The Mercosur Common Market Group wrapped up its 130th Ordinary Meeting on April 10 in Asunción, under the pro tempore Presidency of Paraguay. The meeting, spanning over two days, addressed several key topics pertinent to the regional bloc. Among the initiatives introduced was a directive project for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee on Intrazonal Restrictions Elimination, aimed at identifying barriers to the free movement of goods and services within the member states.
A proposal was also put forward for the creation of a permanent entity within Mercosur to oversee policies, programs, and actions enhancing women's participation in trade. The meeting underscored the necessity of advancing the incorporation of Decision CMC No. 22/15 into the Structural Convergence Fund of Mercosur (FOCEM), highlighting FOCEM's critical role in mitigating disparities and fortifying the integration process.
Additionally, a resolution project was introduced to establish an Intellectual Property Working Subgroup under GMC, focused on harmonizing and standardizing intellectual property regulations across Mercosur countries. The meeting also saw the approval of resolutions from the Institutional and Legal Affairs Group (GAIM), the Permanent Representatives Commission (CRPM), and Working Subgroups Nos. 8 «Agriculture» and Nos. 11 «Health».
The meeting provided insights into upcoming events during Paraguay's Presidency, including a high-level seminar on the future of Mercosur, the 9th Meeting on Gender and Trade in Regional Blocks, the 2nd Mercosur Diplomatic Science Encounter, and an event focused on Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Logistics.
Source: datamarnews.com