Representatives of China’s Ministry of Agriculture visit Uruguay

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Uruguay.

Uruguay has received a delegation from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs headed by the Deputy Director of International Cooperation, Peng Tingjun. The meeting focused on trade between the two nations and was attended by Uruguay’s Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), the Undersecretary of the MGAP and the Director of the International Affairs Unit. 

Since the signing of the new five-year plan for agricultural cooperation and the memorandum of cooperation in fisheries in October 2023, work has been done to strengthen trade ties, especially in areas such as agricultural biotechnology and the genetic improvement of soybean production.

The Chinese delegation also visited the National Agricultural Research Institute where they assessed the tests being carried out and exchanged information on the importance of continuing to deepen joint work.

The visit as such did not produce any new agreements between both parties, but the countries vowed to continue working in the search for concrete results that strengthen their commercial ties.

Trade relations between Uruguay and China have been significant in recent years. According to World Bank data, in 2020, China was the main destination for Uruguayan exports, representing approximately 27% of the South American country’s total exports. In terms of specific products, soybeans and beef are some of the main agricultural products that Uruguay exports to China.

Uruguay is currently engaged in negotiations to establish a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, a move that could have a significant impact on its foreign trade policy. Uruguayan exports to China have experienced steady growth in recent years, reaching a value of approximately US$2.5 billion in 2023, according to data from the Central Bank of Uruguay. 

An FTA would further strengthen trade ties, allowing Uruguay to diversify its exports beyond traditional agricultural products. However, the negotiations also face challenges, especially in areas such as protecting local industry and ensuring a level playing field for Uruguayan producers. The Uruguayan government is seeking to secure an agreement that balances trade openness with the protection of national interests.

Strengthening cooperation in areas such as agricultural biotechnology and the genetic improvement of soybean germplasm could have a significant impact on the productivity and competitiveness of Uruguayan agriculture, as well as on food security at the national and international levels. These advances could also open up new export opportunities for Uruguay in the Chinese market, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.

Main source:

Uruguay recibe a la delegación del Ministerio de Agricultura de China (2024, marzo 21).
https://www.3tres3.com/latam/ultima-hora/uruguay-recibe-a-delegacion-del-ministerio-de-agricultura-de-china_16523/

Other related sources:

Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca. Uruguay (19 de marzo, 2024)
https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/comunicacion/noticias/autoridades-del-mgap-recibieron-delegacion-del-ministerio-agricultura-china