For Immediate Release: November 15, 2010
Contact: Tim Truman (202) 482-3809
UNITED STATES AND URUGUAY TO PURSUE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS, CREATE JOBS
ATLANTA – The United States and Uruguay today agreed that a better-trained and educated workforce can lead to enhanced economic prosperity and more sustainable jobs. The Western Hemisphere trading partners approved a Memorandum of Intent during the Americas Competitiveness Forum in Atlanta.
Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez and Uruguay’s Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines Roberto Kreimerman signed the MOI that provides a framework for the continued expansion of programs to build international trade capacity and advance mutual interests in education and workforce development.
“The initiatives pursued under the MOI will improve commercial relations between the United States and Uruguay,” Sánchez said. “Together we are helping to educate entrepreneurs who create sustainable jobs that can make both countries more competitive in the increasingly global marketplace.”
The Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration to expand several ongoing initiatives under the MOI. These include an agreement between the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Universidad de Montevideo to develop a market research exchange; a business ethics exchange between DePaul University and Universidad de la Republica and Universidad ORT; and a research exchange focusing on the impact of Uruguay’s One Laptop Per Child program.
Providing the education and training necessary to develop a qualified workforce that allows businesses and industry to compete globally is a competitiveness issue that must be addressed. Sixty-two percent of U.S. respondents to a 2009 Springboard Project survey noted that finding "qualified applicants to fill open positions" is one of their largest challenges to productivity.
“Today’s agreement is a prime example of how two countries can work together to close the gap between what is needed to create economic growth and the current workforce,” Sánchez said.
Uruguay is an important strategic partner for the United States in Latin America, especially in key industries like education, renewable energy, and information technology. In 2009, the United States exported more than $744 million of goods and services to Uruguay.
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