Cooperation between Japan and Mexico is diplomatic, commercial and has also had a tangible effect in sectors such as auto transport and automotive , as expressed by Kozo Honsei , Japanese ambassador to Mexico, during the commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of Isuzu Motors de México .
In his message, Honsei recalled that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Mexico-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (JEPA) , an instrument that, he said, has transformed the bilateral relationship and has been key to the arrival of companies such as Isuzu, which today assembles commercial vehicles in Mexico .
“Since the agreement was signed in 2005, bilateral trade has increased more than 3.5 times,” the diplomat stated, highlighting that more than 1,600 Japanese companies already operate in Mexico, many of them linked to the automotive and transportation sectors .
The economic impact of this agreement is also supported by recent figures from the Ministry of Economy . In 2024 alone, foreign direct investment from Japan reached $4.285 billion, with Guanajuato, Mexico City, and Aguascalientes as the main destinations.
Furthermore, imports from Japan are dominated by automotive parts and components , which reinforce logistics chains linked to freight transport and the domestic manufacturing industry.
The Japanese ambassador to Mexico noted that these investment flows have enabled technology transfer , the development of local supply chains , and the creation of skilled employment.
He also emphasized that Japanese companies have made concrete commitments to electromobility and carbon neutrality , issues that the Japanese government itself considers priorities for the future of transportation and logistics.
Honsei also shared a personal anecdote: more than three decades ago, he collaborated with the Mexican government on projects to improve air quality in the Valley of Mexico, which reinforced his belief that “industrial development must go hand in hand with sustainability.”
In closing, he recognized Isuzu as a symbol of the Japan-Mexico collaboration , having established itself as a national manufacturer and representing the values of quality and innovation, as well as its commitment to including more heavy vehicles in its portfolio.
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