GMIPOST is putting together a Special Report on Uruguay to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the country.
As South America’s middle market companies continue to grow, Japanese investors closely monitor the developments in this large, dynamic market. Casting a vote of confidence, Japanese giant SoftBank has already invested $5 billion in the region.
Most especially in times of uncertainty, Japanese business decision makers need to know what will happen tomorrow, the next day, and the months and years thereafter. This kind of stability, unfortunately, is something that Uruguay's two giant neighbors in the Mercosur region don't have the luxury of providing investors at the moment.
Amid the uncertainty happening in neighboring Argentina and Brazil, the government of Uruguay hopes to become a safe, predictable destination for investors, particularly those from Japan. Aside from its political stability, Uruguay provides business-friendly policies and transparent processes that can turn this country into another bustling center in South America.
Last December, Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese prime minister to visit Uruguay. The trip was a very clear sign of Japan's readiness to strengthen trade ties with Uruguay, especially in the fields of agriculture, technological innovation, finance and education.
As Japan reopened its market to Uruguayan meat products after two decades of restrictions, the report also hopes to promote Uruguay as a source of world-class quality products.
GMI Post’s Francis Pacheco reports from the field. Follow his updates here.