The official agenda at Expo Osaka 2025 began with a seminar on investment and strengthening ties with Japan

On Monday, June 16, Uruguay formally kicked off its official agenda at Expo Universal Osaka 2025 as part of its National Day celebrations. The day was marked by the strengthening of institutional dialogue and economic promotion, with a central event: the business seminar “Why Uruguay? Trade and Investment Opportunities,” held at the headquarters of JETRO Osaka. This event was key to promoting the country as a strategic partner for trade and investment in Asia.

The day was led by the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Alfredo Fratti, together with the Uruguayan ambassador to Japan, Victoria Francolino; the deputy executive director of Uruguay XXI, Martín Mercado; and the Uruguayan commissioner general for the Expo, Benjamín Liberoff. The official delegation included officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transportation and Public Works; the National Development Agency (ANDE); the National Development Corporation (CND); the National Meat Institute (INAC); the National Wine Institute (INAVI); the National Logistics Institute (Inalog); and representatives from Uruguay XXI.

Private companies and organizations such as Bodega Garzón, Mederos, CASMU, CERES, Global Medical Solutions, Luxtourism, Oji Holdings, ASOLUR, Olivares de Santa Laura, Polanco Caviar, Punta del Este Internacional, Unión de Exportadores del Uruguay, Vaquería del Este, and Vicuari Capital also participated, reflecting the diversity and potential of Uruguay’s productive fabric.

The seminar was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Uruguay XXI, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with the support of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and brought together a distinguished audience of Japanese businesspeople interested in exploring business opportunities with Uruguay.

In his opening speech, Minister Fratti highlighted the country’s agro-export identity and its commitment to sustainability. “Uruguay is a reliable food supplier, with production based on good agricultural practices, certified traceability, and clean technologies,” he said. He also underscored the strategic alliance with Japan, especially in the meat market, where Uruguay has gained entry with natural and carbon-neutral products recognized for their quality and sustainability.

Other speakers included Martín Mercado, who presented Uruguay’s strengths as a business platform for Latin America, and Yusuke Nishizawa (JETRO Buenos Aires), together with Shin Kurosawa (EBARA Corporation), who provided the Japanese perspective on the potential for bilateral cooperation. The event concluded with a presentation by Hideki Sho, Director General of JETRO Kansai.

After the seminar, Uruguayan authorities and their JETRO counterparts held a high-level meeting to identify new opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as agribusiness, technology, and logistics innovation.

The event marked the start of a busy schedule that will run until June 19, focusing on Uruguay’s National Day, which will be officially celebrated on Tuesday 17. Uruguay’s presence at the Expo, which opened on April 14, seeks to consolidate ties with Asia and showcase the country as a modern, innovative, and open nation. Uruguay XXI is handling the overall coordination of this mission with multiple public and private institutions.

With this first day, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to international integration based on productive excellence, sustainability, and the construction of long-term strategic alliances.