Remarks by Under Secretary Marisa Lago at the Signing of the U.S.-Uruguay Memorandum of Understanding - APRIL 10
Montevideo, Uruguay
April 10, 2024
As Delivered
Es un placer estar aquà con ustedes esta tarde en Montevideo.
But it’s also a treat to be gathered here today to sign this momentous MOU between our two countries. It really marks a pivotal movement in our relationship, and it reflects a shared vision for our inclusive growth. And it recognizes both Uruguay’s impressive economic strengths, but also the broader region’s evolving digital landscape.
Critical and emerging technologies are a top priority for the U.S. Department of Commerce. And it’s not surprising, because within our agency, we have the National Institute of Standards and Technology — a leader in AI. We have the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is a leader in 5G, 6 GHz broadband connectivity. And we also have NOAA — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is another cutting-edge bureau full of scientists, technologists and engineers.
When dealing with critical and emerging technologies, as the Minister said, these have incredibly transformative potential for our economies and for our societies.
Now, as government leaders, it’s imperative that we advance secure, responsible and equitable deployment of these technologies so that everyone across society can benefit — from businesses to workers, to everyday consumers, to families and to communities.
Uruguay is an ideal partner for the U.S. when it comes to critical and emerging technologies. Why? A 90 percent internet connectivity rate, the highest in Latin America. Electricity that is over 98 percent generated from renewable sources. In the U.S., we look at that with envy and as a goal that we need to reach. A national commitment to sustainability and innovation that aligns seamlessly with U.S. goals of inclusive growth and a greener planet. Like I said, an absolutely ideal partner nation.
So, through this agreement, we’re not only deepening our partnership, we’re also setting a powerful precedent for international cooperation to harness the incredible potential of these technologies.
Now, the Minister laid out the areas that we’re covering, but I think it’s worth repeating: telecommunications, semiconductors, biotechnology, AI and clean technology.
As the region undergoes a profound digital transformation, international cooperation on each of these technologies is crucial.
But I hasten to emphasize that the MOU is not just a signature on a piece of paper. The MOU inaugurates a new bilateral working group, which is dedicated to advancing shared goals in these critical and emerging technologies. We’re looking forward to working with Uruguay’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and your regulatory bodies to promote best practices and develop standards. That is the way to ultimately foster cooperation across all five of the sectors covered by the MOU.
I’ll end by thanking my remarkable team at the Department of Commerce, the Ambassador and her team here at the Embassy, and by extending my sincere gratitude to Minister Paganini — who I had the pleasure of meeting in Washington a number of months ago while wearing a different hat — and Minister Facio and, of course, their teams because we know it is the teams who have done so much of their work.
We’re embarking on this journey with optimism and determination. Thank you.