BUILDING BRIDGES
THE MULTIFACETED IMPACT OF MERCOSUR AGREEMENTS ON TRADE, MOBILITY, AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN SOUTH AMERICA
Palavras-chave:
MERCOSUL, TRADE AGREEMENTS, MOBILITY, RESIDENCE AGREEMENT, REGIONAL INTEGRATIONResumo
This paper examines the complex integration processes in South America, particularly through the framework of MERCOSUL. The research focuses on how MERCOSUL's trade agreements and policies impact the free movement of people, goods, and services, and the resulting implications for regional economic development, social cohesion, and integration policies. The relevance of this research lies in understanding the multifaceted impact of globalization, economic, and social factors on the region, and how these dynamics shape migratory flows, economic growth, and social cohesion. The objectives of this research are to assess the effectiveness of MERCOSUL's trade agreements, such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Egypt and the Economic Complementation Agreement, in promoting regional market liberalization, economic diversification, and foreign investment. Additionally, it aims to identify the socio-economic benefits of these agreements, including the free movement of people, cultural exchange, and harmonization of labor policies. This paper also seeks to highlight the challenges, such as restrictive immigration policies and bureaucracy, that prevent regional integration.The methodology employed in this paper includes a qualitative analysis of MERCOSUL's agreements, policy documents, and relevant literature. Data on economic indicators, migration patterns, and social metrics are analyzed to evaluate the impact of MERCOSUL's policies on the region. Additionally, the deductive method was applied, along with a literature review. The initial hypothesis is that MERCOSUL's trade agreements significantly contribute to regional economic development and social cohesion by facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services. Preliminary findings suggest that MERCOSUL's agreements have indeed promoted regional market liberalization and attracted foreign investment, leading to economic diversification. The socio-economic benefits, such as increased cultural exchange and the harmonization of labor policies, are evident. However, restrictive immigration policies and bureaucratic barriers continue to pose significant challenges, underscoring the need for enhanced cooperation between governments, institutions, and civil society. By analyzing these aspects, the paper underscores the importance of regional solidarity, cooperation, and integration for sustaining a resilient and competitive MERCOSUL in an interdependent global scenario. The study concludes that while MERCOSUL's trade agreements have had positive impacts on regional integration, further efforts are required to address the existing challenges and fully realize the potential benefits of these agreements.