Uruguay and China strengthen trade ties at business forum in Beijing

More than 80 Uruguayan companies, together with Chinese counterparts, participated on February 3 in the Uruguay–China Trade and Investment Forum, held in Beijing and co-organized by Uruguay XXI and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The forum was part of the official mission led by President Yamandú Orsi and coincided with the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and China, with a focus on generating new trade and investment opportunities.

The opening session was moderated by Wang Li, Deputy Director of Bilateral Cooperation at the China Chamber of International Commerce, and featured remarks by Liu Jiannan, Vice President of the CCPIT, and Mariana Ferreira, Executive Director of Uruguay XXI. Speakers highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations and the potential to further expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

In her presentation, Ferreira outlined Uruguay’s value proposition under the concept “Uruguay to the World: Quality, Innovation, and Natural Resources,” positioning the country as a reliable and predictable partner for international investors and buyers. She underscored Uruguay’s political and institutional stability, transparency, solid rule of law, world-class infrastructure, and favorable business environment.

Ferreira also noted Uruguay’s strong performance in international indicators related to democracy, low levels of perceived corruption, civil liberties, social mobility, and the development of e-government. She emphasized the country’s skilled human capital and high quality of life as key factors supporting competitiveness and attracting long-term investment.

In addition, she highlighted the ease of doing business in Uruguay, pointing to access to regional and global markets, financial freedom, investment incentives, and a growing innovation ecosystem. Uruguay’s commitment to sustainability was also underscored, positioning the country as a regional leader in ESG standards among emerging economies, supported by an energy matrix largely based on renewable sources.

On trade, Ferreira presented Uruguay’s export profile and stressed that China is the country’s main trading partner, ahead of Brazil and the European Union. In 2025, Uruguayan exports to China totaled USD 3.493 billion, accounting for 26% of total exports. China absorbed 86% of Uruguay’s soybean exports, was the leading destination for pulp, and one of the most important markets for Uruguayan beef.

Regarding investment, the presentation highlighted the growing presence of Chinese companies in Uruguay across strategic sectors, including meat processing, agribusiness, international commodities trading, logistics and port infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, biotechnology, energy, and activities linked to the energy transition. Ferreira also emphasized Uruguay’s investment-grade status and its stable legal framework, which provides certainty and predictability for foreign investors.

The forum also served to introduce the Uruguayan business delegation, made up of more than 80 companies representing a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, livestock and meat, poultry and aquaculture, foreign trade, wholesale and retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, textiles and construction, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, logistics, transport and port services, business services, food and beverages, energy and fuels, and tourism.

Uruguay XXI was also represented by Deputy Executive Director Martín Mercado, Export Manager Pablo Pereira, and Export Promotion Specialist Analía Bello, who accompanied the delegation and held meetings with Chinese counterparts.

The event concluded with a business matchmaking session, enabling Uruguayan and Chinese companies to exchange information, explore cooperation opportunities, and advance potential trade and investment projects.

Through this forum, Uruguay XXI reaffirmed its role as the country’s lead agency for international economic promotion, advancing its strategy to deepen ties with China, create opportunities for the productive sector, and position Uruguay as a trusted partner in the global economy.