Ecuador Celebrates Independence Amid Signs of Economic Recovery
TDS - 19 August 2025
Ecuador’s economy registered cumulative growth of 3.9% through June 2025, with 2.8% year-on-year growth. Non-oil exports set a new record at USD 14.491 billion in the first half of 2025, while total imports rose 11% on higher purchases of raw materials, capital goods and consumer goods. The trade balance posted a record USD 4.166 billion surplus over the same period last year.
Citing these improvements, Ambassador of Ecuador to South Africa, Mauricio Montalvo said that Ecuador's economy still faces fiscal challenges while pending reforms would boost its growth potential. However, Ecuador’s performance during the first half of 2025 exceeded the initial expectations and forecasts of the Central Bank of Ecuador and international organizations, Montalvo said.
Against this backdrop, the Embassy of Ecuador in South Africa, led by Ambassador Montalvo, hosted a reception in Pretoria to mark Ecuador’s National Day bringing together members of the Ecuadorian community in South Africa.
In a message shared for the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriela Sommerfeld recalled the significance of 10 August 1809, the First Cry of Independence in Quito, recognised across the continent as the “Light of America.” She noted the sacrifice of 2 August 1810 as part of the struggle that shaped Ecuador’s national identity.
South Africa and Ecuador established formal diplomatic relations on 22 September 1994. Ecuador opened its Embassy in Pretoria in 2009. Bilateral engagement includes cooperation in multilateral forums and exchanges in areas such as trade and culture. Commercial ties remain modest but complementary, with scope for growth alongside Ecuador’s export performance and South Africa’s role as a gateway to broader African markets.
Ecuador is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world and is situated on the equator, after which it is named. A visitor will experience the Amazon rain forest, pristine Pacific beaches, culturally-rich cities with ancient architecture, the snow-capped Andes Mountains, and the Galapagos Islands situated in the Pacific at the confluence of three ocean currents making it one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.
The Pretoria reception provided an opportunity for the Ecuadorian community to commemorate 10 August and reflect on the country’s history, current economic indicators, and prospects for trade and cooperation.
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