The Mercosur European Union Business Forum (MEBF) is an initiative of the business communities aimed at enhancing the trade relations between the two economic blocks. Via plenary conferences, the private sector contributes in the search for solutions to eliminate or reduce barriers in this process.

This year, the 4th Plenary Conference will be held in Brasília (Brazil). On October 28, 29 and 30, the forum will cover themes such as achievements and perspectives for negotiations between the European Union and Mercosur, access to markets and business facilitators, investments, services and cooperation in special projects, among other issues. This date is particularly important due to the stage the negotiations are in and because of the impact of the Cancun round, which strongly affects the process.

At the end of the gathering, the recommendations will be collected in a single document, which will be sent to the authorities of both regions. The goal is to contribute to the political negotiations for an agreement between Mercosur and the European Union to form a future free trade zone.

Why is the Brasília Plenary Conference important to you?

The Mercosur European Union Business Forum (MEBF) Plenary Conferences aim at ensuring the private sector’s participation in the negotiation process of the trade ties between the Mercosur and the European Union in order for the business community to be involved in the decision-making processes.

For companies that have or intend to establish businesses that involve the European Union and the Mercosur, the impact of this integration reflects on their strategies and results, such as tariff reduction, market access, specific norms and legislation, among others.

Who should participate?

Executives who are have strategic interest in the items proposed in the bilateral agreements between the European Union and the Mercosur should participate in the market access and business facilitation, investment & service, and cooperation in special project workgroups. To participate, it is necessary to fill-out the specific workgroup registration forms found at www.mebf.com.br. The regional MEBF coordinators will evaluate the request.

The lectures, held beginning at 10:00 AM on October 29, will be open to executives, government agencies and NGOs, who must register to participate via the site. For government agency and NGO representatives, the 4th MEBF Plenary is a unique opportunity to perfect institutional understandings.

The MEBF has a strong influence on the guidelines included in official bi-regional agreements. The highest representations of Brazil and of other Mercosur and European Union countries are expected to participate in the event.