Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou is currently on a state visit to the Chinese mainland from November 20 to 24, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. This visit marks a significant step in enhancing the strategic cooperation and fortifying the diplomatic and commercial relationship between Uruguay and China, one of its most important trade partners.
The primary objectives of President Lacalle Pou's visit include discussing a potential free trade agreement, exploring opportunities in the green economy, promoting trade, and fostering digital growth. Prior to his meeting with President Xi, Lacalle Pou will attend a seminar focused on investment prospects, highlighting Uruguay's commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors.
Accompanying the Uruguayan delegation are ministers from the agriculture and fisheries, livestock, industry, and foreign ministries. This comprehensive team underscores Uruguay's all-encompassing strategy to deepen connections with China across multiple industries, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations.
Since establishing bilateral relations in 1988, Uruguay and China have built a robust partnership based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation. In 2016, both nations affirmed their commitment to becoming strategic partners through a joint statement. Uruguay has benefited from China's support, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Chinese vaccination efforts played a crucial role in containment.
In recent years, China has emerged as Uruguay's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $7.5 billion last year—a 14.9% increase from the previous year. Uruguay exported $2.98 billion worth of goods to China and imported $4.46 billion, showcasing the strong economic ties between the two countries.
The participation of Uruguay's INAC and AF Group in the sixth China International Import Expo has further solidified its status as a key trading partner. Uruguayan exports, including cattle, agricultural products, textiles, jewelry, and cultural tourism, are making significant inroads into the Chinese market, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations.
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Uruguayan president's China state visit to fortify partnership
cgtn.com
