The Secretary of the Presidency, Álvaro Delgado, participated in the celebration of the 100 years of the free zone regime in Uruguay. There are currently about 12 in operation, which generate an added value of 6% of the gross domestic product and 21,000 quality jobs. The leader pointed out that the challenge is to continue strengthening this “State policy” and adapt it to the current times.
The activity, which took place this Thursday the 14th in the Hall of the Lost Steps of the Legislative Palace, included the presence of the national director of Free Zones, Ana Alfie; the president of the Chamber of Free Zones of Uruguay, Enrique Buero, and the director of the Center for Studies of Economic and Social Reality (Ceres), Ignacio Munyo.
Free zones are areas of the national territory where industrial, commercial and service activities are carried out, in which users are exempt from paying taxes. This regime has existed since 1923, when free regimes were enabled for the port areas of Colonia and Nueva Palmira.
Delgado pointed out that free zones have contributed to promoting national development, attracting investments, generating quality employment and diversifying exports. Likewise, he highlighted the character of State policy that they have maintained, since all the political parties that have governed strengthened the regime. In 1987, with the approval of Law No. 15,921, the current bases were established, he recalled.
Today there are about 12 free zones in operation and another three are authorized, he reported. The added value they generate is 6% of the gross domestic product, he said. Some 1,200 companies have set up shop there, generating around 21,000 direct jobs. These jobs require high qualifications, are well paid and employ young people, she said.
One of the challenges facing the country lies in improving the regime and adapting it to the current times, he assured. To which he added that the challenge is to generate greater competitiveness, improve regulations and lower costs. A large part of the exports are linked to technological services, a sector in which Uruguay is at the forefront, he said.
“We hope to continue working to generate new development opportunities and, above all, adapt to the times to come,” he concluded.