Yamandú Orsi, President of Uruguay, on Thursday visited the automated container terminal at Yangshan Port in Shanghai, as part of his seven-day state visit to China, according to official Chinese briefings.
The visit to Yangshan Port, one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced deep-water ports, was part of Orsi’s broader programme to understand China’s infrastructure development, logistics capabilities, and trade facilitation systems. The engagement was arranged with the support of China’s foreign affairs and transport authorities, reflecting the importance Beijing places on showcasing its high-end industrial and logistics strengths to visiting heads of state.
Showcasing automation and port efficiency
During the tour, Orsi was briefed by port officials on the operation of the automated container terminal, which relies on intelligent scheduling systems, automated cranes, and driverless transport vehicles. The terminal is widely regarded as a flagship project in China’s port modernisation drive, significantly improving cargo handling efficiency while reducing operational costs and emissions.
Chinese officials explained how automation at Yangshan has enhanced Shanghai’s position as a global shipping hub, supporting trade flows across Asia, Europe and Latin America. The port plays a central role in China’s export-oriented economy and in the smooth functioning of international supply chains.
Trade and diplomatic context
Orsi’s visit to Yangshan Port comes amid steadily deepening economic ties between China and Uruguay. China is Uruguay’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade dominated by agricultural exports such as beef, soybeans and dairy products from Uruguay, and manufactured goods and machinery from China.
From Beijing’s perspective, the port visit aligns with broader outreach to Latin American countries, emphasising cooperation in trade, logistics and infrastructure. For Montevideo, exposure to China’s advanced port management and automation technologies may inform Uruguay’s own efforts to modernise logistics and enhance its role as a regional gateway in South America.
Broader significance of the state visit
The seven-day state visit includes high-level meetings with Chinese leaders and discussions on trade, investment, agriculture and education. The Yangshan Port tour adds a practical dimension to diplomatic talks, underlining the role of infrastructure and connectivity in bilateral cooperation.
Analysts view the visit as symbolic of China’s strategy of combining diplomacy with industrial demonstration, while for Uruguay it highlights an interest in learning from China’s development experience. As global trade faces ongoing uncertainty, such exchanges underline the shared emphasis on efficiency, connectivity and long-term economic partnership.