Amidst the trade disputes sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump, Francisco Cervantes, president of the Mexican business organization CCE, embarks on a work trip from March 28 to April 1, 2025, with the aim of strengthening commercial ties between Mexico and the European Union (EU).
Objectives:
- Foster strategic relationships between private sectors in Mexico, Belgium, and the EU.
- Identify investment opportunities to boost trade between both regions.
Key Meetings:
Cervantes conducted crucial meetings in Belgium with key economic actors, including:
- Marcus Beyrer and Eleonora Catella, General Director and Deputy Director of Business Europe, respectively.
- The European branch of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
- The Valonia Export and Foreign Investment Agency (AWEX).
Significance:
Business Europe, representing 20 million companies across 35 European countries, plays a pivotal role in amplifying Mexico’s corporate presence within the EU. These strategic meetings aim to establish a more dynamic trade exchange and sustainable growth between Mexico and the EU.
Mexico-Belgium Economic Ties:
- 7th largest commercial partner in the EU for Mexico.
- 5th largest foreign investor in Mexico, with bilateral trade surpassing $3 billion annually and a consistent growth trend over two decades.
- Notable exports include chemicals, minerals, cargo vehicles, vegetables, alcoholic beverages, coffee, and derivatives. Key exporting states are Mexico City, Sonora, and Tamaulipas.
- From 1999 to 2024, Belgium invested $27.5 billion in Mexico, solidifying its position as a major foreign investor.
This initiative underscores CCE’s commitment to enhancing commercial and investment linkages between Mexico and Europe, amidst global trade uncertainties.
