A New Type of Cooperation Formalized

The Delegation in Canada has a very cordial and open relationship with Latin American and Caribbean country missions in Canada, often hosting information-sharing  sessions, facilitating connections in Canada, as well as conducting joint events. These interactions help to heighten the role of IICA in their home countries as well as here in Canada.  Shortly after her arrival to Canada, Ambassador of Paraguay, Ines Martinez Valinotti sought to go a step further and formalize the relationship.

The agreement with the Embassy, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), provides the framework for engaging the services and support of the Delegation to sensitize and prepare Paraguayan agribusiness sector to meet regulatory requirements in Canada as well other technical cooperation activities.  The MOU was signed on the eve of the first round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Mercosur and Canada.

The objective of a new FTA is to increase economic opportunities for the benefit of all member countries of Mercosur, namely – Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. 

The Canadian government has expressed commitment to ensuring that a Canada-Mercosur trade agreement will include provisions for sharing the benefits of trade among all, including women, youth, Indigenous people, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the middle class. 

IICA Delegations in Canada and Paraguay are being perceived as knowledge brokers and facilitators to ensure that mutually beneficial prospects in the agri-food sector are embraced, particularly as new opportunities are anticipated with a Mercosur- Canada  FTA.

For more information:

Dr. Audia Barnett

audia.barnett@iica.int