WT/TPR/M/429  
28 November 2022 
(22-8846) Page: 1/64 
Trade Policy Review Body   
5 and 7 October 2022  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
MEXICO 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .....................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MEXICO  ................................ .... 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ......................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MEXICO  AND ADDITIONAL  
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  53 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  63 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Mexico  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 429/Add.1  and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPE RSON  
1.1.  The se venth  Trade Policy Review of Mexico  was held on 5 and 7  October  2022. Following the 
Rules and Procedures of the TPRDB,  H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme (Botswana) , in her capacity 
as Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body ( DSB), chaired the meeting on behalf of the current 
Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body ( TPRB), H.E.  Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez (Mexico) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson  welcomed the delegation of Mexico , headed by H.E.  Ms Luz María de la Mora 
Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade in the Secretariat of Economy ; H.E. Ambassador Ángel 
Villalobos Rodríguez, Permanent Representative of Mexico  to the WTO; the rest of the delegation; 
and the discussant, H.E. Ms Clare Kelly (New  Zealand) . The Chairperson wa s pleased that, in 
addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited from the Interprefy online connection, 
allowing for a wider participation of the Membership .  
1.3.  The Chairperson called Members' attention to the presence of the participants of the 
Introductory  Trade Policy Course for LDCs , who were very interested in attending this review 
meeting.  
1.4.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The Report by Mexico  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 429, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 429. 
1.5.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: the 
Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia ; Singapore; Colombia; Canada; Hong  Kong,  China; Japan; 
the Dominican  Republic; the United  States; Israel; Costa  Rica; the European  Union; Argentina; 
the Philippines; Australia; Ukraine; Chile; Iceland;  Chinese  Taipei; Brazil; Swit zerland; the  Republic 
of Korea; New  Zealand; the United  Kingdom; Guatemala; and China.  The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline:  Türkiye ; Ecuador; Malaysia; Viet  Nam; India; 
Uruguay; El  Salvador; the  Republic of Moldova; and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  
1.6.  At the time of the previous Review, Members had commended Mexico for its economic growth 
despite challenges caused by rising financial market volatility and the collapse of oil prices. According 
to the Secretariat's Report prepared for the cu rrent Review, Mexico had experienced a severe 
downturn starting in mid 2018, followed by a slight contraction in real GDP in 2019.  
1.7.  In 2020, the Mexican economy was also severely affected by the COVID -19 pandemic. 
However, support measures adopted to deal with the pandemic had helped economic activities 
recover, as preliminary GDP figures for 2021 and 2022 show GDP growth exceeding pre -pandemic 
levels.  
1.8.  During the past Review in 2017, Members had encouraged Mexico to diversify trade. However, 
the Reports st ill show that Mexican trade is still highly dependent on a single market. Exports also 
remain ed predominantly dominated by manufactured goods. In th at regard, it would be interesting 
to hear about Mexico's efforts to diversify its trading partners and expo rt products.  
1.9.  In 2017, Members commended Mexico's commitment to free trade and the multilateral trading 
system. Members also had praised Mexico for adopting trade facilitation measures. These efforts 
continued during the current review period.  
1.10.   During the previous Review, Members had expressed some concerns regarding the use of 
non-tariff barriers, in particular trade remedies.  
1.11.   The Chairperson was  pleased to note that Mexico had reduced recourse to these measures 
during the 2017 -21 period. At th e same time, it was  also note d that the average applied MFN tariff 
rose somewhat since the previous Review.  
1.12.   On sectoral policies, as in 2017, Members had inquired about support programmes in the 
agriculture sector. It was noted in the Secretariat Report th at Mexico's agricultural policy aims at 
achieving food self-sufficiency . Members would be interested in hearing about the effectiveness of 
the policies adopted during the review period in attaining this objective.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  1.13.   Regarding the energy sector, in their adv ance written questions, Members  raised concerns 
about measures implemented to reverse competition in sectors that were liberalized in 2013.  
1.14.   Other issues raised in the Members' advance written questions include d the foreign 
investment regime, SPS and TBT me asures; the competition regime; the scope of the public 
procurement regime; the new IPR legislation; and the telecommunications sector.  
1.15.   In total, Mexico received more than 800  advance written questions from 34  delegations, out 
of which 25 were sent within  the established deadline. Prior to this meeting, Mexico provided written 
replies to questions submitted within the deadline, as well as some additional ones. The Chairperson  
looked forward to hearing Mexico's updates on these issues during the two -day mee ting. 
1.16.   The meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for Mexico to update the Membership on the impact of  the pandemic on its economy and 
the responses to cope with the economic emergency. The Chairperson looked forward to a fruitful 
discussion.  
1.17.   The Chairperson closed her introductory remarks by wishing Mexico  a very successful seventh  
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MEXICO ( H.E. MS LUZ MARÍA DE LA 
MORA SÁNCHEZ ) 
2.1.  Thank you, Chair. It is an honour to lead the delegation participating in this seventh  Trade 
Policy Review of Mexico.  
2.2.  I express my sincerest thanks to the Ambassador o f Botswana, Athaliah Molokomme, for 
chairing this meeting and for her valuable comments; to the Ambassador of New Zealand, 
Clare Kelly, who knows Mexico very well and is honouring us today with her participation as 
discussant; to the Trade Policies Review Division for its comprehensive and professional report; and 
to all Members for their interest in my country's trade policies, as demonstrated by the 766  questions 
that we have received to date, which relate to, inter alia, opening -up strategy, operational aspects 
of trade and investment policies, intellectual property, agriculture and services.  
2.3.  The period covered by this seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico was characterized by a 
gloomy global economic environment. Growing trade tensions and a lack of poli tical will to strengthen 
the multilateral trading system contributed to an environment of uncertainty and a weakening of 
economic activity, which was significantly exacerbated by the effects of the fight against the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
2.4.  The ongoing uneven re covery in various regions is now being affected by global inflation. The 
combination of excessive demand for loose fiscal and monetary policies and disruptions to energy 
and agri -food industry supply chains, caused in part by the aggression by the Russian  Federation 
against Ukraine, has led to a rise in prices that has not been seen for decades.  
2.5.  Efforts to restore price stability are involving the use of policies that will reduce economic 
activity, with consequences for investment, trade, employment and wel l-being.  
2.6.  Against this backdrop, in 2020, the Mexican economy was hit by the effects of the pandemic 
and recorded a significant fall in GDP of 8.2%. This was followed by growth of 4.8% in 2021, largely 
underpinned by a rapid recovery of our foreign trade, which is highly integrated into the economy 
of the United  States and value chains and is already exceeding pre -pandemic levels. This revival of 
the economy is also explained by the more subdued recovery of services sectors such as tourism 
and transp ort. 
2.7.  The application of policies and programmes for liquidity provision and bank creditworthiness, 
mainly aimed at micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, also contributed to the ongoing 
recovery. The prudent management of fiscal and monetary policy has  helped preserve financial and 
foreign exchange stability, as well as access to international capital markets.  
2.8.  It should be mentioned that, in order to maintain the flow of vaccines and medical products 
during the pandemic, Mexico facilitated trade and coo rdinated action with counterparts in specific 
sectors to ensure the prompt revival of supply chains, which certainly contributed to the revitalization 
of the economy.  
2.9.  Mexico launched its outward -oriented growth strategy in the 1980s. Since then, it has act ively 
participated in multilateral trade and has built a network of regional and bilateral agreements that 
have enabled it to strongly integrate into international trade and investment markets.  
2.10.   Mexico's annual international trade in goods now exceeds USD  1 billion and the country is 
among the top 10  economies for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The move from being a 
primarily oil -exporting economy to being one of the main exporters of manufactured goods cannot 
be explained without taking into ac count the opening -up process and the attraction of FDI, which 
has contributed to the development of the manufacturing export platform and the modernization of 
certain service sectors.  
2.11.   Mexico has focused its trade policy strategies on three pillars: diversi fication, innovation and 
inclusion. The export sector and the attraction of FDI are key for economic growth and development, 
the creation of more and better jobs, access to new technologies and production processes, and a 
broad offer of competitively -priced goods and services for consumers, producers and suppliers alike.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  2.12.   During the review period, the negotiating agenda was advanced to expand and deepen the 
network of trade agreements and treaties, thereby helping to deepen integration into international 
markets and value chains, promote diversification and inclusiveness and foster sustainable economic 
development.  
2.13.   The Mexico -United  States -Canada Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive 
Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership, the Trade Continuity Agreement with the United  Kingdom, 
the modernized Mexico -European  Union Free Trade Agreement (in the process of being signed) and 
the Singapore -Pacific Alliance Free Trade Agreement are modern and ambitious agreements that will 
foster greater in tegration in the world's most dynamic regions.  
