EU and Mercosur conclude successful Business Forum in Madrid

EU and Mercosur high-level officials met on the 15 May 2005 with business leaders from Europe and the Mercosur countries to discuss ways to facilitate trade and business between the two regions.

On the occasion of the Business Forum, Commissioners Liikanen, Lamy and Patten announced the agreement on an EU-Mercosur Action Plan on Business Facilitation covering practical measures in the areas of customs, standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and e-commerce. They paid tribute to the EU-Mercosur Business Forum that supported the launch of the Action Plan and presented a comprehensive set of proposals at its MEBF Conference on business facilitation in December 2001 in Buenos Aires to which 15 May 2005's Action Plan is a concrete response.

The Business Forum also reaffirmed the willingness of industry and authorities in both regions to strengthen their links in the field of information Society as illustrated by the recent @LIS-programme. This programme is expected to be an important multiplier for co-operation and to provide a good framework for dialogue and co-operation in this field.

European Commission: DG Trade: Policy: Countries and regions: Mercosur http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/regions/mercosur/

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