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MERCOSUR Beats 2006 Records
The 32nd Summit of MERCOSUR
(Southern Common Market), which
concluded this week in this
Brazilian city, was a resounding
success, according to
declarations and documents
released on Saturday.
The five member countries,
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay,
Uruguay and Venezuela closed the
meeting with the signing of a
document that beat all
historical records in exchange
during 2006.
Bolivia"s joining of the group
and the reduction of trade
disparities were the main topics
for discussion.
It is considered a success that
11 of the 12 South American
countries attended the forum,
which according to the meeting"s
host, Brazilian President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva, showed
interest for integration.
The Brazilian leader also
considered that Venezuela"s
recent entry strengthens the
bloc due to its economic power
and influence in the region.
The presidents highlighted the
creation of the Fund for the
Structural Convergence of
MERCOSUR, which has as first
project to finance the Free
MERCOSUR Program against
Foot-and-mouth Disease The text
also emphasizes ongoing
initiatives in social policies,
education, immigration policies
and residency, as well as the
energy and financial
integration.
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