2.14.   The ongoing negotiations with the United Kingdom, the European Free Trade Association, 
Ecuador, the Republic of Korea and the candidate Pacific Alliance Associate States, in addition to the 
modernization of ou r agreement with Israel, are expected to result in the strengthening of our 
network of state -of-the-art treaties for the benefit of enterprises, particularly MSMEs, and other 
sectors of the economy that have not traditionally been involved in foreign trade , such as women, 
indigenous communities and the general population.  
2.15.   Turning to operational aspects of trade and certain sectors, since our last Trade Policy Review, 
developments relating to trade in goods include the adoption of the sixth amendment to the 
Harmonized System and the update of the tariff schedule in the Law on General Import and Export 
Taxes (TIGIE). These developments resulted in a restructuring of our nomenclature, which now has 
7,895  tariff lines, while the applied MFN tariffs, which are at  zero for 48% of all tariff lines, remain 
unchanged. In May  2022, the Government implemented the "Package to combat inflation and high 
living costs" (PACIC), through which it provides temporary exemptions (until November  2022) from 
import tariffs for produ cts classified under 73  tariff lines that form part of the basic food basket, with 
a view to tackling the increase in prices.  
2.16.   Manufacturing is the main component of Mexico's foreign trade, with imports and exports 
accounting for over 85% of total merchandi se trade. Mexico has also established itself as a net 
exporter of agricultural products thanks to its competitive offer of fruit, vegetables and beverages.  
2.17.   The importance of the agricultural sector for the country goes beyond its contribution to GDP 
and tr ade (in 2021 it contributed 3.8% of GDP and accounted for 8.6% of total exports), since a 
significant part of the rural population depends on agricultural activity. Accordingly, the Mexican 
National Development Plan 2019 -24 seeks to "save the countryside" through a policy offering 
support to increase production, competitiveness and sustainability, while also promoting greater 
inclusion and incomes for vulnerable and marginalized populations, particularly in priority crops such 
as maize and beans.  
2.18.   In trade i n services, it is worth mentioning the enactment of the Law Regulating Financial 
Technology Institutions, known as the "Fintech Law". This is the first legislation of its kind in 
Latin America and it provides legal certainty to users of the platforms of th is type of financial service.  
2.19.   Mexico has also taken a number of measures in this important sector in order to strengthen 
"financial inclusion", such as the reform of the Law Regulating Financial Groups, which established 
the National Council for Financial Inclusion. Furthermore, in March of this year, the Inter -Institutional 
Committee for Gender Equality in Financial Institutions was established as a body for promoting 
greater inclusion of women in the financial sector and in the Mexican economy.  
2.20.   In the tel ecommunications sector, the National Digital Strategy 2021 -24 was established to 
enable the efficient and inclusive use and development of information and communication 
technologies (ICT), including broadband and internet services to enhance the country's 
development.  
2.21.   In the services sector, the tourism sector is a major generator of jobs and foreign exchange. 
In order to safeguard the viability of its development, it is important to promote sustainability, 
leading to greater consideration of ecosystems and  the improvement of measures for tackling 
climate change.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  2.22.   In this regard, the Sectoral Programme for Tourism 2020 -24, the priority objectives of which 
include encouraging sustainable tourism, promotes projects that drive the development of tourism 
and cont ribute to reducing negative environmental impacts, with coordination among various levels 
of government, entrepreneurs and society as a whole.  
2.23.   With regard to FDI, the review period saw Mexico exceed its historical average in terms of 
resources attracted, a lthough during the pandemic there was a significant reduction in flows 
attracted in 2020. This contraction was lower than the percentage reduction in global flows, while, 
in 2021, flows returned to annual levels of over USD  30,000  million.  
2.24.   The combination of a broad network of investment agreements and investment -friendly 
legislation has enabled Mexico to attract significant FDI flows that supplement domestic investment, 
thereby contributing to economic growth and development, employment and innovation.  
2.25.   In addition to the 12  trade agreements containing chapters on investment, Mexico has a 
network of 30  bilateral investment agreements and has initiated a modernization process for some 
of them.  
2.26.   Mexico's legal framework for FDI is highly open; few activities ar e reserved for the State and 
for nationals, and the percentages and criteria for the few activities that do involve limitations or 
requirements for foreigners are transparent. I would like to highlight that, during the review period, 
the permitted percenta ge share of foreign investment in domestic air transport, international air taxi 
and specialized air transport activities increased from 25% to 49%.  
2.27.   It should be noted that, in 2021, in collaboration with UNCTAD, the InvestinMx digital platform 
was designe d to present to investors the procedures and requirements for possible investment in a 
simple and structured manner.  
2.28.   Mexico considers that effective international integration requires a flexible interface between 
its regulations and foreign commitments. Du ring the review period, laws were established and action 
taken to that end, including:  
2.29.   The Law on Quality Infrastructure, issued in July  2020, modernizes the legal framework for 
standardization in order to adequately reflect Mexico's commitments under exis ting international 
treaties, as well as international best practices, in line with the recommendations and good practices 
of the United  Nations system in terms of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.  
2.30.   In the area of intellectual property, the F ederal Law on Intellectual Property Protection was 
enacted in order to strengthen the intellectual property system and fulfil the commitments made 
under the international agreements signed by Mexico. Our country promotes intellectual property 
protection, w hich encourages innovation, technological progress and investment.  
2.31.   The National Trade Facilitation Committee was established pursuant to the commitments 
contained in the Trade Facilitation Agreement, in order to facilitate coordination among Federal 
Govern ment departments and bodies in the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes 
and measures that expedite trade, as well as to implement and apply the provisions of this 
Agreement.  
2.32.   At the multilateral level, Mexico's level of integration into globa l trade and investment flows 
means that the effective functioning of the multilateral trading system is essential for the country. 
The country's extensive network of agreements falls under the WTO umbrella and major issues can 
only be resolved with the col lective will of its Members. Mexico is an active participant in the work 
of this Organization and stands ready to contribute to strengthening this system.  
2.33.   The Organization's poor performance reduces the inherent benefits of trade, limiting potential 
growth  in investment, employment and living standards.  
2.34.   Mexico therefore welcomes the outcome of MC12, which surpassed even the most optimistic 
scenario envisaged, as well as the fact that it ended with a multilateral agreement on fisheries 
subsidies that will fo rm part of the WTO covered agreements. This gives renewed credibility to the 
WTO, which should help push forward the agenda.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  2.35.   Among the agreements reached by Ministers, Mexico considers that the work on WTO Reform 
will be key for reinvigorating the pillars of the WTO and ensuring that the multilateral trading system 
fulfils its mandate in full.  
2.36.   In particular, it is worth highlighting the commitment of Ministers to ensuring that the system 
is fully functional and accessible for all by 2024, thereby addressing the crisis relating to the dispute 
settlement pillar. Mexico, as a significant user of this mechanism, has collaborated and actively 
participated in: (i)  the joint proposal for launching the Appellate Body selection process, tog ether 
with 126 other Members; and (ii)  the negotiation of the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration 
Arrangement (MPIA), to provide a temporary solution to the deadlock in the Appellate Body.  
2.37.   Mexico is mindful of the need to promote discussions that address new trade challenges and 
therefore participates constructively in the joint initiatives relating to e -commerce, investment 
facilitation, domestic regulation of services and MSMEs, in addition to the trade and environmental 
sustainability initiative . 
2.38.   To that end, Mexico is seeking to improve and increase the transparency of measures that 
foster trade in services, support the participation of MSMEs in world trade, create a business 
environment that is more efficient, predictable and conducive to inves tment, and to join efforts that 
contribute to the transition to a green economy and to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals.  
2.39.   Against this backdrop, Mexico is aware that the severe effects of plastic pollution require 
common and urgent action to exte nd and harmonize current global efforts. I therefore consider that 
today is a good time to announce the incorporation of Mexico into the Informal Dialogue on Plastics 
Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade. Mexico shares the objective of achieving 
concrete, pragmatic and effective outcomes for the benefit of the environment.  
2.40.   I must also highlight, as part of the MC12 outcomes, the recent and clear recognition by 
Ministers of women's economic empowerment and the contribution of MSMEs to inc lusive and 
sustainable growth, both of which are priorities on Mexico's agenda. Accordingly, in order to 
contribute to international cooperation on trade and gender, Mexico joined the Inclusive Trade Action 
Group (ITAG) and the Global Trade and Gender Arra ngement (GTAGA) in 2021. In the same year, 
it also joined the "SheTrades Outlook" initiative of the International Trade Centre. Furthermore, 
Mexico is an active participant in the Pacific Alliance's Gender Technical Group and the WTO Informal 
Working Group  on Trade and Gender.  
