Mercosur GMC meeting concluded with new initiatives to strengthen integration and regional trade

The Mercosur Common Market Group (GMC) concluded its 130th Ordinary Meeting on April 10 in Asunción under Paraguay’s pro tempore Presidency. Over two days, several significant topics were highlighted on the regional bloc’s agenda. Also, new initiatives were introduced to bolster integration and regional commerce.

A directive project was presented aiming to establish an Ad Hoc Committee on Intrazonal Restrictions Elimination. The objective is to identify levies, non-tariff restrictions, or equivalent measures that hinder access of goods and services to Member States’ markets.

A proposal was developed for the creation of a permanent instance within Mercosur to coordinate policies, programs, and actions related to women’s participation in trade.

Regarding the Structural Convergence Fund of Mercosur (FOCEM), there was an expressed need to progress in incorporating Decision CMC No. 22/15, and the strategic relevance of FOCEM as a tool to reduce asymmetries and strengthen the integration process was reiterated.

Furthermore, a resolution project was presented to create an Intellectual Property Working Subgroup under GMC, aiming to address relevant issues in the field as Mercosur, seeking consensus and uniformity in all matters related to this discipline.

Resolutions from the Institutional and Legal Affairs Group (GAIM), the Permanent Representatives Commission (CRPM), and Working Subgroups Nos. 8 «Agriculture» and Nos. 11 «Health» were approved.

The Paraguayan delegation was led by Vice Minister of Economy and Integration Patricia Frutos Ruíz. Delegations from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay were headed by Ambassadors Gabriel Arturo Martínez, Francisco Cannabrava, and Juan Alejandro Mernies Falcone, respectively.

Events to be held during Paraguay’s Presidency

Information was provided about upcoming events to be held during Paraguay’s Pro Tempore Presidency: the High-Level Seminar – Reflection on the Future of Mercosur; the 9th Meeting – Gender and Trade in Regional Blocks; the 2nd Mercosur Diplomatic Science Encounter, which will receive collaboration from the Organization of Ibero-American States; and an event on Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Logistics, aimed at promoting integration and competitiveness among Member States.

Officials from the Mercosur Secretariat supported the GMC in preparatory meetings and drafting minutes and normative project.

Soure: Agencia de Información Paraguaya

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