EU and Mercosur Business Associations Call for Swift Conclusion of Trade Agreement

21 November 2024

CECIMO and 77 other business associations from the EU and Mercosur, representing a wide range of industries responsible for €159 billion in trade and €380 billion in mutual investments in 2022, has issued a joint statement urging leaders to prioritise the swift conclusion of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The partnership is seen as essential to sustaining millions of jobs and bolstering economic strength in both regions.

The statement highlights the urgent need to address supply chain disruptions and geopolitical challenges by deepening trade relations. The proposed agreement, built on modern and sustainable principles, aims to enhance market access, diversify supply chains, attract investment, and promote cooperation in areas like climate change, forest preservation, and labour rights.

Covering one-fifth of the global economy and benefiting 750 million people, the EU-Mercosur agreement represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen resilience, drive economic recovery, and create jobs. The signatories urge decisive action to finalize the deal, emphasizing its importance for ensuring economic stability and growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

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