In a public hearing held on Tuesday (15th) by the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defence, the political expert Amaury de Souza said that the importance of Mercosur to the Brazilian community of external policy decreased in the last years. The data is part of the research “The Brazilian International Agenda: the Brazilian Foreign Policy from FHC to Lula” prepared by Souza and carried out by the Brazilian Center for International Relations (Cebri).

The “Brazilian community of external policy" is a concept that includes the people who make decisions or form opinions on the external policy of the country. In the Executive Branch, the ministers and managers who occupy superior title in the areas of Foreign Relations, Defence, Planning, Foreign Trade, Central Bank. In the National Congress, the members of committees on these areas; private industry, entrepreneurs and business and labor associations decision makers. The academic field, the specialized press, non-governmental organizations and Cebri's consultant staff and counselors are also included.

Mercosur
In 2008, only 38% of the interviewees thought that Brazil needed Mercosur to negotiate trade agreements. In 2001, this index was about 72%. Nevertheless, half of the interviewees believe that the group will become a common market. The opinion that Mercosur will strengthen as a customs union decreased from 43%, in 2001, to 25%, in 2008. The idea that it should be a simple area of free trade increased from 4% to 25% in the same period.

In general assessment, in 2001, 91% of the interviewees thought that the impact of Mercosur on Brazil was beneficial. In 2008, only 78% had such opinion. “The idea that Brazil is losing ground by subordinating its interests to its partners’ in Mercosur prevails”, said Souza. The Brazilian external trade was benefited by Mercosur – more than its partners in the group – however, there is a feeling that “energy is being excessively spent” to maintain such partnership, added the analyst.

Entry of Venezuela
On the admission of Venezuela in the group, the research showed that the issue is not a priority for 41% of the interviewees, who prefer to postpone the decision. Only 37% believe that Brazil should immediately approve the adhesion of Venezuela, and 15% believe the Brazilian Government should not let the country to join the group.

Regarding the forms of international insertion of Brazil in the trade area, the shrinkage of positions favorable to Mercosur calls attention. In 2001, 21% of the interviewees support the adhesion to the group. In 2008, this index decreased to only 10%. A multilateral integration, along the lines of FTTA, which had 16% of support decreased to 3%. On the other hand, the preference for bilateral agreements increased from 4 to 18%, and the support to the World Trade Organization (WTO) remained at about 30%.

Reporting - Rejane Xavier
Edition – Natalia Doederlein