The possibility of a FTA (FTA) between the Mercosur and Japan gains momentum after the tour of the region by the prime minister of the Asian country, Fumio Kishida, which included official missions in Brazil and Paraguay.
First, Kishida met with the president Lula Silva in Brazil, to whom he expressed his intention to “strengthen” relations with the regional bloc and take economic cooperation “to the next level.”
During the Japanese leader’s visit to Brazilian lands, where he returned this Saturday, Lula asked him for “balance” in trade relations between both countries and asked him to allow the import of Brazilian meat, until now blocked by health restrictions.
Afterwards, Kishida met in Paraguay with the president Santiago Pena, and then provide a joint statement about the desire to move towards a TLC, possibility that the Paraguayan expressed as “a fervent desire.”
After the agreement signed with Singapore and the one who is in negotiation with United Arab Emirates -and with him Mercosur-EU Agreement still far away – the FTA with Japan becomes relevant. “We are determined to integrate into the world hand in hand with our allies and we see Japan as a very important ally,” said Peña.
Specifically, regarding Paraguay, the prime minister expressed: “There are great expectations on the part of Japanese businessmen about investment opportunities in our country and I am convinced that Paraguay is an indispensable friend for Japan.”
Uruguay’s interest in trade with Japan
At times where the opening of new markets and the international insertion are essential for Uruguay, the country could move forward with Japan in their exports of wool and meat products, with the bovine tongue as the main product.
Meanwhile, the imports coming from the Asian country are mostly linked to auto parts and machinery automotive, within the framework of the commercial relationship of more than 100 years between both nations.
According to data from Uruguay XXI, Nearly 30 Japanese companies are already installed and operating in the country, in sectors such as the automotive, financial, distribution centers, plastics, energy and agri-food industries.
Source: Ambito