2.41.   Mexico remains committed to promoting the participation of MSMEs in international trade. 
Since the last Review, the Government has implemented various measures to support and train 
Mexican MSMEs for greater and improved integration in to the digital economy and international 
markets through the development of business skills, virtual business round tables and the use of 
digital tools and platforms. Likewise, Mexico actively supports the work of the Informal Working 
Group on MSMEs within  the WTO.  
2.42.   Against a backdrop of unilateral and protectionist initiatives, Mexico recognizes the importance 
of trade as a central tool for economic growth and development, and reaffirms its commitment to 
an open, functional and transparent multilateral trad ing system.  
2.43.   We will continue to push forward proposals that will enable the WTO to adequately address 
the current realities and challenges of international trade, while actively participating in the 
discussions aimed at the much -needed reform of the WTO. W e will also do so in the outstanding 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies, the extension of the exemption for COVID -19 vaccines and the 
moratorium on electronic transmissions, as well as in the discussions to bring about a possible 
negotiation of agricultur al disciplines.  
2.44.   Lastly, I reiterate our gratitude for the opportunity to present Mexico's trade policy priorities 
and developments. I also thank Members for their active participation in this exercise that 
undoubtedly promotes transparency, the inter -agenc y coherence of the country under review and 
compliance with the obligations and rules of this Organization, in addition to the improved 
functioning of the multilateral trading system.  
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I would like to begin by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico, led by the 
Under secretary for Foreign Trade, Luz  María de  la Mora Sánchez; and to the very distinguished 
Ambassador Villalobos and his team from the Permanent Mission to the WTO.  
3.2.  Mexico is a major world economy and a st aunch supporter of multilateralism and the WTO, in 
addition to being strongly committed to bilateral and regional trade and economic integration 
initiatives. At the personal level, it was a privilege for me to serve as the Ambassador of New  Zealand 
to Mexi co between 2013 and 2017, and I am delighted to be discussant at the country's 
seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
3.3.  Trade policy reviews would not be possible without the detailed work of delegations and the 
Secretariat. I would like to thank both Mexico and the S ecretariat for their comprehensive Reports, 
which enable Members to form a wider and deeper understanding of Mexico's trade and economic 
policies.  
3.4.  I would like to focus my comments today around three broad themes, which I hope will form a 
sound basis for o ur discussion.  
3.5.  Firstly, I would like to comment briefly on Mexico's economic performance during the period 
under review.  
3.6.  The global economy has had to grapple with the shocks and strains of the C OVID -19 pandemic 
during the review period. For Mexico, these have been years of severe economic challenge, which 
have impeded its economic growth. During Mexico's previous TPR period, 2012 -2017, GDP expanded 
at an annual average rate of 2.5%. Members noted the contribution to this result of a combination 
of sound macroeconomic management, ambitious structural reform and initiatives to diversify trade, 
as well as significant inward foreign investment. Growth began to slow thereafter and in 2020, GDP 
sharply contracted by 8.2 %, as the impacts of the pandemic on p roduction, consumption and 
employment spread through the economy. All sectors were hit hard, but the services industries were 
most affected, contracting from 60.1% share of GDP share to 58.4% in 2021. A growth surge of 
4.8% during 2021 has enabled Mexico t o maintain its growth trajectory on the positive side of the 
ledger, for the review period as a whole.  
3.7.  The Mexican government's response to the pandemic focused on three principal elements; 
maintaining overall macroeconomic stability, support for the belea guered health sector to contain 
and treat the pandemic, and support measures for Mexican households and businesses. The OECD's 
Economic Survey of Mexico published in February  2022 has commended the actions taken by Mexico 
to safeguard macroeconomic stabili ty throughout the pandemic, by maintaining a solid 
macroeconomic policy base, underpinned by innovative debt management, sound monetary policy 
and a flexible exchange rate regime.  
3.8.  Other support measures introduced by Mexico to mitigate the adverse economic  effects of the 
pandemic were not targeted specifically toward s particular industries, but instead focused 
predominantly on Mexican families and small business, MSMEs in particular. An array of schemes 
and programmes were established, including to increase  overall liquidity in the economy, provide 
new digital tools for small businesses, extend credit and defer loans, enable small businesses to 
retain employees, and support access to business premises and family housing.  
3.9.  Mexico's trajectory to economic recov ery by the end of the review period is promising, despite 
the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and the high inflationary pressures to which most of the 
world's economics are currently exposed. In addition to its macroeconomic stability, trade and 
invest ment growth is steady, with trade growth exceeding pre -pandemic levels by 2021 and inwards 
investment flows now approaching those levels, with Mexico continuing to feature amongst the 
world's top 10 investment destinations, according to UNCTAD's World Inve stment Report of 2022. 
The services sector is recovering more slowly from its battering by the pandemic, but within it, the 
critical tourism industry is again making strong gains.  
3.10.   As the second theme of my comments, I'd like to reflect on Mexico's key trad e policy priorities 
during the period of the review.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  3.11.   Mexico traditionally views trade as a key driver of its economy and this has continued to be 
the case throughout the review period. Mexico's contribution to world trade is grounded in the WTO. 
It is a fo unding Member of the Organization and attaches considerable importance to a 
well-functioning rules -based international trading system. Its commitment to the promotion and 
advancement of the Organization is evidenced by its active and high -value contributio n to all aspects 
of the Organization's work, including providing Chairpersons for regular and negotiating bodies over 
the years, and its participation in JSIs to examine new issues. During the review period, Mexico 
established its National Trade Facilitati on Committee, which oversees implementation of the TFA. 
Mexico is not a member of the Government Procurement Agreement, nor of the Information 
Technology Agreement. It might  wish to reflect on this, given its commitment to supporting the 
system and its exp erience of negotiations on these issues at the bilateral and regional level, which 
could be shared with the WTO membership.  
3.12.   The strategic objectives for Mexico's trade policy agenda are set out in the National 
Development Plan for 2019 -2024 and the Sectora l Programme for the Economy for 2020 -2024. They 
are, broadly, to promote foreign trade, defend Mexico's trade interests and negotiate, implement 
and administer trade agreements. The opportunity that participating in trade creates for stimulating 
innovation , productivity and competitiveness within Mexican enterprises is well -recogni zed. 
3.13.   Within those policy parameters, two issues appear to be particular preoccupations. One 
focuses outward, on diversification of markets, and one inward, on inclusion, or ensuri ng that the 
benefits of participation in international trade are available to communities, sectors and regions 
which have not traditionally enjoyed them. In this respect Mexico has much in common with 
New Zealand and several other Members which have embark ed on parallel journeys over the same 
period.  
3.14.   Mexico is enormously committed to regional trade initiatives and its key markets remain highly 
concentrated within the Americas. The entry into force of the T -MEC/CUSMA/USMCA during 2020 is 
a major development of the review period. The upgrades and expansions of other regional 
partnerships and agreements, such as with Ecuador and Argentina, and the Pacific Alliance are also 
significant. Equally, the steps taken by Mexico to integrate more closely wit h the Asia -Pacific region 
through the conclusion of CPTPP, and entry into force for eight of its members, are an important 
declaration of intent on diversification, and on embedding Mexico within the supplies chains of that 
dynamic region. It is further wo rth noting that during the review period Mexico upgraded its 
agreement with the EU, launched negotiations with the U nited Kingdom  and the Republic of Korea 
and as a Pacific Alliance member, concluded negotiations with Singapore. This is an impressive set 
of achievements during a time of considerable pressure for Mexico's state sector officials.  
3.15.   A final feature of Mexico's trade policy during the review period I would like to note is the 
commendable emphasis placed by the Government of Mexico on gender inclu sion and the 
participation of MSMEs in international trade. Domestic inclusion efforts are buttressed by Mexico's 
active participation in regional fora and within the WTO's Informal Working Groups on Trade and 
Gender, and MSME s. New  Zealand has welcomed Mexico's decision to affiliate itself with the Inclusive 
Trade Action Group and the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement.  
3.16.   Finally, I'd like to turn to issues highlighted at this year's TPR.  
3.17.   With approximately 800 questions submitted by Members, it' s safe to say that there is 
considerable interest amongst delegations in engaging with Mexico's seven th Trade Policy Review . I 
will attempt to pick out some useful examples of issues raised.  
