Brazil reopens border with Paraguay

The agreement between the countries highlights the importance of reactivating border trade and preserving jobs

Friendship bridge is reopened this Thursday (15) - Photo: Dnit

Oct 16, International Agreement: After almost seven months closed, the border between Brazil and Paraguay was reopened on Thursday (15). The measure is part of the gradual process of opening borders, which were blocked due to the new coronavirus. One of the points where circulation was released is the Friendship Bridge, which connects Foz do Iguaçu (PR) and Cidade do Leste, in Paraguay.

As a result of an agreement between the Presidents of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, and Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benitez, countries must take into account the health protocols against Covid-19.

The other open stretches are those that connect Ponta Porã (MS) to Pedro Juan Caballero, and Mundo Novo (MS) to Saltos del Guaira.

According to a joint statement from the governments of Brazil and Paraguay, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative seeks to reactivate trade between the two countries known for shopping tourism. "Especially for the preservation of jobs", records the text.

In this first stage, the release will be at a regulated time and following the health protocols adopted by the legislation in force in each country, avoiding the risks of contamination and dissemination of the new coronavirus.

Contact

Ordinance 478 authorizing the movement of Paraguayans on the Friendship Bridge, in Foz do Iguaçu (PR), was published on Wednesday (14), in an extraordinary edition in the Official Gazette of the Union. However, the entry of foreigners into Brazil by highways or waterway transport was restricted for another 30 days.

"The restrictions referred to in this ordinance do not prevent foreigners from entering the country by land, between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Paraguay, provided that the migratory requirements appropriate to their condition are observed, including that of having an entry visa. , when this is required by the Brazilian legal system ", says the ordinance.

Construction of bridges

In the joint statement, Brazil and Paraguay still note that, in view of the economic recovery of the border regions, they reaffirm their willingness to continue working to advance in the construction of the second bridge over the Paraná River, between Foz do Iguaçu (PR) and Presidente Franco, a city ​​in Paraguay, in addition to the bridge over the Paraguay River, between Porto Murtinho (MS) and Carmelo Peralta, in Paraguay.