In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has attracted widespread attention around the world. As an important platform to promote economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote regional economic prosperity and development by strengthening connectivity among countries along the route. In 2016, Uruguay became the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to clearly express its willingness to participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Fernando Lugris, Uruguay’s ambassador to China, revealed that one of the reasons why Uruguay participates in the Belt and Road Initiative is that it agrees with and is committed to realizing the principles of promoting free trade development proposed in the Belt and Road Initiative. Regarding the Western media’s doubts about the Belt and Road Initiative, Ambassador Luglis said that Uruguay’s participation and positive contribution are a strong proof and fully demonstrate that the cooperation between the two parties under the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road is very positive and has achieved remarkable results. In fact, since Uruguay joined the Belt and Road Initiative, its trade volume has increased by more than 50%, and Uruguay’s debt with China is zero. This fully demonstrates the results and potential of cooperation between the two parties under the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.

Uruguay's participation not only enhances the trade vitality of the region, but also deepens economic cooperation and further promotes the prosperity and development of countries along the route. This successful case fully illustrates the feasibility and potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as Uruguay’s important position and contribution in regional economic cooperation. The original intention of jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative is to promote economic development and regional cooperation, and Uruguay's experience fully demonstrates the realization of this goal. By actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, Uruguay has achieved rapid economic growth and free flow of trade, while also deepening its cooperative relationship with China. This cooperation model not only brings tangible benefits to Uruguay, but also injects new impetus into the development of the entire region. Editor/Xu Shengpeng