3.18.   Given the global context, it is unsurprising that questions on t he economic environment focus 
on programmes developed to fight the C OVID -19 pandemic. The Federal Law on Republican Austerity 
is another policy of interest.  
3.19.   In respect of the trade and investment regime, questions cover export diversification and RTA 
rules of origin, particularly under T -MEC. Mexico's intentions with respect to ITA accession are 
another theme, as is the functioning of Mexico's rules for government procurement. There is interest 
in reforms and restrictions in the foreign investment regime.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  3.20.   There are a range of questions on measures affecting imports. The relationship between the 
creation of the National Customs Agency (ANAM) and procedures and requirements for determining 
the value of imported goods, as well as continued requirements to use  customs brokers, is of 
interest. Further information is sought on the criteria for the economic analysis to determine the 
necessity to impose an import restriction. SPS measures are another area of focus . 
3.21.   On Sectoral Policies, the agriculture sector and s upport programmes and incentives provided 
to it are an enduring interest from the last review period. Further information is sought, for example, 
on the priorities of the National Development Plan in respect of "food self -sufficiency" and definitions 
of "sustainable production practi ces". Clean energy strategies and the sustainability of PEMEX are 
another sector of interest, as is Mexico's reforms to its Mining Law (April  2022), including the 
nationali zation of lithium and the creation of a state -run lithiu m agency. Questions have been 
submitted on services sector policies in financial services, telecommunications, air and maritime 
transport and port services and in respect of tourism, on access to FONATUR's investment financing.  
3.22.   These are of course only a s napshot of the questions submitted, and I now look forward to a 
fruitful and constructive exchange amongst the membership.  
3.23.   I would like therefore to bring my comments to a close, by thanking the delegation of Mexico, 
Under secretary de  la Mora and Ambassado r Villalobos for the opportunity to act as discussant today. 
I congratulate Mexico on its extensive and valuable contribution to the WTO and the rules -based 
trading system at large. I wish Mexico a successful and constructive seven th Trade Policy Review . 
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA  
4.1.  At the outset, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico headed 
by H.E.  Ms Luz Mar ía de la Mora Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade of Mexico.  
4.2.  The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia al so wishes to thank the Government of Mexico and the 
Secretariat of the WTO for their detailed Reports. We also thank the discussant H.E . Ms Clare Kelly 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of New  Zealand to the WTO for her introductory 
remarks.  
4.3.  The Secr etariat Report highlights that after being badly affected by COVID -19 pandemic, 
in 2021, the Mexican economy rebounded, with GDP growth of around 4.8%, thanks in large part to 
the measures adopted to deal with the pandemic, which were aimed primarily at as sisting the 
hardest -hit families and businesses.  
4.4.  We would like to commend Mexico for promoting export diversification and women's 
empowerment, actively participating in the WTO negotiations and discussions on new trade -related 
topics, creating the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM) in 2021, continuing to implement 
measures to facilitate trade, such as electronic customs clearance (paperless customs), the use of 
consolidated customs forms and the improvement of the Single Window for Mexican Foreign Trade , 
and wider opening its economy as three new treaties have entered into force for Mexico since 2017.  
4.5.  We congratulate Mexico for the significant reduction in the number of tariff lines during the 
review period, continuing to implement export promotion progr ammes, through which it offers tariff 
and tax concessions, particularly to the manufacturing sector which accounted for more than 85% 
of total exports, strengthening the industrial property rights regime by issuing the Federal Law on 
Industrial Property Pr otection in 2020.  
4.6.  The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia enjoys friendly relationship with Mexico. In March  2022, the 
Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia and Mexico held a Saudi -Mexican business forum in Riyadh to enhance 
trade, economic and investment cooperation especially in light of the strong relationship between 
the two friendly countries.  
4.7.  From bilateral front, trade exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia and Mexico reached 
about SAR 3.6 billion in 2021. Vehicles, electrical equipment, machinery applianc es are the most 
exported products from Mexico to the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia while plastics, glass and glassware, 
aluminium are the most imported products by Mexico from the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia.  
4.8.  We submitted a few questions to the delegation of Mexico,  and we thank them for the responses 
received which are currently been reviewed at the capital, and we will accordingly follow -up if 
necessary.  
4.9.  Before I conclude, I would like to thank H.E . Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez , Ambassador and 
Permanent Representa tive of Mexico to the WTO and his distinguished team for the excellent 
cooperation between our two missions here in Geneva which serves our mutual interests and 
commend him for his leading role as a chair for the TPRB this year.  
4.10.   In closing, the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia wishes the delegation of Mexico a very successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.11.   Let me begin by extending a very warm welcome to Undersecretary for Foreign Trade , 
Luz María de la Mora Sanchez, and the delegation from Mexico. Singapore would l ike to express our 
appreciation to Mexico for its comprehensive Government Report and statement and thank 
Ambassador Athaliah  Molokomme (Botswana) for chairing this meeting. We are also grateful to 
Discussant Ambassador Clare  Kelly (New  Zealand) for her insightful remarks and the Secretariat for 
its comprehensive Report. Allow me to make three points.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.12.   First, Singapore and Mexico enjoy substantive trade and economic relations. As one of the 
15 largest economies in the world and the second largest economy in Latin America, Mexico is an 
important trading partner of Singapore. Mexico was Singapore 's third  largest trading partner in Latin 
America and the Caribbean in 2021. Our bilateral trade has grown by 70% over the last decade to 
reach USD 5.5 billion in 2021, while trade in services amounted to US D 2.2 billion in 2020. Both 
Singapore and Mexico recogni ze the benefits of strengthening free trade and have signed numerous 
regional trade agreements, such as the CPTPP, and Singapore -Pacific Alliance Free Trade Agreement. 
Upon its entry into force, Singapore will become the first Associated State of the Pacific Alliance. 
This will enable Singapore and Mexico to tap into the economic potential of ASEAN and the 
Pacific  Alliance countries. Sing apore looks forward to continue deepening and broadening our trade 
and economic relations with Mexico.  
4.13.   Second, we commend Mexico 's concerted efforts to bring about post -pandemic economic 
recovery. According to the Secretariat 's Report, Mexico 's GDP shrunk by 8.2% in 2020 but 
rebounded in 2021 with a GDP growth of close to 4.8%. This can be attributed to government 
measures which provided support to families and businesses, especially small and medium 
enterprises. Additionally, as part of Mexico 's forward -looking policy to embrace digitali zation through 
its National Digital Strategy 2021 -2024, these measures included the expansion of digiti zation of 
services for administrative procedures for imports and agri -food exports to ensure that trade 
remained uninterr upted. E -governance and digital inclusion are also key features of the strategy and 
will help to create a more conducive business eco -system. Singapore shares a similar interest in 
promoting access to, and the use of digital resources and we look forward t o expanding our 
collaboration in this area.  
4.14.   At the same time, there is room for further liberalisation of Mexico 's Foreign Direct Investment 
regime. For example, there have not been any changes to FDI caps since 2017. In this regard, 
Singapore had posed a  question regarding Mexico 's foreign investment regime, and we thank Mexico 
for its response.  
4.15.   Third, as fellow founding Members of the WTO, Singapore and Mexico share a strong 
commitment to strengthen the rules -based multilateral trading system. We are pl eased that Mexico 
is an active participant in the various Joint Statement Initiatives at the WTO, including the JSIs on 
MSMEs, e-commerce, investment facilitation, and services domestic regulation. We are further 
encouraged that Mexico established the Nati onal Trade Facilitation Committee in January  2021 to 
implement the Agreement on Trade Facilitation which it ratified in 2016. We would also encourage 
Mexico to participate in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and the Information 
Technology Agreeme nt (ITA).  
4.16.   In closing, Singapore looks forward to continue working closely with Ambassador Ángel 
Villalobos Rodríguez  and the Permanent Mission of Mexico in Geneva to further strengthen the WTO. 
In fact, Ambassador Villalobos ' willingness to take on the TPR Chair underscores Mexico 's 
commitment to supporting the WTO. I wish Mexico every success for its seventh  TPR. 
COLOMBIA  
4.17.   We warmly welcome the delegation of Mexico, led by the Under secretary for Foreign Trade, 
Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, as well as its entire team from the capital and in Geneva.  
4.18.   We appreciate the comprehensive analysis and feedback provided by Ambassador Clare  Kelly 
of New  Zealand as discussant. The relevant elements outlined have helped to significantly enri ch 
this discussion. We also recognize the hard work of the Secretariat and the Mexican authorities in 
the preparation of the reports.  
