UNASUR

Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (UNASUR) ... or in English, Union of South American Nations, is an intergovernmental union which combines the MERCOSUR and the Andean Community of Nations (two major bilateral trade agreements in South America) together. This union was created on December 8th 2004 when 12 South American nations signed the Cusco Declaration. Member countries include: Argentina, Brasil, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Perú, Surinam, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

The Declaration of Cusco included aspects regarding the consultation of political and diplomatic coordination, the "convergence between Mercosur, the Andean Community and Chile through the development of a free trade zone" or physical integration, energy and communications, harmonization of policies for rural development and agri-food technology transfer in science, education and culture, and the interaction between companies and civil society, and corporate social responsibility.

What´s interesting about this union of nations is that it is their intention to eventually model themselves after the European Union (EU), which would include a common currency, parliament, and passport. According to Allan Wagner Tizón, former Secretary General of the Andean Community, a complete union like that of the EU should be possible by 2019.

Within UNASUR, there are many working groups which help to develop strategies and programs in order to resolve current issues of the various nations. These groups include:
- Working Group on Financial Integration
- South American Council on the World Drug Problem
- South American Council for Infrastructure and Planning
- Board of Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Innovation
- South American Council of Social Development
- South American Defense Council
- South American Energy Council
- South American Council of Health
- Working Group on Disputes Settlement

One of the main issues that UNASUR is currently working with is the creation of a single market. UNASUR is in the process of trying to eliminate tariffs for "non-sensitive" products by 2014, and then eliminate them for "sensitive" products by 2019. With fewer trade barriers present, there will be more opportunities between countries to better develop trade relations and even spur economic growth.