Uruguay–Brazil Chamber launched to promote trade integration between the two countries

The historically strong relationship between both countries took a new step forward with the inauguration of the Uruguay–Brazil Chamber of Commerce, an institution created to connect and promote business opportunities, advance economic and trade integration, and foster innovation towards a sustainable business ecosystem. Through these lines of action, the Chamber seeks to facilitate business, promote the internationalization of companies, and encourage bilateral cooperation through networking, training, and strategic alliances that generate value in both markets.

“Brazil is one of our main export destinations and also responsible for a large share of private investment in Uruguay,” said Chamber President Alejandro Arechavaleta, underscoring the strength of the economic relationship.

The new Chamber aims to serve as a platform for support, advice, and connection — both for Uruguayan companies seeking to enter the Brazilian market and for Brazilian companies interested in investing in Uruguay.

“Today we are joined by top-tier companies, but our goal is also to act as a facilitator for small and medium-sized enterprises, which represent more than 95% of Uruguay’s business sector. They too should have the opportunity to reach Brazil,” he emphasized.

On the Brazilian side, Mauricio Prazak, Vice President of the Chamber and President of the Brazilian Institute for the Development of Business and International Relations (IBREI), highlighted the importance of building a model of collaboration between the private sector and government institutions.
“From the outset, we worked closely with Uruguay XXI, the Embassy, and the ministries. We founded the Chamber in Brazil a few months ago, and today we are reaffirming that effort here in Montevideo,” he said.

The launch was supported by Uruguay XXI, whose Executive Director Mariana Ferreira provided a clear perspective on Brazil’s significance for the Uruguayan economy.
“In 2024, we exported nearly US$2.4 billion in goods to Brazil — mainly vehicles, dairy products, and malt. It is our second-largest trading partner, alternating positions with China,” she noted.

Ferreira stressed that this is a timely moment to strengthen the focus on the neighboring country:
“There is a huge opportunity to attract more Brazilian investment to Uruguay and, in turn, to encourage more Uruguayan companies to export goods and services,” she said.

She also pointed out that the exchange extends beyond goods.
“We have bilingual talent and technology companies that already export services to the Brazilian market. The Chamber can be a valuable tool to further expand these service exports,” she added.

Uruguay XXI maintains a registry of more than 140 Brazilian companies established in Uruguay, and Ferreira noted that many operate in sectors that shape the country’s export profile. She also emphasized the importance of tourism in the bilateral relationship, with Brazil being Uruguay’s second-largest source of visitors, after Argentina.

With the creation of this Chamber, Uruguay and Brazil are strengthening a framework for cooperation designed to facilitate trade and promote new opportunities for joint development.