While Uruguay remains firm in its intention to reach an agreement with China, even without MERCOSUR’s participation, Argentina openly declares itself against this possibility, as the integration of the bloc is essential to achieve greater profits in negotiations.

Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo clarified that his nation’s priority is to involve all MERCOSUR members in the trade agreement with China “because that strengthens us”, but “if that is not the case, we will take steps in favor of the agreement.”

His Argentinian counterpart Santiago Cafiero showed his dissatisfaction faced with the possibility that Uruguay enters alone in the FTA with China, because, according to him, “MERCOSUR is what the countries do with integration,” and the nations that make up the bloc “would be weaker” negotiating unilaterally.

The debate should intensify this Thursday, since Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez and Uruguay’s Luis Lacalle Pou are attending the MERCOSUR Summit in the Paraguayan city of Luque.

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