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Uruguayan President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou is calling China a \"friend in good times and a better friend in bad times,\" following his recent state visit aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic bonds. In an exclusive interview with CMG, the leader highlighted how Uruguay’s early embrace of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed trade: 30% of Uruguay’s exports now go to China, including 58% of its beef shipments.
\"For us, BRI has been a great opportunity,\" Lacalle Pou said, praising China’s role as a stabilizing force during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled President Xi Jinping’s support, quoting a former ambassador: \"China is a good friend in good times, but a better friend in bad times.\"
Uruguay’s lush landscapes and thriving agriculture sector—key to its global exports—were also spotlighted as drivers for future collaborations. With trade growing faster than a TikTok trend, Lacalle Pou hinted at \"even bigger deals\" ahead, proving that cross-continental partnerships can be both impactful and, dare we say, *chef’s kiss*.
In an exclusive interview with CMG, the leader highlighted how Uruguay’s early embrace of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed trade: 30% of Uruguay’s exports now go to China, including 58% of its beef shipments. 
and thriving agriculture sector—key to its global exports—were also spotlighted as drivers for future collaborations. With trade growing faster than a TikTok trend, Lacalle Pou hinted at \"even bigger deals\" ahead, proving that cross-continental partnerships can be both impactful and, dare we say, *chef’s kiss*. 
BRI: Debunking the 'Bad Investment' Myth 
