In October 2004 the MERCOSUR bloc of countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay)
initiated formal contact with the Central American Integration System (SICA) countries -- Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama - to discuss furthering their trade relationship. In November 2004 Foreign Ministers
of the two regions met in Rio de Janeiro and set out steps to deepen their trade relations. In February 2005, MERCOSUR held
meetings with SICA, which culminated in a Joint Declaration recognizing the initial steps taken towards integration and pledging
further work.
| Documents relating to the negotiations |
| 22 February 2005 |
Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Joint Declaration
 |
| 21-22 February 2005 |
First round of MERCOSUR-SICA negotiations
|
| 11 November 2004 |
Rio de Janeiro. Joint Comuniqué - meeting of MERCOSUR-SICA Foreign Ministers
|
| 01 October 2004 |
MERCOSUR initiates trade dialogue with Central America
|
| Source: Ministério das Relações
Exteriores do Brasil; Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto de Argentina; Presidencia Pro Tempore
de SICA, Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores de Honduras |
|
