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He added that it certainly was not created by mere coincidence, but towards strengthening the ability of individual countries to use their collectivity to face the new era of international economic relations.
Mercosur or Mercosul is an economic and political agreement among Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela that has been founded in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción. Its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency.
He said that despite the challenges and risks which accompany globalization, every economic indicator points to MERCOSUR’s remarkable achievement over the last decade.
The Guyanese Head of State made these remarks as he addressed the Summit of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) in Brasilia, Brazil on Friday.
But more than this, he said, the integration is helping to enhance relations among countries in the sub-region, forging a new sense of shared leadership and purpose, which is sending waves of hope across the continent and further afield.
In this regard, he admonished the caucus: “We should never underestimate the cohesive power of trade. It brings people together, fostering new understandings between businesses and their communities.”
He concurred with the UNASUR Constitutive Treaty that trade, like the environment and the war on organized crime or migration, can no longer be handled by a single country or through simple dialogue between two countries. “My government will therefore be considering a deeper involvement in MERCOSUR, and I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership in the near future,” he said.
Albeit, President Ramotar affirmed that the integration movement goes beyond trade to encompass cross-border cooperation, greater movement of people, and converging infrastructure.
“We are now beginning to witness the process of an inevitable marriage between MERCOSUR and UNASUR, with the latter providing the necessary complementary support which is needed to propel the region forward.”
President Ramotar recalled that, in 1999, Guyana and MERCOSUR signed an important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote economic relations, especially in the fields of trade and investment. And noting that the two have travelled a long way since that event, he added, “I am pleased to reiterate my country’s commitment to the regional integration process underway in our hemisphere with a view to modernizing our economies and fostering a durable and sustainable socio-economic development.”
Moreover, the Head of State expressed the firm conviction that the collective vision of growth, economic prosperity, and stability for Latin America and the Caribbean must be strengthened. In this regard, he conceded that it is heartening to note that both MERCOSUR and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have already signalled their intention to pursue a programme of joint collaboration in the near future.
For Guyana’s part, he said, we are reminded daily of the fact that smaller units operating on their own are not a viable counterweight in this rapidly changing world. Against this backdrop, the nation of Guyana believes that integration is the logical answer to achieving the economic growth and sustainable development necessary to address the asymmetries and vulnerabilities of our small developing economies.
President Ramotar outlined that Guyana attaches significant importance to its membership in CARICOM, but also believes that its continental integration has become more relevant and necessary for further development. In this regard, he said: “UNASUR is extremely important, and I see both Guyana and Suriname fostering a vital link between South America and the Caribbean.”
The Guyanese Head of State extended congratulations to the Government of Venezuela on becoming a full member of MERCOSUR, noting that Venezuela has shown great leadership in moving the integration process forward.
To Her Excellency, President Dilma Rouseff, the Guyanese Head of State expressed sincere appreciation for the kind invitation to be present at such a very important caucus, and to experience the warm Brazilian hospitality that makes Brazil such a special place. In this regard, he acknowledged the leadership and vision of Brazil in strengthening ties and promoting a solid development partnership with Guyana and the wider Caribbean Community.
President Ramotar also offered profound condolences to President Dilma Rouseff and the people of Brazil on the passing of Mr. Oscar Niemeyer, the great architect of Brazil, whose ostensible works in the city of Brasilia and the United Nations will ensure his legacy lives on, he said.
He concluded on the note that our shared agenda should be broad-based and include collaboration in all aspects of development, adding that the immense global challenges require readiness and vision to work together on the basis of the many core values that we embrace.
