The Agro Industry as a Key Driver: Agro en Punta Expo & Business Held Its Third Edition

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the venue for the official launch of the third edition of Agro en Punta Expo & Business, held from February 4 to 6, 2026, in Punta del Este. The presentation brought together national and departmental authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and organizations from the sector.

Organizers emphasized that Agro en Punta has established itself as a regional hub where Uruguay showcases its agro-industrial potential. They recalled that the 2025 edition brought together over 200 companies and 160 exhibitors, attracting visitors from more than 30 countries.

A National Platform

In his opening remarks, Marcelo Bascialla, Director of Agro en Punta, introduced the 2026 edition’s theme: “The Agro Industry as a Key Driver.” He noted that the goal is to highlight the agro sector as a fundamental engine of national growth, creating spaces for connection, knowledge exchange, and business that foster the country’s development.

Mariana Ferreira, Executive Director of Uruguay XXI, reaffirmed the agency’s support for the event since its first edition. She explained that Agro en Punta directly contributes to the institution’s three strategic objectives: increasing exports, attracting foreign investment, and promoting the country’s image abroad.

Ferreira pointed out that the agro-industrial sector accounts for 80% of Uruguay’s goods exports and is also one of the areas that incorporates the most services and knowledge, making it a space of high added value and innovation. She said that Agro en Punta serves as a key platform to connect with international companies, strengthen collaboration networks, and showcase Uruguay’s competitive advantages for investment.

“It is an opportunity to reaffirm the country as an innovative and reliable regional benchmark,” she said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi emphasized the importance of the event as an international showcase for Uruguayan products.

“Uruguay exports technology, innovation, and added value. Agro en Punta is a vital window to show the world that what we produce is at the forefront,” she stated.

Deputy Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries Matías Carámbula highlighted the public-private cooperation that characterizes the event, noting that it brings together science, technology, and innovation in a space where public agendas are shaped, the country is projected, and partnerships between the State and the private sector are strengthened.

Luiz Ros, representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), underlined the role of the agricultural sector as a pillar of sustainable development. He praised the joint work between the Bank and national institutions on digital transformation, irrigation, and applied research—strategic areas for the competitiveness of Uruguay’s agro sector.

Ros recalled that the IDB and IDB Invest actively support private projects linked to the sector, and stressed that innovation and sustainability are key conditions for attracting investment. He highlighted Uruguay’s leadership in agricultural research, traceability, genetics, and responsible production.

Why It Matters for Uruguay

The agro sector remains one of the main pillars of national development, accounting for a large share of employment, investment, and exports. Its economic weight now combines with a growing focus on sustainability, scientific research, and technological innovation—factors that have positioned Uruguay as a regional leader in responsible production and traceability.

Events like Agro en Punta Expo & Business reinforce this vision by connecting producers, companies, international organizations, and governments, creating a space for exchange beyond business to project a national image built on quality, trust, and sustainability.

Under the theme “The Agro Industry as a Key Driver,” Agro en Punta 2026 aims to consolidate its role as a meeting point for leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts across the regional agro sector, reaffirming the industry’s role as a driver of the economy, innovation, and the country’s international image.