Launch of the Third Round of Negotiations Between MERCOSUR and Singapore

The Third Round of Negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and Singapore began virtually on February 21. Negotiations began in April 2019, and this round is expected to make significant progress toward concluding the agreement by June of this year.

This round will continue throughout the week, with simultaneous meetings of several groups: Electronic Commerce, Services, Telecommunications, Rules of Origin, Trade Remedies, and Institutional Issues, along with meetings of Chief Negotiators. The groups on Technical Barriers to Trade, Investment, and Government Procurement met the previous week in advance.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing and advancing this negotiation, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive and balanced agreement that benefits all sides. To this end, three additional rounds are scheduled for April, May, and June, alongside intensive intersessional work.

Paraguay, which is coordinating this negotiation process, is represented by Ambassador Enrique Franco, Director General of Economic Policy, who is accompanied by representatives from sectoral ministries. The other MERCOSUR States are represented by Minister Luis Levit (Argentina), Counselor Clarissa Nina (Brazil), and Ambassador Alejandra De Bellis (Uruguay). Singapore’s delegation is led by Chief Negotiator Mr. Francis Chong from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Paraguay