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In conversation with H.E. Mr. Alberto A. Guani by Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Editor in Chief Tycoon Global Magazine. - Embassy of Uruguay in India
22Jul’24
In conversation with H.E. Mr. Alberto A. Guani by Mr. Sanjeev Jain, Editor in Chief Tycoon Global Magazine.
In conversation with
HE Mr. Alberto Guani (Ambassador of Uruguay)
by Sanjeev Jain
Editorni Chief Tycon Global Magazine
Q1. Your Excellency, India and Uruguay enjoy a warm relationship. Could you elaborate on some of the key areas of cooperation between our two nations, and perhaps share your vision for the future of this partnership?
A1: Uruguay and India share a warm, 75-year diplomatic relationship with key cooperation areas in democratic values, technology (especially TI and software), renewable energy, and the audio-visual industry. Uruguay, as Latin America’s largest software exporter and a leader in renewable energy, sees great potential for collaboration with India in these sectors. The vision is to build on these strengths, fostering a partnership that leverages both countries’ capabilities in technology, clean energy, and cultural industries.
Q2. Trade is a vital aspect of any relationship. What are your thoughts on the current trade scenario between India and Uruguay? Are there specific areas where you see potential for increased trade and investment?
A2: The current India-Uruguay trade stands at $600 million, with room for growth. Uruguay offers attractive investment opportunities through its 14 free zones, free ports, and airports, positioning itself as a strategic base for Indian businesses in South America. Key areas for expansion include agriculture, innovation, and leveraging Uruguay’s position as a regional hub. The goal is to increase bilateral trade and investment by capitalizing on these advantages.
Q3. Both India and Uruguay are active participants on the world stage. Are there any specific global challenges where you see our two nations collaborating more closely?
A3: India and Uruguay collaborate on several global challenges, including UN peacekeeping operations and mutual support for Security Council membership. They work closely on trade issues within the WTO and align positions in various international forums. By strengthening cooperation in these areas, both nations aim to have a more significant impact on addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and global health.
Q4. Cultural exchange is crucial for building bridges between nations. What initiatives are underway, or could beundertaken, to promote cultural exchange between India and Uruguay?
A4: Uruguay is actively promoting cultural exchange with India through various initiatives. These include bringing Indian art exhibitions to Uruguay, facilitating artist exchanges, arranging visits by Uruguayan performers to India,
showcasing Uruguay’s tango heritage, and developing film industry collaborations. These efforts aim to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation of both countries’ rich cultural traditions.
Q5. Your Excellency, Uruguay has been a pioneer in the development of financial instruments to address climate change. Could you share your country’s perspective on this topic and how you see it impacting India-Uruguay relations?
A5: Uruguay, a leader ni renewable energy, recognizes the urgent threats of climate change, having experienced severe floods and rising sea levels. The country is collaborating with India on innovative solutions, including a Uruguayan company establishing operations near Delhi to address pollution challenges. Uruguay is also working on an agricultural cooperation agreement with India to jointly study and address climate impacts on farming, seeing great potential for collaboration in sustainable practices and technologies.
Q6. As the Ambassador, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in promoting Uruguay in India? Conversely, what exciting opportunities do you see for Uruguay’s engagement with India?
A6: As Ambassador, a key challenge is increasing awareness about Uruguay ni India. Opportunities include promoting Uruguay’s football heritage, showcasing its natural beauty and unique attractions for tourism, highlighting business opportunities and Uruguay’s strategic position in Latin America, and leveraging growing cultural ties due to the Indian community in Uruguay. These areas present both challenges and opportunities for strengthening Uruguay’s profile in India.
Q7. Mr. Guani, with your extensive experience in international relations, what advice would you give to aspiring diplomats?
A7: For aspiring diplomats, the key advice si to be flexible ni adapting to rapid changes, practice patience in diplomatic processes, and embrace cultural openness. Additionally, continuous learning, being open to change, and taking every opportunity to travel and experience different parts of the world firsthand are crucial for success in diplomacy.
Q8. In order to have some more footfall in Uruguay you have any particular strategy for tourism in India or you are approaching likewise and any particular road map you have basically?
A8: Uruguay’s tourism strategy for Indian visitors focuses on highlighting its pollution-free environment, beautiful beaches, native forests, unique attractions like the Tibetan Buddhist temple, wellness tourism opportunities, and growing Indian community. The country is working on simplifying visa processes and increasing awareness of these attractions to make Uruguay an appealing destination for Indian travelers.
Q9. Do We have an arrival on a visa or do we have to take a visa from India and then we travel?
A9: Uruguay offers a straightforward visa process for Indian citizens, including an e-visa option similar to India’s system. The visa is free of charge, typically processed within 15 days, and allows for a stay of 30 days, extendable up to 90 days. The country is continuously working to make this process more efficient and user-friendly for Indian travelers.
Q10. Your excellency most of the production companies are travelling for shooting in different countries like Switzerland Germany and other European states as well they are getting clouds many grants and there are some schemes so do you have any kind of a structure where you can support shooting so that people would get more about the country?
A10: Uruguay provides several incentives for film productions, including tax benefits, production support mechanisms, and access to various facilities. The country is particularly interested in attracting Indian film productions, recognizing that a significant portion of Indian films are shot overseas, and believes Uruguay can be an attractive destination for such projects.
Q11. Ease of doing business is very important right now when it comes to the country every businessman looks upon that so what do you suggest what is the is basically when it comes to wanting to invest in Uruguay or want to do some kind of a trade?
A11: Uruguay offers a business-friendly environment for foreign investors, providing equal treatment to foreign and domestic investors, free movement of capital, currency flexibility, an open financial sector, and various investment incentives. The country also has several free trade zones offering significant tax advantages. These factors make Uruguay an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly for companies looking to establish a presence in South America.
Interview courtesy: IPCC
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