The V International Conference on Trade and Services of Mercosur (CI25), held in Rio de Janeiro, brought together the presidents of the main chambers of commerce in the region with a shared diagnosis: without an integrated logistics agenda, the bloc will lose competitiveness compared to other markets.
In a global context where supply chains require greater predictability, transparency and connectivityrepresentatives of the private sector agreed on strengthening infrastructure, streamlining borders and modernizing customs processes.
From the Argentine delegation, the head of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services, Natalio Mario Grinman, provided a strategic perspective on the structural weight of Mercosur on the international stage. He recalled that the block covers 13 million square kilometers, 275 million inhabitants and more than 82% of the South American GDPfactors that, combined, position it as a key platform for regional trade and logistics.
In his speech, he also stressed that advancing agreements such as Mercosur-European Union could expand the reach of the bloc to more than 700 million consumerswhich would require more robust, interoperable supply chains aligned with global standards.
Within this general framework, several delegations presented specific proposals to move towards more efficient and connected trade. One of the most relevant initiatives came from Chile, which proposed the creation of a Specific Customs Facilitation Agreement intended to expedite the entry and exit of merchandise within Mercosur.
The objective is to reduce border times, optimize logistics costs and standardize procedures, a critical point for operations that today face delays due to lack of regulatory and technological coordination.
Digital modernization also played a central role. The representatives highlighted that the expansion of new sales channels and cross-border platforms forces the countries of the bloc to define a common position against digital disruption. The lack of homogeneous regulations generates asymmetries in electronic commerce logistics and allows certain operators to operate with fewer controls, making fair competition difficult and affecting transportation efficiency.
For this reason, we insisted on moving towards interoperable systems, better traceability tools and regulatory frameworks that accompany technological transformation.
From Paraguay, the focus was on strategic infrastructure. His delegation highlighted the role of bioceanic axis as one of the most relevant logistics projects for the region, given that it would allow the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to be more efficiently connected, reinforce multimodal transportation and promote the development of land corridors capable of reducing transit times and opening new markets. For the private sector, this type of initiative consolidates Mercosur as a logistics node with continental reach.
Another key point was the cooperation in sustainability and renewable energiesunderstood as a pillar for the future of supply chains. The transition towards infrastructure with less environmental impact and the development of joint clean energy projects were identified as necessary initiatives to align the bloc with global demands and move towards more efficient and sustainable transportation.
Likewise, the participants highlighted the need to strengthen the coordinated inspection against smuggling and informal tradephenomena that affect logistics security and generate additional costs in the chain. Moving towards joint control mechanisms would improve operational predictability, reduce losses and strengthen the competitiveness of companies that operate within formality.
IC25 also made clear the importance of institutional link between chambers of commerce and governmentsa point emphasized by Grinman. For the private sector, public-private coordination is essential to unblock bottlenecks, promote infrastructure and coordinate policies that allow real logistics integration. Repeating this type of meeting, the representatives agreed, is key to consolidating a shared regional strategy.
In a world of shorter chains, relocations and increasing regulatory demands, Mercosur faces the challenge of updating its logistics and customs architecture. The conference evidenced a consensus: only a common agenda that combines infrastructure, digitalization, sustainability and cooperation will allow the bloc to fully exploit the potential and strengthen its place in international trade.
