In Tokyo, Uruguay Strengthened Its Strategic Ties with Japan Following Its National Day at Expo Osaka

With Expo Osaka 2025 as a global platform, Uruguay leveraged the visibility of its National Day to position itself in Japan as a reliable, innovative, and globally engaged partner. Following the main events in Osaka, part of the official delegation, led by the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Alfredo Fratti, continued the mission in Tokyo, focusing on investment and export promotion.

On Wednesday, June 18, the group took the Shinkansen bullet train to the capital. The delegation held a private meeting with JETRO Vice President Mio Kawada to explore opportunities for deepening bilateral ties and boosting sustainable trade.

Later, the “Uruguay Business Seminar – Expanding Bilateral Economic Relations” took place at JETRO Tokyo. Martín Mercado, Deputy Executive Director of Uruguay XXI, presented Uruguay’s investment opportunities and recent developments. At the same time, representatives from JETRO, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japanese private sector companies actively engaged in the discussions.

Hiroya Murayama, Executive Member of Japan’s credit rating agency Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I), gave an overview of Uruguay’s sovereign risk rating. He highlighted the reaffirmation of Uruguay’s BBB+ rating with a stable outlook, first achieved in 2014, and emphasized the country’s institutional strength, democratic maturity, high income levels, and renewable-based energy matrix. His presentation added technical insight for investors and reinforced Uruguay’s reputation as a trustworthy destination for long-term business.

The seminar also featured Mr. Kazuyoshi Ando, Executive Director of Oji Holdings Corporation, who presented their successful investment case in Uruguay. He shared the story of Oji Uruguay Forest Company S.A.S., following a US$288 million investment in 2024 to acquire 41,000 hectares of sustainable forestry in Tacuarembó and Rivera. Ando expressed the company’s interest in expanding further and deepening its long-term commitment. As an official sponsor of Uruguay’s participation in Expo Osaka 2025, Oji Holdings symbolizes both nations’ strategic alliance and shared vision of sustainable development.

The day also included the presentation Uruguay as a Logistics Hub, led by Waverley Tejera (National Director of Railway Transport, Ministry of Transport and Public Works) and Emilio Rivero (Director General of the National Logistics Institute—Inalog), which showcased Uruguay’s advantages as a regional trade hub. Uruguay XXI and JETRO also held a bilateral working meeting to outline concrete steps for collaboration.

On Thursday, June 19, the agenda continued with high-level meetings. The delegation met with IDB Tokyo to explore financing and investment mechanisms in strategic sectors. A meeting with JICA also took place to advance bilateral cooperation projects.

The mission concluded with an official reception at the ANA Intercontinental Hotel. Minister Fratti and Ambassador Victoria Francolino welcomed guests and reaffirmed Uruguay’s commitment to building a long-term relationship with Japan based on trust, sustainability, and mutual benefit.

The cocktail reception featured Uruguayan beef and tongue, recently authorized for the Japanese market, sponsored by Uruguay Beef, alongside wines from Santa Rosa, Compañía Uruguaya de Vinos de Mar, Familia Deicas, Garzón, Familia Traversa, Spinoglio, Cerro Chapeu, Finca Las Violetas, Bracco Bosca, Castillo Viejo, Bouza, Mederos, and Pisano.

With this agenda in Tokyo, Uruguay built bridges to attract investment, open markets, and deepen cooperation in technology, logistics, and sustainable development.