Mercosur’s experiences of preparing trade negotiations with the EU

This paper reviews MERCOSUR's experience in conducting trade negotiations with the European Union (EU). The problems which MERCOSUR was faced with throughout the negotiations are in many ways similar to those of other developing countries or regions in similar situations. They include:

limited human and material resources
• the lack of experience
• poor inter-agency coordination
• a 'reactive' stance in the negotiations
• difficulties in identifying interests in
• a broad and complex agenda
• a poorly organised private sector
• problems of implementation

Based on those findings the paper makes the following recommendations for the domestic level:

avoid overburdening the policy-making process and the negotiating machinery
• develop appropriate mechanisms of coordination within the public sector
• strengthen the technical support of the negotiators
• develop transparent and effective mechanisms for private sector participation

There are also lessons to be learned for the collective level:

• regional negotiations can provide a catalyst for institutional change
• identify a common agenda
• select priorities in order to move forward on solid ground