For the first time since the Uruguay–Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect, officials and entrepreneurs from both countries gathered in Montevideo for a conference centered on the agreement’s Gender Chapter. This chapter aims to address gender inequality in international trade by fostering bilateral cooperation and supporting women’s participation in export activities.
The event, titled “Women Leaders Uruguay–Chile: Skills for Internationalization,” brought together representatives from government, development agencies, financial institutions, and over 80 businesswomen. It was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Women’s Institute, Uruguay XXI, and Chile’s Undersecretariat of International Economic Relations. Additional support came from several Uruguayan institutions including ANDE, ANII, INEFOP, LATU, BROU, the Union of Exporters, Correo Uruguayo, Dinapyme, ANTEL, and OMEU.
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Valeria Csukasi said at the opening: “For us, this Gender Chapter was a turning point. For the first time, a free trade agreement recognized that women do not benefit from international trade in the same way as men. If we don’t create specific instruments, these opportunities won’t be equally available. This meeting is precisely that—a way to turn the agreement’s words into concrete action.”
Mónica Xavier of Inmujeres highlighted ongoing challenges: “Women continue to face barriers to accessing financing, networks, and the time needed to start a business. We need a country that guarantees quality care, financial education, and real opportunities. Only then can we speak of inclusive development.”
Mariana Ferreira, executive director of Uruguay XXI, discussed research findings on women’s participation in exports. She noted that only 6.4% of Uruguayan export companies are majority-owned by women and just 13% of general management positions are held by women. However, she pointed out growth in entrepreneurship among women: one in five adult women is starting a business and female participation in business activity rose from 34.8% in 2019 to over 37% in 2024.
“These data confirm that there is dynamism, talent, and determination,” Ferreira said. “But they also show that gaps persist in access to financing, networks, and decision-making spaces. Initiatives such as this conference aim precisely to turn these diagnoses into action—connecting support, sharing tools, and opening up concrete business opportunities.”
Andrés del Olmo from Chile’s embassy cited positive outcomes since implementing the Gender Chapter: “Since its entry into force, the number of women-led companies exporting from Chile has risen from 159 to 229. This is a concrete example of the value of this cooperation.”
From Santiago via video link or statement (not specified), María Jesús Prieto shared findings about Chilean exporters led by women: they make up 30% of all exporters but account for only a quarter of total export value; however their average annual growth surpasses male-led firms and they employ twice as many women. She added that trade led by women between both countries has grown annually by 11.5%, with product diversity expanding significantly.
Prieto stated: “We are seeing a sustained increase in female exports to Uruguay… The evidence shows that gender policies in trade work when there is continuity and cooperation.”
The conference included practical sessions led by Claudia Peisino from Uruguay XXI who introduced tools like the Exporter Test and Tu Exporta program for aspiring exporters. Peisino explained: “Companies that export are more productive… Chile… is an excellent first destination.” She stressed planning as key: “Exporting is not a leap into the unknown but a step-by-step process that requires information, guidance, and confidence.”
Three Uruguayan entrepreneurs shared their experiences entering Chile’s market:
– Antonella De Giuda (MILO swimwear) described expanding through local partnerships.
– Silvia Iroldi (Umuntu consulting) outlined her firm’s approach to labor inclusion across Latin America.
– Omaira Rodríguez (Uruguay XXI) presented Flor Sakeo’s case—a singer-songwriter whose performance at La Furia del Libro fair increased her visibility after her song became its official theme.
Rodríguez emphasized institutional support for creative industries: “In music… only 30% of people in the sector are women… The case of Flor Sakeo shows that exporting doesn’t always mean selling products—it can also mean exporting talent…”
She concluded: “With the right support Uruguayan creators can break barriers…”
The event closed with confirmation that bilateral cooperation will continue through future activities coordinated by the FTA Gender Committee.
“We want this to be not just a one-day event but a sustained process,” Csukasi summarized. “When women participate in foreign trade not only does the economy grow—but society grows as well.”
