Canada-Uruguay Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Direct diplomatic relations with Uruguay were established in January of 1953 when Canada first opened an embassy in Montevideo. Canada's growing trade in the region, in addition to a desire to increase the understanding of Canada's international policies, were the impetuses that gave rise to the formation of formal diplomatic relations.

Key Issues

• Economic Prospects
  Uruguay's economy has been adversely impacted by two major crises: the Brazilian devaluation in 1999 and the Argentine economic and financial collapse in 2001. The United States and the International Monetary Fund supported Uruguay through these periods so, as a result, the economy has stabilized through to the end of 2004 after more than five years of recession.

• Political Prospects
  Campaigning on a platform of economic stability, fiscal responsibility, and priority action to address the "social emergency" created by the economic crisis, centre-left presidential candidate, Tabare Vazquez, defeated his rivals in October 2004. His election marks the first time in Uruguay's history that a candidate outside the two dominant political parties has won the presidency.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005