North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ) have presented the United States–Uruguay Economic Partnership Act in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries and unleash the potential of their partnership.

Chairwoman Salazar emphasized the importance of Uruguay as a close friend and trusted partner of the United States in the region, stating, "Uruguay is one of America's best friends in South America and is a shining example of how economic freedom promotes prosperity." Salazar, proud to introduce the legislation, believes that expanding ties with Uruguay will increase opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between the two nations.

The United States - Uruguay Economic Partnership Act offers Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) benefits to Uruguay, allowing duty-free entry to the United States for certain products. Additionally, it includes Uruguay in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants. The bill also requires a report on Uruguay's eligibility for the visa waiver program, which would allow its nationals to enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days.

Currently, the United States imports over $2.9 billion in goods from Uruguay. However, it still falls behind China and Brazil as their main exporting partners. Key Uruguayan agricultural imports such as beef, wood, caviar, and fruit products are essential for the United States. To ensure price stability for consumers in Miami, it is crucial to enhance access to Uruguayan markets with a trade and immigration policy that reflects the commitment to this partnership.

Congressman Kim emphasized the significance of strategic partnerships in promoting economic growth and stability, stating, "For economic growth and stability, it is essential that we prioritize our strategic partnerships across the globe." He believes that the legislation is a vital step in strengthening the valued and close partnership with Uruguay. The increased ties between the nations will not only benefit their economic relationship but also uplift cultural ties and create new opportunities for the Uruguayan communities in the U.S. and those in Uruguay.

To read the full text of the United States–Uruguay Economic Partnership Act, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-introduces-united-states-uruguay-economic-partnership-act