MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina (and Brazil) optimistic about a Mercosur/EU trade accord by the end of 2017

“It's an opportunity for Mercosur since none of the founding members is going to allow political problems to interfere with trade policy” said minister Braun

The current critical situation of Mercosur is an opportunity to strengthen and advance trade negotiations, which could include the long delayed accord with the European Union by the end of 2017, according to Argentina's Secretary of Commerce, Miguel Braun.

 “It's an opportunity for Mercosur since none of the founding members is going to allow political problems to interfere with trade policy and the priority of economic accords, which at the end of the day represent investment and jobs for our countries”, indicated the member of president Mauricio Macri administration.

Although Braun admitted that the current situation created by the confrontation between Brazil and Venezuela, will demand more time to agree on positions, “they are not a problem, it's only more time”.

He added that Argentina is working closely with Brazil, “we've had several very positive meetings with our peers from the Development ministry. Brazil is a strong ally and we are working on a common platform to go out into the world”.

Braun also revealed that negotiations between Mercosur and the European Union are “fluid” and pointed out the EU also needs the agreement because the Transatlantic Accord with the United States has fallen through, and “Mercosur is a dynamic project”.

The Argentine minister said that Mercosur national coordinators have been holding meetings with EU technical representatives, ahead of another round of talks next month in Brussels.

Finally Braun and Francisco Cabrera, production minister said that Argentina is involved in trade bilateral discussions with the United States, Mexico and Japan.