Bolivia, Ecuador Advance in Efforts to Join Mercosur

Bolivia and Ecuador have moved forward in recent weeks in their efforts to formally join South American trade bloc Mercosur. The group currently counts Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela as full members, though Asunción’s suspension remains in effect.

Bolivia has recently completed its presentation of the Mercosur incorporation protocol, paving the way for the parliaments of current members to start considering its membership for possible ratification. The news comes just months after President Evo Morales signed the accession document .

Meanwhile, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa announced earlier this week that his country plans to begin negotiating to become a member of the bloc. However, Correa has said that he hopes a region-to-region deal between Mercosur and the EU might be completed before Quito’s membership talks are finalised. European officials have lately said that an EU-Mercosur deal could be done by early 2014.