HELSINKI, Finland (From news reports) -- Talks between Uruguay's government and Finnish pulp and paper maker UPM on a new pulp plant project in the Latin American country are proceeding, Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez said on Monday.

Uruguayan media reports said last month that UPM and the local authorities were close to reaching a deal on a project to construct what would be the company's second pulp mill in the country, and which would cost in total $4 billion (3 billion pounds).

UPM has confirmed initial talks but has denied that any quick deal is in sight, citing uncertainties regarding local infrastructure development.

Vazquez, who had travelled to Finland to meet politicians as well as UPM's management, said the talks had progressed.

"We are working intensively and we have high hopes that this investment will become a reality," he told a news conference.

He said the talks were still at the first of three stages, adding that the parties were seeking to complete the initial negotiation stage by the end of March.

Finnish pulp projects in Uruguay have faced difficulties in the past. UPM's current mill in Fray Bentos, originally built by Metsa Group, caused a dispute between Uruguay and neighboring Argentina, while Stora Enso's $2 billion joint venture mill in Montes Del Plata was delayed by strikes and other labor issues before it finally opened in 2014.

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Join Jim Thompson on the 2nd Annual Papermakers Mission Trip to Guatemala, 22 - 29 July 17. Build houses, talk about the pulp and paper industry. For more information, email jthompson@taii.com with "Guatemala" in the subject line.