The Uruguay–Brazil Chamber of Commerce has been officially launched, aiming to deepen trade and economic ties between the two countries. The new institution seeks to promote business opportunities, encourage economic integration, and support innovation for a sustainable business environment. Its activities will include networking, training, and building strategic alliances intended to help companies from both countries expand their reach.
Chamber President Alejandro Arechavaleta highlighted the importance of Brazil as an economic partner for Uruguay. “Brazil is one of our main export destinations and also responsible for a large share of private investment in Uruguay,” said Arechavaleta. He explained that while major companies are already involved, the Chamber intends to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well. “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.
Mauricio Prazak, Vice President of the Chamber and President of the Brazilian Institute for the Development of Business and International Relations (IBREI), spoke about cooperation between private businesses and government agencies. “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.
Uruguay XXI supported the launch event. Executive Director Mariana Ferreira outlined Brazil’s role in Uruguayan trade: “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 added that there are further opportunities for bilateral engagement: “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 described how trade extends beyond physical 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.
According to Ferreira, over 140 Brazilian companies operate in Uruguay across various sectors influencing exports. She also mentioned tourism as an important part of bilateral relations; after Argentina, Brazil sends the most visitors to Uruguay each year.
With this new Chamber of Commerce established jointly by both nations’ public- and private-sector organizations—including support from Uruguay XXI—the two countries intend to facilitate increased trade activity while promoting collaborative development projects.
