Trade Between Canada and Uruguay

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Oct 16, 2002

Trade Between Canada and Uruguay

Bob Armstrong visited Uruguay for one week in September to talk about the potential to build trade between Canada and Uruguay. The visit also gave the association president a chance to view manufacturing processes in the country. The government of Uruguay, the embassies of both countries, and Uruguay?s National Meat Institute organized a very busy agenda for the Canadian visitor, including visits to dairy, meat, and fish industries.

The agenda also included official meetings with Uruguayan dignitaries. Armstrong and Gonzalo González, the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, talked about the impressive potential to raise trade between Canada and Uruguay. Armstrong also met with Dr. Didier Opertti, Uruguay?s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Roberto Vázquez Platero, the President of Uruguay?s Meat Institute, talked about Uruguay?s beef production process. Armstrong was fortunate to meet with Dr. Jorge Batile Ibanez, President of Uruguay, for two hours. The two agreed importers, exporters and consumers in Canada and Uruguay would benefit from a trade agreement.

The realization of this goal would require a considerable amount of work. "As Uruguay is part of the Mercosur trade agreement, Canada would have to negotiate a trade pact with all four Mercosur countries , Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil," said Armstrong.

The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) is probably the best mechanism for developing a free trade pact with Uruguay and the other countries of the Americas," said Armstrong.

Bob Armstrong offered to provide Uruguay with more information about exporting meat, dairy, wine, and fish products to Canada. Armstrong thought Uruguay should work hard to promote its products and the competitive prices of those products. He said this task calls for a joint effort by Uruguay?s private sector and government.

Armstrong suggested that Uruguay organize a trade show for Uruguayan exporters in June in Toronto. This would give exporters a chance to showcase their products.

The Uruguayan government would like to arrange a visit by a delegation of Canadian importers in March of 2003. The need to improve the transportation links is another consideration in the effort to grow commerce between the two countries. Armstrong urged Uruguay to set up alliances with Canadian companies to learn about ways to use technology to bolster the productivity of Uruguayan companies. Trade and investment are a two-way street. Canada also has much to offer consumers and businesses in Uruguay.

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