Ministry of Economy strengthens relationship with Japan

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard led a high-level meeting with representatives of the Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN) and the Japanese Embassy in Mexico. The meeting aimed to strengthen economic cooperation and address the main challenges facing Japanese companies operating in the country.

According to a press release, issues related to the USMCA were also discussed as part of the dialogue on the trade and investment environment in North America.

Representing the Ministry of Economy were the Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce, Ximena Escobedo Juarez, and the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Luis Rosendo Gutierrez Romano. Also in attendance was Maria De Haas Matamoros, Director General of Technical Coordination.

Representing Japan were Kozo Honsei, Japan’s Ambassador to Mexico, and Seiji Kuraishi, Chair of the Japan-Mexico Economic Committee and advisor to KEIDANREN and Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The Japanese delegation emphasized the importance of working together to strengthen the presence of Japanese companies in Mexico.

Ebrard reiterated the commitment to maintaining an ongoing dialogue, facilitating investments, and strengthening competitiveness and value chains in Mexico.

The Ministry of Economy reported that it is monitoring 39 Japanese investment projects; it noted that, over the past five months, 90% of the challenges identified in the business environment have been addressed.

It was also agreed to continue coordination on energy, customs, and trade facilitation matters.