive administrative and financial reform starting in 2025.
Ministers discussed strategies to mitigate risks and adapt to new climatic realities, emphasizing economic resilience against climate change.
A Mercosur study showed how extreme climate conditions disrupt agriculture, livestock, and hydroelectric power, causing economic volatility.
Argentina Urges Faster Mercosur Trade and Global Deals
Mercosur and the Development Bank Fonplata signed agreements to strengthen regional development through technical and financial cooperation.
These agreements fund studies and local projects, boosting FOCEM’s impact on regional infrastructure development.
Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano stressed urgent external trade negotiations, citing the recent Singapore agreement and UAE talks.
He underscored the need for Mercosur to become a fundamental part of a broader Latin American integration process.
As the Mercosur Heads of State Summit approaches, Argentina, under Mondino’s leadership, continues to push for a more integrated and globally engaged Mercosur.
For the full picture, see our Mercosur EU Trade Deal: Complete Guide.