Uruguay has wrapped up its participation in the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, highlighting its ongoing role as a dependable supplier and partner for China. The event coincided with the 37th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and China, reflecting a period of strengthened cooperation across trade, investment, culture, and science.
The Uruguayan pavilion was inaugurated by Valeria Csukasi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other diplomatic officials. Their attendance underscored Uruguay’s intention to deepen bilateral ties and enhance its international profile.
“This new edition of CIIE allowed us to strengthen ties and open new doors for Uruguayan companies. Uruguay is a country with a solid, traceable, and competitive offering that the Chinese market increasingly values,” said Martín Mercado, Deputy Executive Director of Uruguay XXI.
A delegation led by Chen Jing—Vice President of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai People’s Congress—visited the pavilion. Chen emphasized cooperation between China and Uruguay and recognized Uruguay’s potential as a strategic regional partner.
At the expo, visitors encountered several elements representing Uruguayan industry and culture. Amethysts from northern Uruguay were displayed, drawing attention for their quality among buyers and attendees. The wine sector also had a presence through tastings focused on Tannat wines—a variety closely associated with Uruguayan identity.
Cultural programming included tango performances featuring classics such as “La Cumparsita” by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez. These shows attracted large audiences and highlighted tango’s roots in Uruguayan tradition.
Uruguay’s wool industry was another focus at the pavilion. As one of the world’s top five exporters of wool products, Uruguay demonstrated how it combines traditional methods with modern technology while maintaining environmental standards through certifications and renewable energy use.
Beyond CIIE itself, Uruguay XXI participated in related business activities including the 18th China–LAC Business Summit. During this time, three Memoranda of Understanding were signed with offices of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Hainan, Dalian, and Ningbo to encourage future collaboration in trade and investment between both countries’ institutions.
Official meetings also involved representatives from Montevideo, Canelones, Florida municipalities as well as INAC—the National Meat Institute—which operated its own stand underlining Uruguay Beef branding at CIIE.
China remains Uruguay’s largest export destination since 2015; so far in 2025 it accounts for about 27% of total exports. Bilateral trade has grown by two-thirds over five years (2020–2024), reaching $5.5 billion USD—with Uruguayan exports rising by half while imports from China have doubled during this period. Main exports include soybeans, cellulose pulp, beef products, wool items, precious stones like amethyst showcased at CIIE—and wood goods.
Currently there are around 26 Chinese firms operating within Uruguay across sectors such as food processing (ChemChina), telecommunications (Huawei/ZTE), automotive (Chery), logistics (COSCO), pharmaceuticals & technology—demonstrating broadening economic engagement between both countries.
Uruguay’s involvement at CIIE was coordinated by national trade promotion agency Uruguay XXI together with support from foreign affairs authorities—including embassies—and private sector organizations like INAC.
The week-long program concluded with thousands visiting the pavilion where public-private coordination presented an image of productive excellence rooted in innovation alongside distinctive cultural heritage.
