2023-10-07 03:05:41
Xi Jinping, presidente de China. Foto: Xinhua / Ju Peng
The Uruguayan government is once again evaluating the possibility of establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) with China in the final stretch of 2023. And Luis Lacalle Pou is running out of government and time to reach a good port or, At least, put the ship in the direction you want.
In a series of high-level meetings that will take place in the coming days, the parties will seek to bring closer together and move towards a trade agreement with the Asian nation, one of the main goals of the Lacalle Pou administration.
One of the key steps in this process will be meeting between Lacalle Pou and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, scheduled for November 22. According to sources from the Presidency, this meeting will be decisive in confirming or ruling out the possibility of an FTA during the current government period.
Throughout the year, several preparatory events were held for the presidential meeting, including visits to China by Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo, Ministers Fernando Mattos (Livestock) and Omar Paganini (Industry), as well as the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. , Nicolás Albertoni. Furthermore, this month, the Secretary of the Presidency, Álvaro Delgado will participate in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.
Will an FTA with China advance? Lacalle Pou dreams of achieving it
The Bilateral Trade and Investment Commission, headed by Nicolás Albertoni, met last week to advance market access protocols and reiterate Uruguay’s interest in signing a bilateral FTA with China on each official trip. As one of the informants pointed out, “the intention to sign an agreement with China is a ship that has already sailed, but will arrive in China when that country wants,” reflecting Uruguay’s determination in this initiative.
Although the completion of the FTA with China is the main goal, the Lacalle Pou government values the discussions held so far, which have resulted in significant progress in terms of market access. Furthermore, the bilateral relationship between Uruguay and China is expected to evolve from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” in accordance with Chinese parameters, further strengthening ties between both countries.
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