Brazilian Senate approves Bolivia's accession to Mercosur

The Brazilian Senate has approved a bill confirming Bolivia's entry into the sub-regional South American trade and economic association (MERCOSUR), which the South American giant belongs to along with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This is reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

The initiative was previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies.

Signed in 2015 in Brasilia during the government of Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016), the document on the inclusion of the neighbouring country had to be approved by the parliaments of all member states.

Now, a working group will be set up with representatives of the four members to draw up a timetable for Bolivia's accession under all Mercosur rules.

The rapporteur for the bill, Senator Chico Rodrigues, said Bolivia's accession would promote regional integration and benefit Brazilian companies.

"Equally important is the opening or expansion of the market for Brazilian companies with the possibility of using cheaper energy, since Brazil and Argentina are already Bolivia's main trading partners," he said.

The plenary also approved a request for a five-person commission that will visit Bolivia for 180 days to verify the political and social situation in the country.

Photo: Prensa Latina