On February 3, Uruguay President Yamandú Orsi met with BGI Group CEO Dr. Yin Ye in Beijing to discuss the successful progress of BGI’s operations in Uruguay and explore future collaboration opportunities.

Uruguay President Yamandú Orsi (left) met with BGI Group CEO Dr. Yin Ye.

During the meeting, Dr. Yin Ye reviewed BGI Group’s achievements in Uruguay and outlined plans for deeper cooperation, including the expansion of local laboratory infrastructure to provide healthcare testing services for more people in Uruguay and the Latin American region.

President Orsi commended the impact of BGI’s clinical molecular testing laboratory in Uruguay, which has become a major provider in the country’s public health system. The laboratory has significantly enhanced Uruguay’s testing capabilities and made outstanding contributions to the health of its people. He noted that science and technology are key drivers of economic growth and social progress and expressed confidence that BGI will continue to elevate Uruguay’s life sciences and healthcare capabilities.

Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Lubetkin (right), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Yin Ye.

On the following day, BGI Group and the Clemente Estable Institute of Biological Research (IIBCE), Uruguay's leading national research institution, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Yin Ye and Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Lubetkin, who represented both parties. The partnership aims to drive innovation in genomics, microbiology, cancer research, and reproductive health through joint research initiatives, knowledge sharing, and talent exchange programs.

President Orsi expressed his enthusiastic support for the collaboration, highlighting that IIBCE is one of Uruguay’s most prestigious life science research institutions. He emphasized that the partnership with BGI would make significant contributions to research and development in both countries. The president also reaffirmed the Uruguayan government’s commitment to supporting Chinese enterprises, such as BGI, in establishing a strong presence and achieving long-term success in Uruguay.

Founded in 1927, IIBCE is a national public research institution under Uruguay’s Ministry of Education and Culture and is widely regarded as a leader in biomedical research. The signing of this MoU coincides with the 38th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Uruguay, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the two nations’ scientific and technological collaboration. This partnership not only reinforces cooperation in health between BGI and Uruguay but also accelerates the application of cutting-edge genetic technologies in Latin America.

In April 2024, BGI's Uruguay laboratory officially opened.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, BGI has played a pivotal role in supporting Uruguay’s precision medicine initiatives and public health system development. In April 2024, BGI established its clinical molecular testing laboratory in Uruguay, marking the first time BGI implemented its “Huo-Yan” Air Lab solution as a permanent clinical application overseas.

The laboratory has since become a regional hub for Latin America, offering high-quality testing services in areas such as reproductive health and cancer prevention. By fostering deep local partnerships, the laboratory continues to provide advanced medical services to Uruguay and its neighboring countries, strengthening healthcare outcomes across the region.

As a global leader in life sciences, BGI Group remains committed to leveraging genetic technology to drive pragmatic cooperation in life sciences and healthcare. This partnership with IIBCE sets a new benchmark in improving health outcomes and demonstrates how genetic innovation can benefit people globally.