Lebanon to sign Mercosur trade pact next month

BEIRUT: An economic trade agreement between Lebanon and Mercosur, also known as the common market of South America, is set to be signed next month in Argentina, Ambassador Ricardo Larriera told reporters Monday.

He said the agreement would give Lebanon access to wide markets that enjoy strong client bases.

“We are glad to have this opportunity for economic trade with Lebanon,” Larriera said after his meeting with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.

The ambassador announced that the agreement would be officially signed in Argentina on Dec. 17 by Bassil and representatives from Mercosur.

Formed in 1991, Mercosur is a South American trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. Its associate countries are Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It says its purpose is to promote free trade and the fluid movement of goods, people, and currency.