Más Comercio arrives in San José with new tools to help companies reach global markets

With a diverse turnout and an agenda focused on practical tools to start or strengthen export processes, Uruguay XXI launched a new edition of the Más Comercio program in San José, offering workshops and one-on-one mentoring.

Throughout the day, local businesses received training and personalized advice from Uruguay XXI, the San José Government, the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, the National Development Agency’s SME Centers, INEFOP, Correo Uruguayo, LATU, and BROU, in a coordinated effort involving both public and private sector stakeholders.

The event opened with a message from Intendente Carlos Badano, who emphasized that “these workshops are the starting point for achieving the internationalization of the department.” He also highlighted the program’s role as a platform connecting local businesses with international markets.

From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gustavo Dibarboure praised the strong collaboration with the San José Government, describing it as a “very dynamic” team in generating international opportunities. He also underscored the shared objective of promoting Uruguayan products with greater added value and creating quality jobs.

In addition to the technical workshop and mentoring sessions, the event featured two local companies that shared their export journeys: Barras de Mahoma and White Monkey.

Exporting stories from the territory

The family-run business Barras de Mahoma successfully placed its wine in the Brazilian market following a learning process and participation in international trade fairs. “We realized that to sustain and grow in the industry, we had to move up the value chain,” said Mario Rappa. His partner Silvina Delfond added, “If a product has value, soul, and a story, it can be exported. I believe our product had all those things—and I’m sure yours do too.”

The company participated in missions organized by the National Institute of Viticulture (INAVI) and Uruguay XXI, which they identify as key to expanding their international reach. “Thanks to Uruguay XXI, we began attending international fairs. Our first was ProWine in Brazil, where we made our initial contacts,” they shared.

White Monkey, a tech company founded in 2021, also presented its case. It now operates in six Latin American markets. “Our first export was in 2022 with a company in Argentina. Then came Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico,” said co-founder Cristian Bausa. The company is also working on opening a subsidiary in Costa Rica to participate in public tenders, which they see as a strategic opportunity to expand their regional presence.

The Más Comercio edition in San José reaffirmed Uruguay XXI’s and its institutional partners’ commitment to decentralization and business development. The program will continue touring the country throughout 2025, generating new opportunities for Uruguayan MSMEs looking to enter global markets. The next stop will be in Artigas on July 22.