By H. E. Eduardo Ibarrola – Nicolin, Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to OPCW.
Mexico is a great country. It is a stable democracy with regular federal, state and municipal elections and respect of human rights. In geographical extension Mexico is number 14 in the world with coastlines on two oceans and a great biodiversity; the country has a majority young population, reflecting a hardworking, studious and dynamic social environment that share family and friendship values, making them a competitive labour force.
For decades Mexico has had an open economy with a significant presence of domestic and foreign private investment. We have signed free trade, promotion and protection of investment agreements with more than 40 countries. The output of the country is based in a broadly diversified manufacture sector, including high-tech products (aerospace, automotive); agroindustry and commodities; energy and mining; infrastructure and a broad scope of services. Mexico has a consistent and solid macroeconomic stability with a reduced deficit, public debt under control, low inflation and strong international reserves.
Cultural diversity is part of our History. Today, Mexico is the result of an encounter of two worlds, as a highly respected historian said, based on the existence of indigenous population living in its territory before the arrival of the Spaniards in the early Sixteenth Century that mixed with the culture they brought from Europe.
Internationally, Mexico is a country of multiple belongings. Geographically we are located in North America and most of our trade, investments and migration is with the United States and Canada; but we are culturally Latin American with a very close relationship with Central and South America and the Caribbean; historically we have strategic relations with the Atlantic countries and we are developing intense relations with the Pacific Basin countries.
With a view to achieving greater equality and maximizing the potential of the country President Enrique Peña Nieto (2012 – 2018) set five goals that are orienting his government: combating crime and promoting the rule of law; poverty reduction; improve quality education; economic growth and improving infrastructure; as well as intensifying a responsible international presence.
The President, with the support of the vast majority of the political forces represented in Congress, enacted several structural reforms. Some of them are aimed at increasing Mexico´s productivity: energy, antitrust, financial system, taxes, telecommunications and broadcasting and labour. Others are focused on extending the rights of Mexicans and strengthening democratic freedoms: education, legal system and political – electoral. These structural reforms will tackle inequality and poverty and will promote growth, employment and social security.
Historically, Mexico and The Netherlands have sustained good international relations. The Netherlands was among the first countries to recognize the Independence of Mexico from Spain. In 1827 both countries signed a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. Today, both countries participate in several multilateral fora (climate change, disarmament and non-proliferation, human rights) and in several international organizations of the UN System; the courts of international justice located in The Hague, OPCW and OECD just to mention a few.
For almost a century some Dutch companies have been in Mexico doing business. Shell and Philips are two good examples, and KLM just had his 60th Anniversary of daily nonstop flights from Amsterdam – Schiphol to Mexico City. On the other hand, Mexican firms are now investing in The Netherlands (telecommunications, food and beverages, infrastructure) and several Mexican products can be bought in Dutch stores.
Heineken just announced an important new investment in the State of Chihuahua in the North part of Mexico where the company will build a new brewery. The Netherlands is developing a project in the State of Tabasco for water management that will help the local government and the population avoid the frequent floods that affect those low lands in México.
Agribusiness is another good example of the projects that are carried out together. Wageningen University is implementing several agropark projects that could benefit the producers in Mexico and will make more efficient the commercialization of their products.
Mexico has an important Embassy in The Hague. It is a medium size dual diplomatic representation: bilateral and multilateral. It is important to point out that the Embassy of Mexico in the Netherlands is in permanent coordination with the Dutch Embassy in Mexico City to develop and follow up different programs between the two countries.
PROMEXICO, a federal government agency responsible for supporting the exportation of Mexican products and coordinating the attraction of foreign investments to Mexico has a permanent office of representation at the Embassy in The Hague. The business community can take advantage of these professional services of information, advice and match making.
Mexico has also four Honorary Consuls in The Netherlands that help us in the promotion of business with Mexico. All of them are distinguished Dutch citizens with experience in trade and investments and an extended professional background.
The Dutch – Mexican Investment Council (DMIC) is a recent informal group that holds together companies with presence in Mexico or with the intention of doing business in Mexico , in order to exchange experiences, ideas and projects.
There is a Mexican community in The Netherlands. Very often you will find lovely babies in the premises of the beautiful building of the Embassy whose parents are requesting birth certificates or new passports; usually the mother is Mexican and the father Dutch. There are also young Mexican professionals working in Dutch firms, especially in the ones that have investments in Mexico or Mexican stock.
Education is another good example of the interaction between both countries. NUFFIC has an office in Mexico, promoting the presence of Mexicans in Dutch universities studying a variety of programs from engineering to performing arts. The Netherlands is now a good opportunity for Mexicans to study abroad.
Mexico is also a country of unique beauty. The large influx of visitors can enjoy the traditional Mexican hospitality, wonderful weather and delicious food. In addition to unique beaches, there is also a wealth of archaeological sites and colonial cities, with the ever presence of spectacular museums and all kinds of artistic expressions. You can see the multiple options for traveling to Mexico in www.visitmexico.com. European tourists do not require a visa to travel to Mexico.
Mexico is one of the most competitive countries for productive investment. The business community in The Netherlands is invited to look at the changes that are taking place in Mexico, to invest and trade with a country where you will find a robust domestic market and a strategic geographical location. But most important, visit Mexico and enjoy amazing places that you will always remember.
