The Pacific Alliance and the beginning of a new stage | Opinion



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The rapprochement between the Pacific Alliance (PA) and Mercosur, at the recent Puerto Vallarta summit, is a first step in overcoming the political, economic and ideological divide that exists in the region. This issue was still on the agenda of the PA, a few years ago, the former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, sought to strengthen its links with Mercosur, but the differences seemed insignificant.

Thinking of a union between the two blocks is still something very distant. The truth is that the political changes in Brazil and Argentina allow today to speak of an approach. For this reason, the next takeover of Andrés López Obrador as president of Mexico could be a concern; however, the strong protectionist winds that come from the US They make it impossible for Mexico to show any interest in an AP that seeks to pave the way for new relationships and new markets.

There are two aspects to highlight from the Puerto Vallarta summit. First, the importance of the external relationship of the block. The fact that Australia, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea and Ecuador can become badociated states and that work plans are starting to be implemented, not only with Mercosur but also with ASEAN and the Union. European Union, makes the AP a global player.

Second, the awareness by member countries of the need to renew the PA, to the point of speaking of a "new stage". In this sense, the work that has been done around the Strategic Vision until 2030 is fundamental. This second issue is less emphasized in the media, but it is key to the future of a bloc that seeks to strengthen multilateralism and serve as a true mechanism for integration.

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