Asunción, Agencia IP.- Representatives of the Executive Branch and the private sector held a meeting this Monday where they agreed to initiate technical work to implement traceability systems within production to access more demanding markets.
The meeting was convened by the Government after announcing that the proposal of the European Union for non-reimbursable technical cooperation was accepted, allowing the implementation of traceability systems to comply with the conditions of Regulation 1115/23, which will officially enter into force next year throughout the bloc.
This regulation establishes that seven raw materials, including soy and meat, must demonstrate that they come from plots that were not the product of deforestation or environmental degradation as of December 31, 2023, to be imported by the member countries of the European bloc.
Access to developed markets
Representatives of the private sector appreciated the Government’s stance to work together to meet the standards that allow access to more demanding markets.
The President of the Paraguayan Industrial Union (UIP), Enrique Duarte, indicated that strengthening traceability systems will allow Paraguayan production not only a future trade agreement with the European Union but also to «look at the developed markets that we aspire to.»
The Head of the Union of Production Guilds (UGP), Héctor Cristaldo, pointed out that «there is harmony between the public and private sectors to defend Paraguay’s interests in international markets.»
He emphasized that the complaint filed by the Government with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Regulation 1115/23 of the European Union «is a signal that will generate peace of mind in the field.» The complaint states that the provision is a barrier to trade, as reported by Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Commerce, Agriculture and Livestock, the President of Infona, and representatives of agricultural, livestock, leather, and industrial production guilds, among others, attended the meeting.