Uruguay Presented Investment Opportunities in Food, Energy, and Infrastructure in Qatar

Uruguay presented investment opportunities in agribusiness and food, infrastructure, energy, data centers, and life sciences in Qatar during a mission that combined business meetings with participation in the World Investment Forum (WIF). The agenda allowed for establishing new contacts with investors and companies interested in existing projects and in the country’s potential as a platform for operating in Latin America.

Uruguay XXI investment promotion specialists Juan Ignacio Montans and Mateo Rama participated in the event held October 25–27 in Doha and held 14 meetings with private companies. The mission was supported by the Uruguayan Embassy in Qatar and Ambassador Marcelo Gerona.

Throughout the visit, the agency’s representatives engaged with sovereign wealth funds, companies, business groups, and family wealth management firms. The discussions provided an opportunity to present Uruguay’s investment offerings and to understand the criteria guiding their investment decisions.

Food security played a prominent role in the discussions. “There is a great deal of concern about food security, and Uruguay—which feeds 30 million people and has the potential to feed 50 million—is undoubtedly a point of interest,” explained Montans, a specialist in attracting investment in the agribusiness and food sectors at Uruguay XXI.

In this context, opportunities were presented in the meat, citrus, grain, and dairy sectors. Interest focused on the supply and processing of raw materials, as well as on the possibility of developing commercial relationships that would allow for a better understanding of the Uruguayan market, build trust, and pave the way for investments in the country.

This approach opens up prospects for linking Uruguay’s productive capacity with the supply needs of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. According to Montans, these markets offer opportunities to expand business and build long-term relationships.

Among the attributes most valued by the participants, the specialist highlighted “stability, low perceived corruption, renewable energy sources, and clear rules of the game.” These conditions support Uruguay’s proposal for companies considering establishing operations and expanding into other Latin American markets.

Participation in the WIF also provided an opportunity to showcase the country on the event’s main stage. Organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the State of Qatar under the theme “Investing in the Future,” the forum brought together representatives from more than 160 countries, including business leaders, government officials, sovereign wealth funds, and international organizations. The agenda included a high-level session on the future of investment in the Gulf.

Montans noted that the mission primarily generated new contacts and that the results were “well above expectations.” Follow-up on these connections will focus on facilitating exchanges with Uruguayan companies, associations, and industry chambers to deepen understanding of the opportunities presented and support the evaluation of potential business ventures.