ASUNCION, Paraguay, July 1 (ANI) — The 68th Mercosur Summit opened in Asuncion on Monday, marking the 35th anniversary of the Treaty of Asuncion, which established the South American trade bloc in 1991.
The ministerial meeting of the Common Market Council (CMC) was inaugurated by Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez Lezcano, who highlighted Mercosur’s progress in promoting regional integration and economic cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Lezcano said the bloc continues to deliver tangible benefits for member nations and their citizens through sustained collaboration.
He noted that Paraguay’s pro tempore presidency has overseen more than 360 meetings across Mercosur’s institutional bodies, advancing priorities such as trade facilitation, infrastructure development, border management, and digital integration.
Recent meetings of the Mercosur Trade Commission (CCM) and the Common Market Group (GMC) produced several key outcomes, including updates to rules of origin, improvements in integrated border controls, measures to strengthen competition policy, and enhanced consumer protection.
The CCM approved 22 guidelines aimed at modernizing the customs union and facilitating trade within the bloc, while the GMC advanced discussions on the common external tariff, sustainable development, and greater integration of the automotive sector.
A major milestone was the conclusion of an agreement on the mutual recognition of electronic identification and authentication systems, marking a significant step toward deeper digital integration among member states.
Seven heads of state are expected to attend the summit, including leaders of Mercosur member countries, as well as representatives from Chile and Ecuador.
Foreign ministers from associated states and senior officials from Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uzbekistan are also participating. Business delegations from Germany, the UAE, and Chile are attending to explore investment opportunities in Paraguay.
The summit is also expected to discuss strengthening the Mercosur Structural Convergence Fund (FOCEM), which finances regional infrastructure and development projects.
In addition, leaders will consider expanding trade partnerships with Canada, Japan, India, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the UAE as Mercosur seeks to diversify its global economic engagement.
About The Author
