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Trade to dominate EU-Latin American Summit
Guadalajara, May 27: Security was tight throughout Guadalajara on Wednesday (May 26) as the city prepared to host the European Union - Latin American Summit.
Meanwhile at the University of Guadalajara, students and activists from Europe and Latin America, were preparing an alternate social forum.
"What we come here to say is that you cannot arrive at social construction or combat poverty with the politics that are being implemented with the World Trade Organisation or the bi-lateral agreements being signed here," said Mexican activist Carmen Diaz.
Trade promises to be a major issue at the summit as the EU is expected to push for a better deal from South America's trade bloc Mercosur. The two sides recently swapped offers, with EU negotiators presenting a revamped proposal to Mercosur to allow preferential access for a string of sensitive farm products to enter lucrative European markets.
In return, the EU wants better access for services, government procurement, investment and industrial goods in areas such as the automotive, pharmaceutical and chemicals sectors.
The activists are planning a massive march for Friday (May 28) when the EU-Latam Summit is set to begin.
Bureau Report