Technical delegates from Mercosur and the European Union are holding a round of talks in Asunción to consider 'levels of ambition' for the coming exchange of tariff proposals with the purpose of reaching a much delayed free trade agreement, said Paraguayan Deputy Economic Relations minister, Rigoberto Gauto.
The two-day talks are scheduled to end on Friday and on the EU side are headed by Rupert Schlegelmilch, who is Director of Services and Investment, Intellectual Property and Public Procurement at the European Trade Department.
During the two days there will be an exchange of data from both blocks so that the different ministers and advisors can later assess is there is a sufficient level of ambition as to justify a formal exchange which would then take place in November.
If all works as planned we should be reaching a successful end to trade negotiations in the coming year added Gauto.
The talks are taking place in Asunción because during this half year Paraguay holds the chair of Mercosur.
Despite the willingness from both sides to reach an agreement, prospects are not that easy since on the Mercosur side, Argentina is reluctant to open its domestic market and imperil jobs, while on the EU side, several members are suspicious of an inflow of agriculture produce, when they are having trouble with their own farmers.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesThis is what they want:
Oct 02nd, 2015 - 10:13 am 0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFDcoX7s6rE
Surely Europe wants everything and do not want to give anything in return.
Oct 02nd, 2015 - 10:58 am 0This negotiation is a waste of time because France never cease to subsidize their farmers.
Our future lies in Asia.
@2. How? Do you have anything we might want? Let's take a look at what mercosur can offer. Argieland offers corruption, crime, mendacity. Bolivia offers poverty and drugs. Brazil offers corruption, crime, mendacity and murder. Paraguay offers spine removal. Uruguay offers two faces. Venezuela offers corruption, crime, mendacity, starvation and all at prices no-one can afford.
Oct 02nd, 2015 - 11:20 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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