• Iberoamérica
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.57-105
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• 2019

This paper deals with the regional asymmetries of MERCOSUR and regional development cooperation for its solution. Through the formation of a common market, the countries of Southern Cone expected to grow evenly. However MERCOSUR had structural asymmetry from the beginning and exposed policy asymmetry over time. It is basically due to the overwhelming influences of Brazil on MERCOSUR. With regard to asymmetries, Paraguay calls for special and differential treatment. Uruguay wants equitable application of market liberalization. Argentine emphasizes production integration based on the development of value chains. In the issue of asymmetries, while Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentine act as petitioners, Brazil is capable of selecting the initiatives. Under these circumstances MERCOSUR has established FOCEM as regional redistribution mechanism. FOCEM has achieved some results as seen in Paraguay, but there are still problems such as financial limitations and lack of enforcement. In oder to activate the redistributive mechanism for regional integration and to coordinate the policies to resolve regional disparities, transnational governance is essential but all member countries are reluctant to it. To date, regional asymmetries or development gaps have persisted and disparities in individual countries remains a problem.