Bernardo de Irigoyen officials propose new measures to boost border trade

Argentine national officials and Misiones provincial authorities are evaluating measures to revitalize commerce in the border town of Bernardo de Irigoyen. Following meetings with local leaders, several proposals are being considered to address the current commercial crisis and loss of competitiveness against Brazil.

Key proposals include the establishment of a wholesale free zone and more effective VAT refunds for foreign buyers. To improve the flow of people and goods, officials are considering relocating migratory control centers to the two exit routes of the city to reduce delays at the dry border.

Local authorities, including Mayor Edgardo Aquino, have emphasized that current migratory controls are a major hurdle, noting that many travelers bypass official channels due to delays and the non-acceptance of certain Brazilian digital identity documents. The mission, led by Secretary of Productive Coordination Pablo Lavigne and Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Carolina Cuenca, aimed to assess the situation firsthand to develop tailored solutions for the region.