Activities
I Working Group Meeting of Antofagasta – 2016
5 de May 2016
Event: First Meeting of the Working Group on Bioceanic Corridors
Location: Antofagasta, Chile
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016
Activity Objective
The main objective of the meeting was to establish the foundations for the implementation of the Bioceanic Road Corridor, which connects Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, and to promote its realization through cooperation among the four countries.
Activity Description
The Working Group on Bioceanic Corridors was created during the Mercosur Summit of Heads of State on December 21, 2015, in Paraguay. In the Asunción Declaration, the presidents of the four countries expressed their interest in promoting the corridor that begins in Santos and São Paulo, passes through Mato Grosso do Sul, crosses the Paraguayan Chaco, and the provinces of Salta and Jujuy in Argentina, to reach the ports in northern Chile.
During the first meeting, various presentations were made to discuss the current state of logistics infrastructure and regulations impacting the corridor. The topics addressed included:
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Production and Trade
- Border Procedures
- University Network
- Tourism
Key Tasks and Agreements
- Working Group: Formation of a group coordinated by the foreign ministries of the four countries to promote technical studies and formulate recommendations.
- Pilot Plan: Initiate a pilot plan to streamline border procedures and improve inspection and control efficiency.
- Computerization: Develop an integrated system of data and uniform forms for the transportation of goods, vehicles, and passengers.
- Joint Study: Conduct a joint study with the private sector on infrastructure and transportation.
- International Seminar: Organize a seminar in Chile and present a report on the progress made.
Proposals and Next Steps
- Informative Website: Create a website with relevant information for the corridor.
- Border Facilitation: Develop a border facilitation model to reduce waiting times and improve logistical efficiency.
- Customs Regulations: Simplify and harmonize customs regulations and other controls, with the possibility of electronic submission of documents.
- Single Window: Establish a Single Window system.
- Authorized Economic Operator (AEO): Exchange information on national programs and examine the possibility of a single system.
- Potentiality Studies: Each country will request studies on the potential of products and volumes to be transported through the corridor.
- Bioceanic Integration Territorial Plan (PTIB): Implement a plan for the unification of controls and documentation, infrastructure development, and management and computerization programs.
Conclusions
The delegates agreed that the corridor should be understood as a sum of smaller segments that enhance the formation of value chains. The presentations and discussions highlighted the importance of this initiative and the commitment of the countries to advance its implementation.
Next Steps
Hold a second meeting in Mato Grosso do Sul on June 23-24, 2016, and a third meeting in Jujuy in September 2016.
