The EC highlights progress in negotiations between the EU and Mercosur in Brasilia

The European Union and Mercosur, formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, concluded their fifth round of negotiations in Brasilia on Friday to seal a trade pact, in which reached "substantial progress" in all areas, the European Commission (EC) reported today.

Brussels, Nov 13 (EFE) .- The European Union and Mercosur, formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, concluded their fifth round of negotiations in Brasilia on Friday to seal a commercial pact, in which "substantial progress" was reached in all areas, the European Commission (EC) reported today.

"This round has allowed substantial progress towards an agreement in all areas, including negotiating texts on goods, services, public procurement, sanitary and phytosanitary matters, intellectual property, geographical denominations, trade, sustainable development, SMEs, technical barriers to trade and resolution of disputes, "the Commission said in a note.

During the second consecutive round held in Brasilia, the fifth Since the formal resumption of the talks, both parties "took the first steps" to prepare new improved offers of access to their markets in different products.

"Both parties They confirmed their commitment to conclude an agreement that is beneficial to all before the end of the year, "the Commission stressed.

Negotiators from both blocs also met with representatives of the Economic-Social Consultative Forum (FCES) of Mercosur and of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), two institutions that together represent trade unions, entrepreneurs and civil society, as well as with other Mercosur stakeholders.

The vice-president of the European Commission and responsible for Employment Promotion, Jyrki Katainen, made the week After visits to Argentina and Brazil, during which he met with Argentine presidents, Mauricio Macri, and Brazilian, Michel Temer, among other senior officials of both governments.

In these Meetings discussed the preparations for the final stage of these negotiations, among other issues.

The negotiators also agreed on the dates on which the sixth will be held. round of negotiations, which will take place from November 29 to December 5 in Brussels.