On December 19, FONPLATA — Development Bank participated in the 67th Meeting of the Common Market Council, held within the framework of the 67th Summit of Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. This meeting is a key forum for political and technical dialogue to advance the regional integration agenda.

Participants addressed strategic issues for the bloc’s future, including energy integration, progress on the MERCOSUR–European Union Agreement, and the renewal process of the MERCOSUR Structural Convergence Fund (FOCEM), a key instrument for reducing asymmetries between countries.

FONPLATA was represented by the Vice President of Operations and Countries, Eliana Dam, and the Regional Coordinator for MERCOSUR, Carolina Vera. During the segment dedicated to FOCEM, Vera highlighted the Bank’s contributions to strengthening this regional mechanism and reaffirmed FONPLATA’s role as a regional development bank composed of five MERCOSUR member countries and prepared to support them in an international context marked by profound transformations, new environmental, social, and governance requirements, and increasing challenges for productive and commercial integration.

Since 2020, the Bank has administered the FOCEM and has provided technical and financial assistance for the structuring and implementation of projects financed through this instrument. It continues to work jointly with Brazil's Ministry of Planning and Budget and FOCEM's National Technical Unit, supporting the preparation of projects prioritized by COFIEX and providing technical assistance during their implementation.

In December 2025, FONPLATA also approved a non-reimbursable technical cooperation agreement for Uruguay to finance pre-investment studies for the Northern Regional Technology Park, a project with potential FOCEM financing aimed at boosting regional development, coordinating cross-border value chains, and promoting skilled and inclusive employment. This initiative complements the Santana do Livramento Technology Park, which also receives technical and financial support from the Bank.

The Bank additionally supports social integration initiatives, such as the Youth and Borders program, led by the MERCOSUR Social Institute, and has made available to the member states a dedicated line of financing for regional integration projects, with preferential conditions and a focus on border areas.

FONPLATA renewed its commitment to support the implementation of regional agreements, financing the infrastructure that makes them feasible—bi-oceanic corridors, border crossings, logistics hubs, and social infrastructure—and continuing to promote integration that generates development, inclusion, and opportunities for the region.

12/20/2025