Improving security, providing legal certainty and expanding infrastructure are some of the challenges that Mexico must take on in order to attract investment and capitalize on the opportunities offered by the relocation of production lines in our country, known as nearshoring .
At the 19th Annual Convention of the Mexican Institute of Foreign Trade Executives (IMECE) , Roberto Zapata , former Mexican ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and partner at Ansley Consultores Internacionales , considered that Mexico is in an unbeatable position to trigger nearshoring , due to its geographic location and, among other factors, the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) .
In this regard, he said that it must be understood that foreign trade is the most important dimension of the Mexican economy, so in view of the review of the T-MEC, which will take place in 2026, the negotiating team must defend what it has already won.
In addition, the country must open up to trade agreements with the European Union and seek other markets, as well as make progress on internal issues, such as infrastructure investment.
Zapata said that the review will be harsh, since the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump , threatened to impose tariffs of 25% on Mexico if it did not stop the flow of migrants, which is linked to issues that are not commercial.
In response, he suggested trying to approach Trump’s team before he takes office, in order to try to deactivate that measure.
At the roundtable discussion Mexico in the world capitalizing on opportunities , Julie Poirier , trade policy advisor at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico , highlighted the achievements over the past 30 years with trade collaboration and the USMCA, which has translated into an increase in trilateral trade .
Although he said there are opportunities for Mexico due to nearshoring , he pointed out that there are also challenges that are linked to the country’s current situation, as well as energy infrastructure, the lack of industrial spaces, water supply and reforms such as that of the Judiciary.
Canadian companies have a vision of sustainable development and are ready to invest more, especially in the mining sector, he said, adding that the review of the USMCA is an opportunity for this trade agreement to remain valid and useful , and will also allow Mexico to think more about Canada and vice versa.
For his part, Jorge Peydro Aznar , head of the economic and commercial section of the European Union delegation in Mexico , said that for European companies to invest in our country, various factors must be guaranteed , including, he said, the energy issue, which must come from renewable sources. Other challenges include providing legal certainty and strengthening the infrastructure on roads and airports, and combating insecurity.
He said that for Europe, Mexico is a land of opportunity, despite all the areas of opportunity that exist, since it continues to be a stable country.
In turn, Samanta Anguiano , general director of China Chamber Mexico , said that Chinese companies seek certainty in their investments , infrastructure , energy and talent training .
He explained that there are challenges with business culture and other factors such as time zones in that Asian country. He also stated that China will be an important issue in the review of the USMCA in 2026.
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