Javier Solana, the European Union Foreign Affairs and Common Security Representative, specially invited to the Buenos Aires summit, addressed Mercosur presidents pledging that changes in Europe will not mean a loss of interest in the region.
Brazil will be chairing Mercosur during the second semester of the year following the presidential summit held in Buenos Aires July 1st. , when Argentina officially ended its tenure, six months that were dedicated to eliminate scepticism and rebuild trust among the members of the world's third most important trade block.
With these simple words Chilean president Ricardo Lagos described his country's tempo for becoming a full member of Mercosur.
Argentine agriculture transferred overall 3,6 billion US dollars to the rest of the economy, mainly industry, --automobiles, textiles and petroleum refining-- exposed to fierce international competition.