“Uruguay does not distinguish between national and foreign investments and we seek to attract Indian enterprises to look at Uruguay as a hub to expand to the rest of South America.”
India-Uruguayan bilateral relations stretch back to over 7 decades with diplomatic relations being established in 1948. How do you look back on these relations?
During these 75 years, many things happened. From the Indian side in 1968, then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi visited Uruguay and in subsequent years two Vice Presidents of Uruguay visited India.
I am convinced that in the political approach we can do much more Progress and try to see if after 56 years we could engage in a new visit of a Prime Minister of India, I am sure that together with all this time we have had friendly relations. There are many other engagements that we can assure among both countries.
Uruguay’s economy has exhibited resilience in the face of global uncertainties, making it an attractive destination for investment. What are some of the key sectors where Uruguayan government seeks to attract investment?
First, Uruguay is predominantly interested in developing investments, that means that the priority to innovation and labour force these are given an important place.
As you know Uruguay does not distinguish between national and foreign investments and we seek to attract Indian enterprises to look at Uruguay as a hub to expand to the rest of South America.
Uruguay successfully boasts of 100% renewable electricity generation. In light of the same and Indian government’s push for renewable energy, do you see any possible collaboration in the renewable energy sector?
Yes. This is a very dynamic sector that Uruguay holds the second place in the world, after Denmark in applying renewable energy. I understand that in Green Hydrogen is where we could have an interesting collaboration partnership.
India is represented in Uruguay through its Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina; it also has a consulate general in Montevideo. Are there any developments with regards to opening up of an Indian Embassy in Uruguay?
I will give you a correction, India has no General Consulate in Montevideo and we have been waiting since a long time for an Embassy to be opened in my country. Basically there are many issues that would put our relationship in a more reciprocal manner if India finally decides to have a permanent Ambassador in Montevideo.
For me this is a crucial issue that unfortunately has been in standby for such a long time.
Uruguayan wines are today primarily in the profile of what the consumers seek today. This booming wine industry begets a question if there are any bilateral plans for investments in the wine industry here in India?
We plan to have our wines better known and we are looking to find a responsible representative to help us introduce our quality wines here in India.
After ten years, Uruguay participated again in the World Values Study during 2022 and was ranked as the “happiest” country in Latin America and 18th worldwide. What are the contributing factors behind Uruguayan society’s happiness?
Many do not know that Uruguay was the first social welfare state in the world. This means that there is a particular interest by the Government to take care especially of less favoured sectors of the population and at the same time give them better standards of living. Uruguay stands one of the most egalitarian societies in the world and I am sure that because of these characteristics it is considered as one of the happiest countries in Latin America and ranking 18th worldwide.
Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri recently joined the Uruguayan football club Colon FC, becoming the first Indian to do so. How do you see this growing sports partnership between the two countries?
I see a great future in this area, as you know football is the main sport in Uruguay and the fact of having an Indian footballer among us opens doors for future collaboration in this matter.
Uruguay is one of the most prestigious football countries in the world and in 2030 we will celebrate the bicentennial of the first world FIFA world cup that took place in Montevideo.
Uruguay as a progressive, stable, safe and culturally sophisticated nation offers visitors lifetime of experience. What are some of the key places that visitors must explore while visiting Uruguay?
To obtain a visa to travel to Uruguay is not a complicated matter. You have to submit your request and in around 20 days an answer will be given and a visa is extended for visitors to enjoy my country specially during the months of October until April. This is a country with fantastic beaches, no -pollution, fresh fruit, forests and the only Buddhist temple in South America.
With the growing Indo-Uruguayan relationship, what are the visa and connectivity protocols for the Indians seeking to visit Uruguay for business or for a holiday?
I would suggest you visit our website www.embassyofuruguayinindia.in and check all the different proposals that we have for your future visit for business or holiday to Uruguay.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
Yes, I would encourage them to find out more about how formidable a visit to Uruguay would be for sure a very rewarding experience and most probably, once you know us, you will want to go back.