Growing interest from Brazilian companies in Uruguay as a hub for business and innovation

Uruguay is increasingly positioning itself as one of Latin America’s most reliable and competitive business platforms for companies seeking regional expansion, innovation opportunities, and long-term stability.

That was the central message of a new edition of Uruguay Value Proposition, held in São Paulo, Brasil, on May 6 by Uruguay XXI — the country’s investment, export, and nation brand promotion agency — together with Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Uruguay in São Paulo.

The event brought together leading Brazilian investors, executives, and policymakers to showcase why a growing number of international companies are choosing Uruguay as a gateway to Latin America.

Opening the event, Uruguay XXI Executive Director Mariana Ferreira highlighted Brazil’s strategic role as one of Uruguay’s main investment partners.

“Brazil is a strategic partner for Uruguay. Today, more than 100 Brazilian companies operate in Uruguay across sectors such as industry, energy, infrastructure, services, and tourism. Their presence reflects confidence in a business environment defined by political, macroeconomic, and legal stability,” she said.

Uruguay’s Ambassador to Brazil, Rodolfo Nin Novoa, emphasized the country’s openness to international business and investment.

“We are here to showcase the investment and growth opportunities Uruguay offers,” he stated.

The event’s main presentation was delivered by Uruguay XXI Investment Manager Alejandro Ferrari and Investment Specialist María José Graña, who presented Uruguay’s advantages as a regional platform for companies looking to scale operations across Latin America.

Closing the conference, Uruguay’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Gabriel Oddone, stressed that Uruguay’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the predictability it has built over decades.

“What companies shared today is exactly what Uruguay has built through 40 years of democracy and 20 years of economic stability. Governments change, but the country maintains a clear direction and stable rules,” he said.

Oddone also pointed to Uruguay’s institutional strength, legal certainty, and ability to maintain stable public policies as increasingly valuable assets in today’s uncertain global environment.

The minister addressed major global trends shaping investment decisions — including climate challenges, technological transformation, and changes in global trade dynamics — and highlighted Uruguay’s resilience strategy, including the transformation of its energy matrix, which is now 98% renewable.

A highlight of the event was a panel featuring executives from Brazilian companies already operating successfully in Uruguay, including Marina García (Cubo Itaú), Eduardo Bragança Gil (Pátria), and José Ignacio Scoseria (Marfrig).

For Pátria Investments, long-term predictability was a decisive factor.

“We evaluated more than ten countries, and Uruguay stood out because of its clear and lasting rules. For investment structures that span different political administrations, that consistency is essential,” said Eduardo Bragança Gil.

José Ignacio Scoseria, from Marfrig, highlighted Uruguay’s strategic importance in the company’s international growth.

“Uruguay was the company’s first step outside Brazil. Today, we are one of the country’s leading exporters and employers,” he noted.

The event also included networking sessions with investors, consultants, law firms, and representatives from Uruguay’s free trade zones, reinforcing Uruguay’s positioning as a flexible and business-friendly platform for regional operations.

With tools such as its Free Trade Zone regime and Investment Promotion Law, Uruguay continues to attract international companies seeking stability, access to regional markets, and a predictable environment for long-term investment and innovation.