4.19.   Colombia and Mexico are sister countries. Historically, both territories were home to 
indigenous cultures and followed par allel paths after 1492, both during the conquest and in the 
independence process. On 10  October  1821, a few days after Mexico achieved independence, 
Colombia became the first country in the world to recognize this event. Strong fraternal ties exist 
between  the two nations at the cultural, economic and institutional levels alike.  
4.20.   Mexico is a country of great importance to Colombia and the WTO. Mexico is the 11th largest 
global exporter and the leading exporter in Latin America. Its network of 13 FTAs with 50  countries WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  connects the Mexican economy to more than 1.3  billion consumers. In 1994, Colombia and 
Venezuela signed a trade agreement with Mexico known as the Group of Three (G -3) Agreement, 
which entered into force in January  1995. In August  2009, Colombia  and Mexico concluded work for 
the adaptation of the Agreement, which was adjusted to new trade realities. June  2010 saw the 
signing of the Amending Protocol, which entered into force in August  2011. The two nations are part 
of the Pacific Alliance.  
4.21.   In ter ms of the bilateral relationship, the trade balance with Mexico traditionally shows a 
deficit for Colombia. Over the period January -July 2022, the main products exported from Colombia 
were: coke and semi -coke of coal (19%), coal (11%), palm oil (7%) and po lymers of 
propylene  (5%).  
4.22.   In terms of imports, the main products imported from Mexico to Colombia were: televisions 
(11%), automobiles (8%), trucks (4%), tractors (4%) and computers (4%).  
4.23.   In short, Colombia exports to Mexico a large quantity of primary pro ducts and imports from 
Mexico a significant quantity of industrial goods.  
4.24.   As regards FDI, Colombia's investment in Mexico is growing and its cumulative value 
since 1994 is USD  4,684  million. The cumulative value of Mexico's FDI in Colombia since 1994 is 
USD 7,158  million.  
4.25.   The tourism sector is also very important and is performing strongly, with outstanding growth 
rates. Mexico is the second largest source of tourists visiting Colombia, while Colombia is the 
third largest source of tourists visiting Aztec territory.  
4.26.   Given that over three quarters of Mexican exports go to the United  States, Mexico should 
consider Colombia as an opportunity for diversification, since, taking neighbourly relations and 
common links into account, the country offers an exce llent opportunity for Mexico to expand its trade 
relations, and vice versa . Trade flows will certainly increase under the existing Free Trade 
Agreements.  
4.27.   For this TPR, Colombia thanks Mexico for the replies to our questions on, inter alia, its strategy 
for the promotion and diversification of agricultural exports, incentives for various production 
sectors, industrial subsidies and domestic agricultural support. Colombia submitted a large number 
of questions to Mexico, but this is simply a sign of how import ant the country is to us. Mexico is in 
many respects a role model for Colombia, in addition to one of the representatives of Latin America 
in the G20.  
4.28.   I would like to conclude by thanking the Under secretary, the Mexican delegation from the 
capital, Ambassa dor Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez and the entire team from the Mexican Mission to the 
WTO, our relations with which are based on the strongest of friendships and joint work. We wish 
them a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.29.   I would like to extend a very w arm welcome to the Mexican delegation here today and thank 
them and the WTO Secretariat for the preparatory work they have done for this Trade Policy Review.  
4.30.   Canada and Mexico share a close, vibrant and multifaceted relationship – and one that is 
anchored in trade. Three facts that the membership might not be aware of:  
i. Mexico is Canada's third  largest single -country merchandise trading partner ; 
ii. there are over 60 Canadian car part companies operating in Mexico, with over 130 plants 
in 14 states, employing a pproximately 30,000  Mexicans ; and 
iii. not only are Canada and Mexico partners in the trilateral North  American Trade Agreement 
that in Canada call CUSMA and that in Mexico they call T -MEC, we also share membership 
in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership, at the 
OECD, at the G20 – and of course here at the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.31.   This third "fun fact ", while perhaps not qualifying as an "unknown " to many and certainly not 
to those in this room, I think it warrants underscoring, because our active and sustained 
collaboration in these numerous multilateral fora is evidence of Canada and Mexico 's shared 
commitment to multilateralism and specifically to the multilateral tra ding system. Canada welcomes 
this continued partnership with Mexico and we welcome our collaboration at various junctures and 
in various for a to provide, the facts around why trade matters and how it has delivered for many 
around the world. I have personal  fond memories of traversing the southeast US  with my Mexican 
colleague, Javier D íaz de León, when I was Canada 's Consul General to the region, talking loudly 
and proudly about the importance of trade, of integrated supply chains and of a rules -based tradi ng 
system to hold everything together, globally. It is a pleasure to now be in Geneva and to have the 
opportunity to work with Mexico to do the same here – with an emphasis on the global and perhaps 
with a renewed sense of urgency.  
4.32.   Our partnership at the WTO is just as important as in others, if not more, even. And our strong 
collaboration in all the Joint Statement Initiatives and on emerging issues such as the TESSD, 
demonstrates our close alignment in ensuring that the WTO remains rel evant and responsive to 
the 21st century trading environment.  
4.33.   I would also take the opportunity to express Canada 's appreciation to Mexico for its 
commitment to fulfilling its notification obligations in this house, and its participation in the 
Multi-party Interim Appeal  Arbitration Arrangement, which is currently the best means for Members 
to safeguard their rights to binding dispute settlement with access to appellate review.  
4.34.   It is because of the close relationship that Canada and Mexico have, that I am confident that 
the two countries will continue to work together to resolve matters that can further undermine the 
Mexican investment climate, including recent domestic measures within the agriculture, energy and 
mining sectors. Canada is an important inves tor in Mexico and all investors need a stable and 
predictable business environment in order to compete on a level playing field. Canadian investors 
are no different in this regard.  
4.35.   Again, a warm welcome to the Mexican delegation and we look forward to a p roductive 
discussion on all aspects of Mexico 's trade policy.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.36.   I would like to start by welcoming the delegation of Mexico led by Undersecretary for Foreign 
Trade Ms Luz Mar ía de la Mora Sánchez ,. I would also like to thank Ambassador Clare  Kelly of 
New Zealand  for her comments as discussant, and the Secretariat for the comprehensive Report.  
4.37.   Hong Kong,  China greatly values our bilateral relations with Mexico, who is our largest trading 
partner in Latin  America. During the rev iew period, our bilateral merchandise trade grew steadily at 
an annuali zed rate of 7.7%, reaching US D 6.1 billion in 2021. It is particularly encouraging to note 
that, despite the uncertainties in the global trading environment during the past two years, o ur 
bilateral trade has increased by 32.8%.  
4.38.   We are also pleased that the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between 
Hong Kong, China  and Mexico entered into force last year, which should encourage further growth 
and collaboration between our two  economies.  
4.39.   Here in Geneva, Mexico is our close working partner who shares the same commitment to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system. We appreciate Mexico 's role in spearheading a joint proposal 
widely supported by over 120  WTO Members (including Hong Kong,  China) to urge early 
appointment of members of the Appellate Body. We also appreciate Mexico 's active participation in 
various Joint Statement Initiatives and look forward to working even more closely with Mexico on 
issues of mutual interests.  
4.40.   We have the following observations on Mexico 's trade policy regime.  
4.41.   First, Mexico has introduced various customs and trade facilitation measures during the review 
period, such as setting up a National Trade Facilitation Committee, introducing an electronic customs 
clearance system, and easing the import procedures for COVID -19 related products. However, we WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  note that importers are now required to appoint a customs broker, a customs agency or a legal 
representative (who must hold Mexican nationality) to handle customs clearance, whereas engaging 
such services was optional during the previous review period and importers could carry out customs 
clearance formalities direct. Since the recovery in global trade is still fragile, we urge Mexico to 
exercise restraint when introducing more trade -restrictive measures.  
4.42.   Second, tariff. We are pleased to note that Mexico has bound all of its tariff lines and 
maintained ad valorem  rates for 99.4% of its tariff lines. However, tariffs remained comparativ ely 
high for several products. For agricultural products, while the average tariff dropped from 14.3% to 
13.2% during the review period, the duties on sugar, confectionery and dairy products stood at 
30%. For non -agriculture products, the average tariff ro se from 4.6% to 5.9% during the review 
period, with clothing and footwear being subject to average tariffs of 21.4% to 30%. We would urge 
Mexico to review and lower its applied MFN rates for further trade liberalisation.  
4.43.   Third, technical regulations and st andards. During the review period, Mexico published 
174 technical regulations which were mandatory for both domestic and imported products. In 
accordance with Mexican law, such technical regulations should be based on international standards, 
but we note t hat not all of them (only 20 out of these 174 regulations) could meet this requirement. 
