Uruguay on the international stage

Plans for this year include several strategic initiatives to strengthen Uruguay’s international trade relations, as indicated in the official document. Efforts to open new markets for the country’s exportable supply are highlighted, with a focus on obtaining sanitary and phytosanitary authorizations in emerging countries and regions, such as China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In addition, it is intended to deepen the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Uruguay and Mexico, addressing pending issues in the chapters of services and investment, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, as well as in the conditions of origin. Similarly, it seeks to expand and improve the FTA with Peru, particularly to define a tariff reduction schedule for goods not initially included, and to expand the trade liberalization program to products made in free zones. In relation to the FTA with Chile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to maintain close monitoring to maximize the benefits of state-of-the-art disciplines, such as trade and gender, good regulatory practices, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Likewise, the importance of consolidating the relationship with the countries of the Pacific Alliance is underlined, especially with the aim of achieving the status of Associate State, for which binding agreements in economic and commercial areas with the members of the bloc will be needed. On the other hand, the intention to strengthen economic and trade relations with Southeast Asian countries, including South Korea, Viet Nam, Malaysia and Indonesia, with a particular focus on trade promotion and obtaining phytosanitary and Halal certifications in certain cases, is emphasized. In addition, the relationship with China will continue to be deepened and Uruguay’s application for membership of the CPTPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) will be followed, as well as contact with its members. Finally, the Foreign Ministry will be dedicated to negotiating agreements with strategic partners to improve Uruguay’s economic and commercial insertion, specifically mentioning the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and New Zealand, as well as agreements to avoid double taxation with the Netherlands, among other examples. This plan reflects Uruguay’s commitment to strengthening its position on the international stage and fostering an environment conducive to national economic and commercial development.