The 4th Meeting of the Vietnam-Uruguay Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation was held on August 18 in Hanoi, co-chaired by Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms. Phan Thi Thang, and Uruguay’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Valeria Csukasi.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Minister Thang noted the positive growth in Vietnam-Uruguay economic relations, and emphasized significant room for further development.

Ms. Thang highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, creating a mutually beneficial value chain: Vietnam provides industrial goods, electronics, and consumer products, while Uruguay serves as a vital supplier of raw materials for Vietnam’s production and export sectors.

The two sides discussed measures to increase bilateral trade turnover and diversify the range of import-export products to ensure a sustainable trade balance. Both co-chairs agreed to intensify trade promotion activities to help businesses from both nations access each other's markets. They also committed to ongoing discussions regarding market opening for key agricultural products.

A highlight of the meeting was the shared commitment to the Vietnam-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Both nations praised the cooperative spirit and determination shown during the negotiation process. They pledged to ensure the success of the first round of negotiations, laying the groundwork for subsequent rounds and a final agreement that benefits all parties.

Furthermore, several new areas of cooperation were proposed, including wood processing and extraction, renewable energy, software, innovation, and cultural, sporting, and tourism exchanges.

Ms. Csukasi noted that Uruguay possesses strengths in the food industry and high-value agricultural products, while currently prioritizing innovation and science and technology.

In the first six months of 2026, bilateral trade turnover reached $148.35 million, a 21.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Specifically, Vietnam’s exports reached $106.52 million (up 57.5%). Vietnam’s main exports to Uruguay include telephones and components; footwear; toys and sports equipment; textiles and garments; computers, electronic products, and components; and machinery and spare parts.