Trade officials from Mercosur and United States pledged this week in Washington to build stronger trade ties to foster economic growth and development in the area, in the framework of the four plus one format.
Argentine and Brazilian officials will be meeting in the coming days to address the growing animosity between Mercosur's main partners, mostly consequence of diverging exchange rate policies with direct impact on bilateral trade.
The 18th. edition of the World Energy Congress, WEC, will be held next October in Buenos Aires, with the participation of at least 3,000 delegates, from the private and public sectors, including five Latinamerican presidents.
Brazil that since 1999 following the Russian financial crisis, had a spectacular comeback is now threatened by recession because of the constant depreciation of its currency and the US war drums.
Uruguayan former Economy Minister and international consultant, Alejandro Vegh Villegas suggested eliminating the Common External Tariff and turning Mercosur into a free trade area (instead of a customs union).
After several days preparations Mercosur and United States, 4+1 trade talks will officially begin this Monday in Washington. Foreign Affairs Ministers from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay will be meeting with US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick to agree on a common agenda for the coming months
Uruguay that currently holds the Mercosur chair, will coordinate with other group members the intelligence, defence and financial information to be granted in support of the United States war on terrorism.