The President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Poureferred to the macroeconomic situation of Argentina and He assured that the exchange difference between the two nations “generates an imbalance” in border businesses and that for that reason, many were forced to close their doors in recent times.
“We are with a problem at the border because the prices of Argentine goods are extremely cheaper and naturally the neighbors consume where it is cheaper for them,” said the president.
Every day, and especially on weekends, Thousands of Uruguayans cross the border through one of the three steps enabled by the Fray Bentos-Gualeguaychú bridges; Paysandú-Colón and Salto-Concordia and across the Uruguay River on the border of Bella Unión and Monte Caseros to take advantage of the exchange difference and buy groceries and clothing in Argentina considerably cheaper.
“That gives us a imbalance and the businesses on our border are punished. We have applied measures, but it is not enough“, said the Uruguayan President in radio statements.
For his part, the mayor of Salto, Andrés Lima, asked the Government for “border policies”and confirmed that in his city around 170 shops have already closedaffected by the price difference.
In addition, he highlighted another phenomenon that arose from the exchange gap: “More than 2,000 Uruguayan families rented and went to live in Entre Ríos due to a lack of border policies”.
Beyond this specific issue, Lacalle Pou pointed out: “A stable region serves us, without shocks. The better things go for Argentina and Brazil, the better for Uruguay“.
On the other hand, and regarding the upcoming presidential elections in October, Lacalle Pou assured: “Whoever governs in December, let’s try to get along. When people look at this side, they look with long view, look at the region“.
Source: Ambito
