Mujica did not give importance to the conflict with Argentina for the trade barriers

Uruguay, February 5, 2012

Yesterday, Mujica relativized the problem of trade barriers with Argentina and said he intends to “go the way of better dialogue possible to lift every obstacle one by one”. 

Meanwhile a contingent was prepared to solve the problems of Argentine restrictions on Uruguayan products, which force them to stop production and suspend workers.

Mujica spoke to the newspaper La Republica, where he said that barriers to imports are “normal, because every time there are difficulties, then overcome and then come back” adding “this is quasi-permanent”.

For his part, the Uruguayan president said that negotiations are “walking on several fronts,” and hinted that “only two or three areas of activity” such as “auto parts, automobiles and clothing” are complicated.

Mujica’s argument is based on that to strain the relationship with Argentina could harm the region in general, because it can adversely affect other areas such as tourism or business property, etc.

“I have to give importance to all matters and I have to look at trade, exchange, under the influx of tourists and the development of other services, logistics, ports policy and investment property, then I have a whole economic impact that has the relationship with Argentina. But if I see only a part, then I’ll be seeing a very poor chapter” Mujica concluded.