Expanding Research Ties Between Uruguay and China

China and Uruguay are intensifying their collaboration in science and technology, focusing on agricultural technology, biomedicine, and nanotechnology.

It aligns with their recent elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Since 2017, the two countries have jointly developed a soybean research lab.

This initiative is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. It involves Uruguay’s National Institute of Agricultural Research INIA and China’s Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

This lab signifies the growing scientific connection between them.

During a state visit to China, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou met with President Xi Jinping.

They agreed to establish a bio-nano-pharma lab. This facility aims to conduct high-level joint research.

Fu Gui, China’s Deputy Director-General of the Science and Technology Exchange Center, emphasized the importance of these scientific collaborations.

He spoke at a dialogue event between scientists from both nations. Fu Gui marked this as a new phase for collaborative exploration.

Potential benefits in food, health, and environmental sectors

Echoing these thoughts, Uruguay’s Director of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Alberto Majó, stressed their commitment to deepening scientific ties.

He highlighted the potential benefits in food, health, and environmental sectors, aiming to enhance quality of life.

Ambassadors from both countries celebrated 35 years of bilateral relations.

They recognized the potential for scientific cooperation under the leadership of Presidents Xi Jinping and Luis Lacalle Pou.

This cooperation has grown in fields like agricultural science and climate change.

In 2023, the 30th anniversary of the first science and technology agreement between the two countries was commemorated.

Rodrigo Arim, Rector of Uruguay’s University of the Republic, emphasized the importance of this partnership.

Gu Yongzhe of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences discussed the soybean research results.

He noted the complementarity between Chinese and Uruguayan soybeans.

Pablo Speranza, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy at Uruguay’s University, expressed enthusiasm for innovation and genetic improvement.

The China-Uruguay joint bio-nano-pharma laboratory, led by the Faculty of Chemistry, will include researchers from various institutions.

They will focus on areas like nanomedicine, smart drug delivery, and intelligent implants and tissues.