Uruguay highlighted its role as a leading destination for investment during the XXVIII Ibero-American Free Zones Conference at the Punta del Este Convention Center. The event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the current landscape of free zones in Latin America, with Uruguay’s regime cited as a regional benchmark.
Mariana Ferreira, Executive Director of Uruguay XXI, moderated three breakout sessions on e-commerce, supply chains, and investment location factors. Participants included executives from technology firms, consultants, and logistics professionals who addressed global trade challenges and opportunities in the region.
On November 20, Ferreira also participated in a panel titled “Drivers for Attracting Investment in Free Zones,” alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The session was moderated by Luiz Ros of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
During a panel on e-commerce, Diego Gamba of Mercado Libre said: “For us, Uruguay is a fundamental hub. We have more than 1,800 people working here, and I’d say over 800 are dedicated to technology, product development and innovation.” Pedro Saravia of TiendaMia and Diego Szilagyi of nocnoc agreed that Uruguay’s infrastructure and talent offer an advantage for cross-border e-commerce growth.
Alejandro Torrendell from Merck discussed his company’s long-term presence in Uruguay: “If it weren’t for the free-zone regime, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. Kadir Issa from McKinsey commented on global trends impacting supply chains and stressed the need for predictability.
In another session focused on location factors for investment decisions, Pilar V. Cerón of Xtrategy US LLC described how free zones now provide integrated environments that benefit investors. Sebastián Moreno from IDS stated: “Investment is about risk. If there’s uncertainty, what I look for is a way to minimize that risk.”
These discussions underscored that Uruguay offers stability through clear regulations and skilled labor—qualities valued amid international volatility.
Ferreira took part in an international panel on investment drivers with experts from several countries. She emphasized: “Today, 40% of Uruguay’s goods exports originate in free zones, and more than 60% of non-traditional services exports as well.” She added that maintaining free zones as state policy has helped attract investments seeking long-term security.
Ferreira explained how Uruguay presents its regime abroad: “When we go abroad, we showcase the free zones in Uruguay,” she said. She noted perceptions often shift after companies visit these ecosystems firsthand.
She pointed out the diversity among industrial parks operating under stable regulations—conditions attractive to businesses looking to establish or expand operations. According to Ferreira, promotional efforts highlight incentives such as quality infrastructure that have drawn major investments across sectors like pulp production, pharmaceuticals, technology development, logistics services and global operations.
International participants recognized Uruguay’s strengths as well. Angélica Peña from ANDI (Colombia) remarked on political continuity within Uruguay: “an extraordinary photo of several Uruguayan presidents together inaugurating a free-zone project”—which she called symbolic of rare consensus in Latin America. Marvin Rodríguez from PROCOMER (Costa Rica) compared both countries’ approaches regarding talent development and business climate leadership in the region.
Panelists agreed that nations offering consistent rules alongside skilled human capital gain an edge globally.
Ferreira concluded: “Free zones have been crucial for Uruguay to attract certain types of investment.” Panelists shared the view that amid global uncertainty Uruguay remains a reliable place for long-term business planning.
