The recent Argentinean Industrial Union’s (UIA) call for changes in the Mercosur’s trade rules did not rattle the disposition of Brazilian entrepreneurs to continue striving to guarantee the growth of national industry in the economic bloc.
The president of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Armando Monteiro, was emphatic in defending domestic industry and a greater dialogue between Brazil and Argentina.
“The complaints are understandable, since this imbalance in the competitive process creates difficulties. We have to build a common agenda. Nothing will be resolved by tears and laments,” he pointed out.
For his part, the president of the UIA, Héctor Méndez, acknowledged that Argentinean industry has suffered setbacks in recent years in consequence of “misguided policies,” but he reiterated that Brazil should not take advantage of the Argentinean sector’s reverses.
“Brazil should now accompany Argentina, rather than take advantage of abnormal situations. It should build on what it has, instead of making moves on Argentinean firms,” he stressed.
Monteiro recognized that the Argentinean and Brazilian industrial sectors were always partners but that in recent years differences appeared that are being resolved.
“When the entrepreneurial sector maintains a cooperative dialogue, it keeps these natural tensions from ending up causing a political clamor. We face the challenge of revitalizing Brazil’s relationship with Argentina,” he affirmed.
Agência Brasil