Paraguay Reports Progress and Positive Outlook in Negotiations Between MERCOSUR and the United Arab Emirates

Under Paraguay’s coordination, within the framework of its Pro Tempore Presidency, the first round of negotiations between MERCOSUR and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concluded with substantial progress and a favorable outlook for the potential signing of an agreement, according to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The round of meetings began on July 2 and included expert negotiators from the delegations of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United Arab Emirates.

Intensive negotiation sessions were held by technical working groups on Market Access for Goods, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, and Services.

The review and discussion of the negotiation texts marked the beginning of this process, and there was substantial technical exchange on various key aspects of the chapters under discussion. Chief Negotiators also carried out coordinated work.

In order to conclude the negotiations within the year, MERCOSUR and UAE representatives have agreed to continue intersessional work virtually.