Uruguayan president visits Expo 2020 Dubai to boost trade relations with UAE

Dubai, Feb 21 (EFE).- Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle on Monday presented his country as a safe and stable destination for investors during his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, as part of his trip to the United Arab Emirates accompanied by a large delegation of more than fifty businesspeople and five ministers.

Lacalle took part in Uruguay Day commemorative acts at the Expo, where he defended private initiatives and stressed his government’s desire to “accompany entrepreneurs” to create economic growth and employment.

“We seek to create business opportunities and progress for our country,” he said, referring to the government’s efforts to spearhead the opening of new markets.

The president talked about the large image of a horse on the Uruguayan pavilion, saying “it is a symbol of freedom, which is a very precious treasure for Uruguayans.”

The pavilion also features products such as olive oil, jewelry, cutlery, stone craftwork and products made from merino wool and leather, among other materials.

At the pavilion’s wine bar, visitors can taste the country’s wines, recognized worldwide for their outstanding qualities.

Visitors can also see traditional Uruguayan amethysts, and soccer fans can see some of the trophies won by Uruguay, which has lifted the World Cup on four occasions and the Copa America 15 times.

Lacalle valued Uruguay’s presence at Expo 2020 in Dubai – the first universal exposition to be held in an Arab country – affirming that “wherever Uruguayans go, they always make themselves noticed, thankfully for good things.”

The presidential entourage included the first lady, Lorena Ponce de Leon.

The couple were accompanied by the Uruguayan Pavilion General Commissioner, Sebastián Risso, who is also the executive director of the Uruguay XXI Investment and Export Promotion Agency, and the Uruguayan Ambassador to Abu Dhabi, Alvaro Ceriani.

Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Expo 2020 Commissioner-General was also present, representing the UAE.

The official Uruguayan delegation also consisted of five Uruguayan ministers: Foreign Affairs, Francisco Bustillo; Economy and Finance, Azucena Arbeleche; Industry, Energy and Mining, Omar Paganini; Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Mattos; and Tourism, Tabare Viera.

As part of the Uruguay Day celebrations, the “Suite Gardel” dance troupe performed at the Millennium Amphitheater.

The Expo opened its doors to the public on October 1 after being postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday also saw the opening of the LSQA training and certification office for products, processes and integration of management systems of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay in Dubai.

During his visit to the UAE, Lacalle held meetings with various Emirati authorities, including the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and de facto ruler of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Before Lacalle leaves the country, a document of understanding between the National Chamber of Commerce and Services of Uruguay and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce is to be signed and a meeting of Uruguayan businessmen with local counterparts to be held. EFE

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