Uruguay to provide 'bridge to South America'

Uruguay can provide the best gateway for Chinese enterprises entering Latin American market, said Fernando Lugris, Uruguayan ambassador to China.

Uruguay is a country in southeastern South America, which borders Argentina to its west and Brazil to its north and east. And it is regarded as a high-income country in the continent by the UN.

When it comes to Uruguay, the first word that comes to people's mind is often "natural", which is well illustrated by their local foods.

The ambassador said that Uruguay is the only country in the world where the origin of meat products can be traced back to the exact animals.

And their cattle and sheep are raised free-range.

"The prospects for the agricultural and food industries in Uruguay is robust, but we want everyone to know that Uruguay is also a major service exporter whose advantages are manifested in its geographical location, tourism, logistics and communication technology," the ambassador said.

Uruguay has two major ports - the Port of Montevideo and Nueva Palmira - which have occupied strategic positions in the common market of Latin America.

The country's tourism industry is also fruitful thanks to its diverse landscapes, excellent infrastructure and multi-level accommodation options for travelers.

Tourists can travel to dunes, live in farmers' houses, roam along the beaches and enjoy the hot springs.

The local people are pleased to provide natural and beautiful delicacies and cozy accommodations, the ambassador said.

"In addition to the service industry, we are looking forward to launching all-round cooperation with China in various fields such as agriculture, food, aviation, infrastructure, recyclable energy and other aspects," the ambassador said.

As Uruguay has signed free trade agreements with many countries in South America, it can act as a bridge to connect China and those countries.

In addition, Uruguay has a high level of development in transportation, logistics, education, networking and talent. These are important factors to attract foreign investment in Uruguay, said the ambassador.

2018 is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Uruguay, and Uruguay understands the importance and value of cooperation with China, the ambassador said.

The trade volume between China and Uruguay reached $3.72 billion in 2016. China is Uruguay's largest meat export destination. At the 2017 China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services, Uruguay will focus on promoting high-quality projects to Chinese investors, hoping to deepen cooperation in global trade and services exports, giving full play to the role of Uruguay's bridge effect.

In May, Uruguay's agriculture minister arrived in Beijing to participate in the 2017 China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services and to show Uruguay's resolution to stand by China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is not only about a road of silk, it is also a road of beef, dairy, wool and also a road carrying precious opportunities to develop tourism, banking and trade," the ambassador said.

"We fully support the Belt and Road, especially the 21-Century Maritime Silk Road, because this is a very important opportunity to build up deep strategic partnerships with China," he added.