Seminar's presentations
1. Business Opportunities and Key Sectors in Mexico
Dominic Têtu
International Business Advisor – Mexico
Export Québec
2. What are the development projects for Mexico?
Joel Enriquez
Trade Commissioner & Director
ProMéxico Montréal
3. What does the future hold for NAFTA?
Michèle Rioux
Director, Centre for Studies on Integration and Globalization, and Professor in the Political Science Department
UQAM
Mathieu Arès
Co-Director, Centre for Studies on Integration and Globalization, and Professor in the Political Science Department
UQAM
4. Business Environment, Legal and taxation Framework in Mexico
Marc Bélanger
Lawyer specialized in international taxation
DS Avocats
5. Transport and Customs
Richard Martel
CEO
AP International
6. Mexican Business Culture
Erandi Motte Cortés
International Business Commissioner
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
7. Testimonial from a Quebec company active on the Mexican market
Manuel Ribeiro
CEO & Managing Director
Stratecca
8. Testimonial from a Quebec company active on the Mexican market
Robert Sibthorpe
CEO
Lovepac
The activity in brief
Canada’s third largest trade partner, Mexico offers a favourable business climate that combines the advantages of emerging markets (growth, accelerated resource development, new middle class) and the properties of advanced economies (predictability, efficient courts, access to capital). Mexico is an open economy with eleven free trade agreements covering 46 countries.
As the new president of the United States, Donald Trump, has stated his desire to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts, Quebec entrepreneurs have everything to gain by getting better informed about possible upcoming changes. This renegotiation comes with some uncertainty about the vast free trade zone linking Mexico, the United States, and Canada. If successful, it could allow for the modernization of this treaty that came into effect 23 years ago.
On March 28, attend this seminar on business opportunities in Mexico, during which you will get up to speed on Mexico’s economic policies and get a glimpse of future prospects on this market.
You will also be able to speak to the presenters and to entrepreneurs about their practical experience in Mexico, benefiting from their advice about the best business development strategies to adopt in order to respond to the market’s new reality. These leaders will give you the means to enter the market and develop your share in Mexico’s economy.
A unique opportunity to…
- Understand the challenges and issues of doing business in Mexico resulting from the renegotiation of NAFTA
- Get a glimpse of future prospects for Quebec companies
- Identify business opportunities for your company
- Assess your potential and define your development strategy for the Mexican market
- Hear the testimonials of Quebec entrepreneurs who have found success on this market
- Meet potential partners and key players for your projects in Mexico.
Program
Why Mexico?
In 2017, Mexico’s economy continues to grow at an annual average of 2.8%—growth that has continued for close to 20 years now. The country currently enjoys good economic stability, a favourable and constantly improving business climate, and a reliable banking system, all of which significantly contribute to reducing medium and long-term commercial risks. Under its current government, led by President Peña Nieto, Mexico has undertaken reforms that aim to stimulate its competitiveness and its economic growth. The public sector estimates that these reforms—in particular those concerning energy—will have positive impacts on trade and investment in the medium and long term.
The country has two competitive advantages: its qualified workforce and its proximity to numerous other markets. This is strengthened through about a dozen free trade agreements with over 45 countries. In addition, Mexico has also developed “Sector Promotion Programs” that notably aim to reduce or eliminate customs duties in several sectors.
The redrafting of NAFTA—or, if it fails, the establishment of tariff barriers on US-Mexico trade—could, according to seasoned observers, create perfect opportunities for local companies to take the bull by the horns and present themselves as choice trade partners for Mexico.
Mexico facts and figures:
- 11th most populous country in the world, with 122 million inhabitants
- More than a third of the population is part of the middle class
- 20% demographic growth anticipated by 2020
- 14th most powerful economy in the world in terms of GDP, possibly ranking 8th by 2030
- GDP growth of over 2%
- The world’s 14th biggest importer (400 billion USD)
- Canada’s 4th biggest importer (5.5 billion CAD)
- 3,000 Canadian companies operating in the country
- Imports from Quebec valued at 1.21 billion CAD in 2014, that is an increase of 20% compared to 2013
- 2nd most popular destination for Canadian tourists, with over 2 million visiting Mexico each year
The best reasons for doing business in Mexico:
- 46 free trade agreements, including NAFTA, which link Mexico to several countries in South America, Asia, and the European Union
- 2nd most powerful economy in Latin America, and the biggest exporter and importer in the region
- 2nd largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investments in Latin America
- A solid and longstanding relationship with Canada facilitates trade and the resolution of problems
Who should attend?
Entrepreneurs that want to expand onto the Mexican market, or that are already operating on the market but want to learn more about how trade agreement renegotiations could affect their development strategies.
The seminar will be of particular interest to companies in the following sectors:
- Aerospace
- Cars and trucks
- Retail trade
- Construction and infrastructure
- Electricity
- Mines and metals
- Oil and natural gas
- Plastics and chemical products
- Telecommunications
- Urban transport and logistics
- Companies with experience on the Mexican market
Take a fresh look at Mexico, a promising market in the context of the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.