Conclusion of 3rd round of negotiations
On 17-21 September, the 3rd Round of MERCOSUR-Canada Negotiations was held in Ottawa, with a view to reaching a free trade agreement.
In the context of a positive work environment, both delegations made significant progress on all areas to be covered by the agreement and, especially, in regard to sanitary and phitosanitary measures, government procurement and environment.
They identified matters of shared interest which are key to the fast progress of negotiations in such chapters as trade in goods and intellectual property. In addition, the sections on Gender and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises were nearly concluded thanks to the consensus reached on their content.
Progress was also made with regard to the ways to address negotiations in the fields of investments, good regulatory practices and inclusive trade in connection with indigenous peoples.
The parties agreed to an exchange of goods and government procurement offers by late October, as well as service offers in February 2019.
Finally, the parties decided to intensify work with a view to concluding negotiations by late 2019. The next round of negotiations will be held on 3-14 December in Brasilia.
Argentina is confident that the future FTA will help diversify and increase Argentine exports to a market of great potential, especially for the benefit of regional economies.
This process adds to similar negotiations currently being held by MERCOSUR, including negotiations with the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Korea and Singapore, among others.
Press Release No. 381/18