At the moment, Mercosur is nothing more than an imperfect customs union that can strengthen the economy of member countries, providing blocking force, but for this we need to look for a common goal, which has not happened for a long time.
The lack of import permits in Argentina is hurting Brazil and many Argentine SMEs, causing lack of inputs in industries and much unease and anger among businessmen on both sides of the border.
In this sense, the remedies that are prescribed to us by dint of greater restrictions and controls, not only do not stop the pain, but also deepen the disease.
We need Mercosur to advance and strengthen: let us become the engines that give it momentum to advance on the path of true integration in all sectors: health, migration and monetary (represented in a currency for transactions between members).
We need the bloc to truly be a Common Market as it was meant to be when it was created.
We need infrastructure agreements between countries, more trade and less restrictions.
We need to condition the bridges and border crossings, for example the Paso de los Libres (Corrientes) and the Uruguayana (Brazil) through which the largest number of trucks pass, not only from Brazil but also from Chile and other Mercosur countries .
We need to reactivate the Mercosur-EU agreement. At this point, Lula’s announcement of “zero deforestation” would put an end to the brake applied by France.
We hope that this new era will bring us more than hopes and illusions and that the good relationship between the presidents of Argentina and Brazil will serve to build, create and strengthen bilateral and Mercosur ties, favoring new alliances with the rest of the world.
Specialist in Foreign Trade and Mercosur.
