Aid for Trade from EU to real-time Database and Dashboards for Mercosur bloc

The Project at A Glance

The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is a comprehensive trade agreement concluded in 2019 by the European Union (EU) and the Mercosur bloc which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In order to ensure the smooth implementation of a future FTA, it is important to appreciate the scope of support already provided by the EU and identify any potential gaps. In this context, International Economics is collecting a comprehensive transparent database showcasing the EU’s development support in Mercosur as well as mapping the assistance against expected support needed by Mercosur to implement the EU-Mercosur FTA.

The project is being implemented under the TPSDE Facility II, funded by the European Commission and implemented by DAI Europe and ECDPM.

What We Found

The EU is a critical trading partner for Mercosur countries. The EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement is one of the largest regional trade agreements ever negotiated between two major blocs in the world, with high bilateral export potential. However, the Agreement has not been ratified yet, as the conclusion of the negotiation will require greater clarity on the elements to be negotiated under the development chapter of the agreement.

Therefore, International Economics’ team will provide the EU Commission officials and trade negotiators with a comprehensive stocktaking of the development support that EU institutions have deployed in MERCOSUR, including national and regional programmes. The team will also provide information on the measures that may be needed to support the region in aligning with the commitments of the agreement.

Our Strategy and Impact

The objectives of the project are to provide the EU Commission with a comprehensive transparent database showcasing the EU’s development support in Mercosur as well as map the assistance against expected support needed by Mercosur to implement the FTA. This database will cover various actors, including the EU itself, the two largest EU Member States donor in the Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and other institutions such as the European Investment Bank, the European Central Bank, and the European Investment Fund, as well as domestic export credit agencies and EU Member States’ development agencies.

Our Core Solutions

The cross-cutting nature of trade is such that it requires a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive framework. While well-designed trade policies are vital to delivering long-term benefits for economies, so is the need for effective implementation.

At International Economics Consulting Ltd., we support the public and private sectors in navigating the policy and negotiation landscape regarding international trade. This includes establishing robust monitoring and evaluation framework through sophisticated real-time dashboards and reporting systems to ensure the best outcomes. We provide advocacy services to empower delegations and negotiators to participate effectively in trade negotiations and deliberations and advocate for their countries’ interests and positions.