Event: IX Meeting of the Working Group of the Bioceanic Road Corridor
Location: Antofagasta, Chile
Date: November 22-23, 2022
Objective
The meeting aimed to evaluate and coordinate progress in the implementation of the Bioceanic Road Corridor, facilitating integration among Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, and promoting cooperation on key issues such as infrastructure, transportation, logistics, and border procedures.
Activity Description
The event was inaugurated by the National Coordinator of Chile, Ambassador Andrés Villar, and featured the participation of prominent political representatives and experts from the involved countries. Among them were the Regional Governor of Antofagasta, Ricardo Díaz, the National Coordinator of Argentina, Minister Roberto Diez, the Ambassador of Brazil to Chile, Paulo Pacheco, and the National Coordinator of Paraguay, Minister Roberto Pauly.
Over the two days, the coordinators of the working groups on: Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics; Production and Trade; Border Procedures; University Network; and Tourism met. This meeting was the first to be held in person after the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior work carried out virtually.
Working Groups Border Procedures Simplification Group: The delegations highlighted the need to identify focal points and requested information on living conditions at border crossings. A pilot plan for freight transport vehicles was presented, with stages to be monitored quarterly. Infrastructure and Logistics Group: Advances in Paraguay with the completion of the Carmelo Peralta – Loma Plata section and in Argentina with the paving of the San Antonio de Los Cobres to Paso de Sico route were highlighted. The need to build a new bridge between Misión La Paz and Pozo Hondo was discussed. University Network Group: Progress was discussed, and a statute proposal for the Latin American Integration Route University Network (UNIRILA) was presented, with a commitment to finalize the statute in 2023. Production and Trade Group: The commitment to identify sectors and products for productive chains was reaffirmed, and new studies were presented. The creation of a Business Council and a logistics observatory was proposed. Tourism Group: Agreed to establish strategic lines to regulate tourism activities, promoting sustainability, quality and excellence in service, and increasing tourist security. Seasonal flights on key routes were also discussed.
Next Steps
The delegations agreed that the country responsible for the Executive Secretariat will coordinate the Working Groups for one year, holding two meetings in that period. Chile will continue in this role until November 2023, when the coordination will pass to Paraguay.
The meeting concluded with thanks for the hospitality of the Government of Chile and a renewed commitment to advance the objectives of the Bioceanic Road Corridor.
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