As such, we would urge Mexico to adopt international standards as far as possible to minimi ze 
unnecessary obstacles to trade.  
4.44.   Finally, services. Notwithstanding the imp act of the pandemic, the services sector remained 
a major contributor to Mexico 's economy, accounting for 58.4% of its GDP in 2021. We appreciate 
Mexico 's efforts to increase competition and promote foreign investment in different services sectors, 
includi ng financial services and transport services. We would encourage Mexico to continue 
liberali zation of its services trade regime for foreign investment, for instance, by reviewing any 
restrictive market -access condition, and removing or reducing the existin g limitations on foreign 
ownership.  
4.45.   All in all, we congratulate Mexico on its success in tackling the economic challenges  arising 
from the pandemic , as reflected in the re -bounce of its trade and investment sectors, with some 
actually exceeded their pre -pandemic levels. We thank Mexico for the written replies to our questions 
and wish Mexico a successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.46.   Japan would like to welcome the delegation of Mexico, headed by H .E. Luz María de la Mora 
Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, as well as H .E. Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez , 
Permanent Representative of Mexico to the WTO —whose dedicated work as Chair of the TPRB we 
very much appreciate. Japan would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and  the Government of 
Mexico for their Reports submitted for this review process, and the discussant, Ms  Clare Kelly, 
Ambassador of New  Zealand for her insightful remarks.  
4.47.   In this review period, we acknowledge that the COVID -19 pandemic has had adverse impact s 
on Mexico 's economy. However, in 2021, its GDP growth rate rebounded to 4.8%, boosted by its 
fiscal policy targeted at MSMEs, which were significantly impacted by the pandemic. The 
manufacturing sector accounts for over 80% of Mexico 's exports, and its i nward direct 
investment  (IDI) is also concentrated in the manufacturing sector. We commend Mexico 's 
achievement of the largest growth in this sector in Latin  America. We also look forward to Mexico 's 
future efforts to diversify its industries, including in  the telecommunications sector, which is expected 
to grow rapidly, in order to promote more stable growth in the Mexican economy.  
4.48.   Regarding Mexico 's trade relations, today, Japan would like to highlight three points.  
4.49.   First, we are pleased to note that Mexi co and Japan, with a history of more than 400  years of 
exchange and over 130  years of diplomatic relations, are working closely together in the 
international arena as strategic global partners who share fundamental values. Since the 
Japan -Mexico EPA came i nto effect in 2005, bilateral economic relations have highly developed and 
trade volume has significantly increased, and the amount of trade volume between our two countries 
has more than doubled in the past 15  years. At the same time, the number of Japane se companies 
operating in Mexico has more than quadrupled and is now the largest in Latin  America at WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
- 16 - 
 
  nearly  1,300  companies. In such an upward context, the maintenance and further improvement of 
the business environment of these enterprises are of vital im portance.   
4.50.   Nevertheless, there are problematic situations in Mexico 's energy sector, such as delays in 
granting or renewing permits and licen ces. Therefore, we request that further efforts be made 
toward s achieving legal stability in this sector, so as no t to damage the investments of Japanese 
companies operating in Mexico, and to enable them to continue their business activities. This issue 
is currently the subject of dispute settlement procedures with the United  States and Canada under 
the USMCA, and we request that the issue be resolved in a manner that will benefit the entire power 
sector.  
4.51.   In addition, under the Japan -Mexico EPA, the Committee for the Improvement of the Business 
Environment was held on 2  Februar y 2022. At the Committee, Japan raised the  following six issues, 
which are of particular interest to Japanese companies: ( i) taxation and customs clearance 
(especially requests related to the value -added tax refund system); ( ii) intellectual property and 
standards certification (especially priority review and equivalent recognition for pharmaceutical 
registration); ( iii) public security; ( iv) labour  (especially requests to start negotiations on the Social 
Security Agreement as soon as possible); ( v) logistics and infrastructure; and ( vi) tourism. Given 
the number of outstanding issues, we would like to continue engaging in discussions with Mexico 
with a view to resolving all those issues and further strengthening relations between our 
two countries.  
4.52.   Moving on to my second main poi nt, we are pleased to engage in collaboration with Mexico to 
expand the free, fair , and open economic area in the Asia -Pacific region. We look forward to working 
together with Mexico through APEC and the CPTPP, to ensure that the Asia -Pacific economic and 
trade system continues to function and develop in a transparent and market economy -based 
manner.  
4.53.   According to the Government Report, Mexico considers the CPTPP a key pillar of its trade 
policy. We look forward to the role Mexico will play in the steady imp lementation of the high 
standards and spirit of the CPTPP.  
4.54.   With respect to the USMCA, Japan will continue to monitor its potential impact on the business 
environment for foreign companies operating in Mexico. We are particularly interested in 
developments in the USMCA 's dispute settlement mechanism, among other issues such as the rules 
of origin on automobiles and energy policy as mentioned earlier. Therefore, we will continue to 
request that Mexico share relevant information on its implementation of the US MCA, with a view to 
maintaining its transparency and predictability.  
4.55.   In spite of the aforementioned challenges, we highly appreciate Mexico 's efforts to actively 
promote trade liberalization. We look forward to the thorough implementation by Mexico of its RTAs, 
which will serve to complement the multilateral trading system.  
4.56.   Coming now to my third and final point, we welcome Mexico 's active engagement in the 
negotiations at the WTO. In particular, we value its participation and contribution to the Joint 
Statement Initiatives (JSIs). Japan believes that such negotiations by willing and committed 
Members are critical for maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system centred  on 
the WTO. With this in mind, we highly appreciate Mexico 's leading the  launch of the Trade4MSMEs 
platform. In this vein, we also appreciate Mexico 's inclusion of MSMEs -related information in its 
Report, in accordance with the recommendation from the working group. We believe this information 
enhances transparency and provide s examples of good practice.  
4.57.   In addition, as described in the Secretariat 's Report, Mexico has fulfilled the notification 
obligation under the WTO agreement in various sectors since the last review in 2017. We commend 
Mexico for its proactive contribution to greater transparency.  
4.58.   In conclusion, we hope that Mexico 's presence in the WTO will be further enhanced by 
advancing its policies in favour of free trade. Japan would like to continue cooperating with Mexico 
as a valued strategic global partner.  
4.59.   Finally, we wish the delegation of Mexico a very successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.60.   Please allow me to praise Mexico for producing an in -depth assessment of its trade policies 
and practices. One of the WTO 's most important functions is to promote transparency –crucial for 
supporting a fair and efficient global trading system. The trade policy review process also grants 
countries the opportunity to contemplate their changing economic policy and development 
challenge s. 
4.61.   As the rest of the world, Mexico confronted challenging developments during the period under 
review: the economy 's output fell by around 8% in 2020, according to the IMF 's latest Country 
Report (No.  2021/240). Still, the current account of the balance o f payments registered a positive 
value in 2020 -with exports of manufactures (about one  third of GDP) remaining stable as a share 
of total output.  
4.62.   Many challenges lie ahead for Mexico and the global economy. Preserving macroeconomic 
stability is fundamenta l; to that end, the Bank of Mexico more than doubled its reference monetary 
policy interest rate (the target for the overnight interbank funding rate) during the past 15  months , 
from 4.25% in June  2021 to 9.25% at the end of September  2022.  
4.63.   Let me to concl ude by stating that Mexico 's 2022 Trade Policy Review will be a valuable 
reference for its policymakers and for the international community in the face of an unusually 
complex economic environment.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.64.   First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of the 
Government of Mexico and our congratulations for the prompt completion of its seventh  Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.65.   Together with Canada, the United  States and Mexico recommitted to our longstanding 
economic and trade partnership through our new trade agreement, the 
United  States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA), which entered into force in July  2020. The 
USMCA maintains the zero tariffs between the United  States and Mexico under the original North 
American Free Trade Agreement, and modernizes our trading relationship through important new 
commitments, including those covering digital trade, cross border trade in services and financial 
services, good regulatory practices, and state -owned enterprises. The USMCA als o includes 
state-of-the art commitments for labour  and environmental protections.  
4.66.   Mexico 's trade regime is of deep interest and importance to the United  States given our shared 
border and significant trade. In 2021, Mexico was the United  States ' second la rgest trading partner, 
with two -way trade in goods and services totalling  USD 718.8  billion.  
