MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mercosur-Canada trade round

Mercosur and Canadian delegates began Tuesday in Asuncion, Paraguay a second round of negotiations with the purpose of reaching an understanding in goods, services and investments.

The first round in Ottawa last February officially opened the negotiations and helped to establish the framework for future discussions.

Paraguay's Integration and Trade Deputy Secretary Ruben Martinez who currently heads the Mercosur delegation said he expected talks to advance "substantially" since the functioning of the South American customs union and the viability of increasing trade with Canada has been "satisfactorily addressed".

"Mercosur is most willing to advance the dialogue and define those elements which will effectively help us in the three fields of goods, services and investments", added Mr. Martinez.

Elaine Feldman, Canadian Deputy Trade Secretary who travelled with a group of trade experts said she was confident discussions would progress "since we have identified specific areas for increasing trade".

"This is a great opportunity for us and that is why we have with us experts in all the fields we are interested in advancing".