North Miami-Dade News

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, and Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ), introduced the U.S.-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act in the House of Representatives. If passed, the legislation would unlock the potential of a close economic relationship with Uruguay, a trusted partner of the United States.

"At a time when our adversaries abroad are seeking to expand their reach in the Western Hemisphere, this legislation is crucial to strengthening our partnership with our friends in the region like Uruguay," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Uruguay is one of the United States' best friends in South America and is a shining example of how economic freedom promotes prosperity. I am proud to introduce this legislation that expands our ties with Uruguay by increasing opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between our two nations."

The U.S.-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act provides Uruguay with the benefits of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (duty-free entry into the United States for certain products). It also includes Uruguay in the list of countries whose nationals are eligible for admission to the United States as nonimmigrants E1 and E2, while requiring a report on Uruguay's eligibility for the visa waiver program (which allows nationals to enter the United States without a visa for tourism or business for less than 90 days).

"While the United States imports over $2.9 billion worth of goods from Uruguay, we are still behind China and Brazil as their top exporting partners," Congresswoman Salazar explained. "The United States relies on key Uruguayan agricultural imports such as beef, timber, caviar, and fruit products. In order to maintain stable prices for consumers in Miami, we must improve access to Uruguayan markets with a trade and immigration policy that reflects our commitment to this partnership."

The legislation aims to prioritize strategic partnerships worldwide for economic growth and stability. "This legislation is an important step in strengthening our valuable and close partnership with Uruguay," said Congressman Kim. "Strengthening the ties between our nations will not only benefit our countries' economic relationship, but also enhance cultural ties and create new opportunities for our Uruguayan communities in the U.S. and those in Uruguay."

The U.S.-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act represents a significant effort to deepen economic ties and promote mutual benefits between the United States and Uruguay. By expanding trade and fostering cultural exchange, both nations stand to gain from this partnership. To read the full text of the bill, click here.

To learn more, click on this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-salazar-presenta-la-ley-de-asociacion-economica-entre-estados