4.67.   Since its last TPR, Mexico has taken steps to implement the USMCA 's advanced commitments 
through the enactment of new laws, including the 2020 Quality Infrastructu re Law, which updates 
Mexico 's regime for standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment to implement the 
provisions related to technical barriers to trade and elements of good regulatory practices.   
4.68.   In addition, in 2020, Mexico made importan t changes in passing a new Industrial Property 
Law, and amendments to its Federal Copyright Law and Federal Criminal Code. These reforms 
included improvements in laws addressing protection against the circumvention of technological 
protection measures and rights management information, Internet -service provider liability, satellite 
and cable signal theft and penalties for aiding or abetting these activities, unauthorized camcording 
of movies, and transparency and due process regarding geographical indicatio ns. 
4.69.   Mexico also continues to implement its 2019 labour  law reform, transferring the authority to 
adjudicate labour  disputes to new labour  courts in Mexico 's judicial branch and the responsibility for 
registering unions and collective bargaining agreements to a new, independent, and specialized 
Federal Center for Conciliation and Labor Registration. The United  States continues to support 
Mexico in its efforts to fully implement this reform, so that workers in both Mexico and the 
United  States are better able  to organize freely and support the union of their choice.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
- 18 - 
 
  4.70.   At the same time, despite our progress after two years of implementing the USMCA, the 
number and scope of concerns we hear from US stakeholders about Mexico, many directly 
implicating important US MCA obligations, has not stopped and remains concerning.  
4.71.   Mexico 's energy policy has gained international attention, and is negatively impacting Mexico 's 
investment climate. We urge Mexico to take steps to address well -documented concerns with regard 
to ce rtain measures favouring  its state -owned electrical utility and oil and gas companies over 
private investors. These measures are damaging Mexico 's well -earned reputation as a safe haven 
for international investment, and are damaging confidence in our integ rated economies broadly and 
Mexico 's efforts to meet its Paris commitments.  
4.72.   In addition, we have serious concerns about efforts to weaken the political autonomy of 
independent regulators in Mexico, as well as efforts to undermine the impartiality of regulatory 
bodies, including through changes to the practices of oversight bodies such as the National 
Commission for Regulatory Improvement (CONAMER) and with specific regulatory agencies. The 
United  States and Mexico share important oblig ations on good regulatory practices in the USMCA, 
and we urge Mexico to ensure that regulatory agencies maintain transparent processes and allow 
notice and comment periods for planned regulatory actions, and for regulators to evaluate comments 
received.  
4.73.   We also highlight the United  States and Mexico 's shared obligation to maintain science - and 
risk-based regulatory processes, and urge Mexico to address what are now longstanding concerns 
about unwarranted delays for applications for agricultural biotechnolo gy products and decisions that 
appear to not be based on scientific risk assessment.  
4.74.   Moreover, while Mexico has undertaken efforts to simplify customs procedures, there 
continues to be room for Mexico to make additional improvements, including with respect  to 
implementing its USMCA obligation to not limit the number of ports where a broker can operate, as 
well as improving consolidation of express shipments, and transparency regarding new requirements 
for a "Complement " to existing electronic invoice requir ements on transportation services.  
4.75.   In the area of intellectual property protection and enforcement, despite positive 
achievements, the United  States notes that there remain concerns, including with respect to 
enforcement against counterfeiting and piracy,  enforcement of IP  rights in the digital environment, 
dedication of government resources to IP  enforcement, pre -established damages for copyright 
infringement and trademark counterfeiting, and transparency and due process regarding 
geographical indications . 
4.76.   In conclusion, the United  States commends Mexico for its commitment to the TPR process. 
We look forward to continuing to engage with Mexico to further strengthen our trade relationship 
and more fully implement our new agreement by addressing the serious concerns we have 
highlighted here.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.77.   I am delighted to welcome the delegation of Mexico, led by the distinguished Under secretary 
for Foreign Trade, Ms  Luz María de  la Mora; Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos and the other members of 
the delegation; and t he distinguished Ambassador of New  Zealand to the WTO and discussant at 
this review, Ms  Clare Kelly, in addition to all those in attendance today. We thank the Secretariat for 
its comprehensive and clear report.  
4.78.   It is a great pleasure for me to participate  in this Trade Policy Review, the first since my recent 
return to Geneva. I would like to begin by highlighting that Mexico has historically been a partner 
and strategic ally for Costa  Rica. 
4.79.   Since our diplomatic relations began more than 180 years ago, we have been working to 
strengthen the brotherly ties that unite us. We share common foreign trade -related objectives within 
the multilateral framework, at the regional level and as part of our bilateral agenda, aimed at 
facilitating trade between our countri es. Our trade and investment has seen significant 
developments, particularly since the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement in 1995, with 
Mexico being the first bilateral partner with which we signed a trade agreement.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.80.   Since then, our bilateral trade has increased more than ninefold and in 2021 we were the 
second destination for Mexican exports to Central America. Moreover, it should be highlighted that, 
over the past decade, Mexico has been the third largest source of foreign investmen t in Costa  Rica. 
4.81.   The strengthening of trade relations at the regional level has also intensified over time through 
the convergence process for the trade agreements that Mexico had in place with Central  America, 
resulting in 2011 in a trade instrument adapted to modern rules and the productive realities of the 
region.  
4.82.   At the multilateral level, we recognize Mexico's commitment and active participation in the 
joint initiatives on matters such as services domestic regulation, e -commerce and inv estment 
facilitation. We also emphasize the common interest in issues such as agriculture and joint initiatives 
on women's economic empowerment and MSMEs.  
4.83.   We highlight Mexico's leadership in the discussions on the revival of the Appellate Body, as 
well as in the reform of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, both of which are topics of great 
interest to Costa  Rica. 
4.84.   I cannot fail to mention Mexico's valuable presence in the discussions on trade and 
environmental sustainability.  
4.85.   Turning to today's Trade Poli cy Review, I would like to make some brief remarks.  
4.86.   Against the backdrop of the international environment faced by world trade in recent years, 
we highlight Mexico's strong resilience to the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. Despite the 
contraction of its i mports and exports, Mexico achieved a surplus of 2.4% of GDP in the current 
account of its balance -of-payments.  
4.87.   Costa  Rica shares with Mexico the importance of improving the transparency of the regular 
work of the WTO, and, along these lines, thanks Mexico  for its latest notification on domestic support. 
Mexico is among the main Members with the highest WTO subsidy entitlements, so Costa  Rica 
welcomes its responsible positioning in agricultural negotiations and the constructive spirit that it 
has shown over  the last two years. We will continue to work with Mexico to seek joint solutions that 
enable us to move forward on this issue at the WTO.  
4.88.   Both countries recognize the importance of trade facilitation and, in this connection, we urge 
Mexico to continue wor king on the implementation of measures that contribute to improving the 
transit of goods, such as the optimization of the Single Window for Mexican Foreign Trade. In 
Costa  Rica's view, it is essential to strengthen these measures that encourage greater tra de. 
4.89.   In the same vein, we are convinced that promoting a more open foreign investment regime 
will contribute to incentivizing competition, resulting in greater benefits for consumers.  
4.90.   With regard to the environmental agenda, we acknowledge the incorporation  of disciplines in 
the new trade agreements, known as the CPTPP and T -MEC. However, we consider that in order to 
comply with the commitments of the Paris Agreement and combat the global problem that is climate 
change, there is still work to be done to grad ually reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  
4.91.   We would like to reiterate today what we stated at Mexico's previous Trade Policy Review. 
There is more that unites us than divides us and, despite our rivalry in football, we are sister 
countries with a shared hist ory and desire for a prosperous future.  
4.92.   Congratulations to Mexico and the Secretariat for the excellent work they have carried out for 
this transparency exercise, as well as to the discussant, Ambassador Kelly, for her very valuable 
intervention.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.93.   On behalf of the European  Union, I would like to welcome Mexico's delegation, led by 
Ms Luz María de la Mora Sánchez , Undersecretary  for Foreign Trade and the discussant, Ambassador 
H.E. Ms Clare K elly (New Zealand ) for her introductory words.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.94.   Let me start by highlighting that in the EU we qualify our partnership with Mexico as 
"strategic ", meaning that we are committed to working together across many overarching areas of 
policy, ranging from economics to trade, so cial, and political cooperation.  
4.95.   Mexico is the country that led the central and South  American economies to openness in 
the 1990s. It is the first country - in Latin  America - with which the European  Union concluded a 
Global Free Trade Agreement, in force  since 2000. Both the EU and Mexico are extremely open 
economies, which have succeeded in resisting protectionist policies and promoted initiatives to 
eliminate barriers to trade. The EU is fully committed to conclude and sign swiftly the moderni zation 
of the EU -Mexico Global Agreement; this will provide a comprehensive and up -to-date framework 
for our relations.  
