The Uruguayan president has begun an official visit to China, leading a delegation of approximately 150 people, with the stated objective of strengthening economic ties with the country's largest trading partner. Before his departure, the president entrusted the interim leadership of the executive branch to Vice President Carolina Cosse, while the program includes political stops in Beijing and a more economic focus in Shanghai.
The central point of the trip: a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd with the president Xi JinpingOn the occasion of the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Montevideo and Beijing, a signing ceremony is to follow, covering several areas including trade, agriculture, innovation, science and logistics, according to the official program.
Between trade diplomacy and technological partnerships
The Uruguayan government is emphasizing the importance of the private sector in this mission: over a hundred participants are business leaders, a clear signal aimed at transforming the visit into concrete opportunities. The trip also includes institutional and symbolic meetings, before a stop in Shanghai that will feature a trade promotion seminar, meetings with local authorities, and a port visit.
Another key area of focus is university and technological cooperation. The University of the Republic (Udelar) has announced the signing of agreements with several Chinese universities, Huawei, and a research institute specializing in water resources. The planned projects range from academic exchanges to the creation of joint laboratories, with applications in artificial intelligence, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The economic stakes are high: China has become the leading destination for Uruguayan exports, representing approximately a quarter of goods sales in 2025, primarily pulp, beef, and soybeans. However, this growing relationship is also taking place against a backdrop of uncertainty, as Beijing has announced stricter measures on meat imports starting in 2026—a strategic factor for a country whose revenue largely depends on the Chinese market.
