Uruguay’s economic growth will remain subdued in 2017 driven by falling exports and inward investment. The slowdown in neighbouring Argentina and Brazil is contributing to the slowdown through varying sectors. The business environment is strengthened by a stable economic and political environment, strong bank supervision, as well as high levels of international reserves. Total trade represents about half of Uruguay's GDP. As a member of Mercosur, Uruguay has strong trade ties with neighbour countries, however, it continues to seek trade diversification with other markets outside the region.