QUERÉTARO, QRO.- Mexico is emerging as an “island of certainty” within the new international disorder, marked by a global environment where economic uncertainty, trade tensions and accelerated technological transformation prevail, agreed the participants of the panel “ The evolution of international trade. A view from Mexico ” .
Within the framework of the XXXI Mexican Foreign Trade Congress , organized by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce Nacional) , Altagracia Gómez Sierra , coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR), highlighted that, despite low economic growth and international volatility, the country has the opportunity to break with its historical inertia through a clear strategy of investment, talent development and industrial strengthening.
“Major changes call for caution, but also for opportunity. The Mexico Plan sets clear goals: to raise investment to 28% of GDP by 2030, to promote technical and dual education, to strengthen SMEs, and to increase added value in strategic sectors such as automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and semiconductors,” he said.
Gómez Sierra stressed that current challenges such as inflation, tariff redefinition and global competition require joint work between government, businesses and regions , pointing to Querétaro as an example of intersectoral collaboration.
“Our goals are not partisan or governmental, they are national. Unity of purpose and the capacity for adaptation are what will allow us to take advantage of the global realignment,” he emphasized .
From a global perspective, Antonio Ortiz Mena , president of the T-MEC Strategy Technical Committee of Comce, stated that the international context is undergoing three profound transformations: the new international disorder , derived from the weakening of the multilateral system; the resurgence of economic nationalism , which reconfigures the rules of trade; and the artificial intelligence revolution , which redefines productivity and comparative advantages.
In response, Mexico has remained a country that fulfills its international commitments and a reliable destination for investment.
“We are an island of serenity in a sea of disorder. Mexico honors its agreements and maintains an open economy, but with direction. This pragmatic economic nationalism, based on public-private collaboration, distinguishes us from other economies,” the specialist noted.
Regarding the review of the USMCA, Gómez Sierra stated that Mexico is prepared and has a solid position, the result of years of adaptation to changes in international economic policy.
“We are not starting from scratch. Mexico has successfully navigated global adjustments and continues to comply with the rules of origin that allow tariff-free exports. What lies ahead is a technical negotiation, but with a clear direction,” he added.
He added that the treaty review represents an opportunity to increase regional added value and foster innovation instead of limiting itself to assembly.
“The key will be in the preparation and in the holistic negotiation vision that benefits the three North American countries,” he stressed.
In closing, Ortiz Mena emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should take advantage of the current context to connect with large corporations and incorporate new technologies.
“SMEs are not separate from large companies: they must integrate into their value chains and prepare for the artificial intelligence revolution, which will transform production and trade,” he warned.
The economist noted that the USMCA includes a specific chapter for SMEs, and that their regional strengthening will be crucial for the country’s competitiveness.
The panel highlighted a message of cautious optimism: Mexico has the assets, institutional stability, and creativity necessary to lead a new phase of regional integration . However, its success will depend on maintaining unity of purpose and accelerating technological adoption.
“Great changes always bring great opportunities. Mexico is ready to take advantage of them, if we move forward together,” Altagracia Gómez summarized.
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