The Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (CAC) held a webinar titled “Mercosur – European Union Agreement: Perspectives and Trade Opportunities” on March 19. The event was organized in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship.
Natalio Mario Grinman, president of CAC, opened the meeting by saying, “Today we are brought together by a topic of enormous relevance for the region and the development of international trade: an understanding that represents one of the most ambitious economic integration processes globally. Argentina has to strengthen its international presence and this agreement can generate opportunities for trade.”
Grinman also said, “In such a complex global scenario, it is especially relevant that nations sharing values can affirm their ties, and that is the case for Mercosur countries and the European Union.” More than 300 people attended the online event.
Carlos Restaino, director at CAC and president of its Commission on Integration and Mercosur, spoke about CAC’s history in participating in negotiations to advance this agreement. María Inmaculada Montero Luque, commercial counselor at the EU Delegation in Argentina, presented on Europe’s perspective. She said, “The EU believes in open trade and multilateralism, and bets on open and integrated trade. We are convinced that this agreement represents a unique opportunity for both parties.”
Rodrigo Bardoneschi, national director for International Economic Negotiations at Argentina’s Foreign Ministry, discussed local opportunities arising from the agreement. Bardoneschi said that “one out of every four companies exports to the European Union” and emphasized that “the agreement provides predictability and enables Argentina’s access to the European market.”
Marcelo Elizondo, CAC director and president of ICC Argentina, reflected on recent developments: “I want to express CAC’s favorable position regarding this agreement, which allows us to be part of the world’s largest free trade area and opens up Mercosur borders which have been very inward-looking.” He added: “Argentina needs to create conditions for more exports and imports; the best way is through pacts like this one. For Argentina it means a revolutionary leap that could change our closed economy pattern.”
Recently Elizondo represented CAC at Expoagro—Argentina’s main agro-industrial exhibition—where he participated in a panel discussing perspectives on the Mercosur–EU agreement alongside Montero Luque. Expoagro brings together companies, producers, financial entities, and industry leaders each year as a key forum for debate about innovation, investment, and sector development.