4.96.   At the same time, we recogni ze that Mexico faces a significant number of challenges. These 
include the need to reduce income inequality internall y, and to balance its dependence on the US 
market externally with the discovery of new export markets. Mexico has the ambition to be a reliable 
manufacturing hub supplying both the North and South  American markets. Equally, Mexico 's OECD 
membership is a re flection of its ambitions to become a higher income knowledge -driven economy, 
which the EU very much supports.  
4.97.   Despite the impact of the pandemic, EU -Mexico trade is doing well; the EU is Mexico 's third 
largest trading partner and second in terms of Mexica n exports. It is important to note also that a 
large share of Mexican imports from the EU are used in the Mexican production value -chain and 
boost Mexican exports. Mexico 's trade to GDP ratio for 2021 was a very high 82% - a 5% increase 
from 2020.  
4.98.   European  companies have historically been significant investors in the Mexican economy, and 
since 2000 over 40% of foreign direct investment in Mexico has come from the European continent. 
Indeed, accumulated FDI stocks from the EU from 2000 to 2021 amount to clos e to USD  200 billion, 
which ranks the EU as the second investor in Mexico.  
4.99.   The international community is facing major geopolitical challenges, above all resulting from 
the Russia n Federation' s brutal aggression in Ukraine, which continues to challenge the  rules-based 
international order. We have welcomed Mexico's position at the UN Security Council and the UN 
General Assembly, and encourage Mexico to adopt measures such as dual -use export controls.  
4.100.   Mexico is an active participant in the work of the WTO an d is committed to the multilateral 
trading system. The EU welcomes Mexico 's support for WTO reform, and its participation in the 
Multiparty Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). We also commend Mexico for its 
participation the Joint Statement Init iatives on Services Domestic Regulation, E -commerce and 
Investment Facilitation, as well as in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured 
Discussions (TESSD).  
4.101.   We would be remiss if we did not encourage Mexico to join important agreements of whi ch 
it is not yet a Member, like the Information Technology and Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.102.   The EU would also like to raise some concerns as regards some aspects of Mexico 's trade 
and investment policy. As a general remark, while Mexican legislation is advanced as regards the 
various aspects of its trade policy, the EU must note shortcomings in the implementation of existing 
legislation, sometimes due to an unclear or uncert ain nature of the scope of applicable regulations.  
4.103.   More specifically, the EU is concerned about the deterioration of the investment climate, in 
particular increasing legal uncertainty and some apparent disregard of international obligations. 
Some actions taken, particularly in Mexico 's energy sector, are to the detriment of trade and 
investment, not only in this sector but also across all economic sectors. A return to a more 
inward -looking policy would be fraught in our view with difficulties and setbacks.    
4.104.   A level -playing field is essential in attracting investment, and to generate political stability 
and ensure predictability for investors. Discrimination in favour of State -owned enterprises has 
become an unfortunate daily reality faced by EU investors.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.105.   Furthermore, more efforts are needed as regards effective and unified application of customs 
procedures. In particular, EU operators are concerned with the highly burdensome and costly import 
procedures that often impose disproportional requirements and hi gh quantity of documents. 
Similarly, the EU has significant TBT concerns regarding applicable rules on required certification 
and standards, which are often unclear, costly and disproportionate, in particular for spare parts and 
medical devices. The proble ms seem also to be particularly frequent in relation to sanitary and 
phytosanitary import authori zations and procedures.  
4.106.   The EU has addressed to Mexico a series of questions seeking clarifications on its intellectual 
property rules and procedures. The EU would see scope for improvements as regards IPR 
enforcement and protection of geographical indications. Lastly, the EU would encourage Mexico to 
continue its efforts and to progress further in opening up its markets to foreign enterprises in 
particular in the area of government procurement as well as services.  
4.107.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this review 
and I wish Mexico's delegation the utmost success during its Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.108.   We would like to join other Members in welcoming the delegation of Mexico, led by 
H.E. Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Under secretary for Foreign Trade.  
4.109.   We thank Mexico and the Secretariat for the reports prepared, as well as H.E.  Ambassador 
Clare Kelly for her comme nts. These elements have provided us with the information to deepen our 
understanding of Mexico's trade practices and economic environment.  
4.110.   Mexico is a leading trading partner of Argentina with whom we maintain excellent political 
relations and a prosperou s trading relationship. In the last year, bilateral trade has grown 
significantly, both in goods and services.  
4.111.   The main Argentine exports to Mexico are animal or vegetable fats and oils; motor vehicles, 
parts and accessories thereof; cereals; beverages; an d machinery and mechanical appliances. 
Mexico, for its part, exports the following to Argentina: motor vehicles, parts and accessories 
thereof; machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical goods and parts thereof; iron and steel; 
and essential oils and resinoids.  
4.112.   In terms of services, Argentina's exports are concentrated primarily in knowledge -based 
services, while Mexico also provides us with knowledge -based services and tourism or travel 
services.  
4.113.   Bilateral merchandise trade grew significantly between 2020 and 2021. However, it is still 
far from reaching its potential. This is why we recognize the existing potential in the two countries' 
various productive sectors to increase trade, strengthening regional supply chains. Argentina aims 
to increase and di versify agricultural trade with Mexico and is committed to moving forward in that 
direction through the relevant sanitary negotiations, with a view to establishing itself as regular 
supplier of a greater range of food.  
4.114.   We would like to mention in particula r the visit of President Alberto Fernández to Mexico in 
2021 and the presidential declaration signed on that visit, as well as the consensus reached in 
March  2022 at the meeting of the binational Strategic Partnership Council, during which a roadmap 
was ou tlined for 2022.  
4.115.   We are confident that these efforts will be consolidated through the expansion and deepening 
of the bilateral Economic Complementarity Agreement.  
4.116.   With regard to Mexico's economic environment, as the country report indicates, we recognize 
the challenges posed by the pandemic and welcome the fact that the country's macroeconomic 
stability has allowed for a rapid and sustainable recovery. In this regard, we highlight the measures 
taken to support MSMEs, as well as the efforts to diversify expo rts. We also emphasize the 
importance of the measures related to customs procedures and trade facilitation. We welcome the WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  information submitted by Mexico in its report regarding the promotion of the participation of women 
in the economy.  
4.117.   Argentina greatly  appreciates Mexico's contributions to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and its active participation in the activities and bodies of the WTO. Like Mexico, Argentina 
stresses the importance of having a fully -functioning and operational dispute se ttlement system as 
a binding mechanism that provides guarantees that current and future provisions will be respected.  
4.118.   We wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our intention to work together with Mexico and 
all other Members in the process of reforming  the Organization in order to strengthen its ability to 
address current and future challenges in international trade, with a view to creating a fairer 
multilateral trading system that meets the needs of developing countries.  
4.119.   Lastly, as part of this Trade P olicy Review, we have submitted a series of questions to Mexico 
on its import regime, including, inter alia, rules of origin, tariff preferences, the investment regime 
and customs procedures. We  thank Mexico in advance for the replies, which will be duly examined 
by our authorities in  Buenos  Aires.  
4.120.   While reiterating our gratitude for this new opportunity to exchange comments on Mexico's 
trade practices, we would like to draw attention once again to the importance of this exercise in 
transparency from every point of view, and to wish the Mexican authorities a successful conclusion 
to this Review . 
PHILIPPINES  
4.121.   The Philippines warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of Mexico led by 
Ms Luz María de la Mora Sánchez Undersecretary for Foreign Trade , and 
Ambassador  Ángel  Villalobos Rodríguez of the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the WTO on their 
seventh  Trade Policy Review. We also thank Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand  for her 
insightful comments as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for its co mprehensive Report.  
4.122.   The Philippines enjoys a longstanding relationship with Mexico since the Manila -Acapulco 
Galleon Trade in the 16th century. The Galleon Trade has been regarded as the second  manifestation 
of globalization  through the maritime routes after the famed Silk Road. The transpacific Galleon 
Trade contributed to the development of trade and exchange of culture across continents. Through 
the years, we have witnessed the growing breadth and depth of Philippines -Mexico bilateral 
cooperation.  
4.123.   In 2021, Mexico ranked as the Philippines ' 25th trading partner in the world with total bilateral 
trade amounting to USD  927.25  million. Among the Philippine top exports to Mexico are digital 
monolithic integrated circuits (ICs), storage units, semiconductors, and static converters while top 
imports from Mexico include self -propelled railway or tramway coaches, processing units, LAN 
apparatus, pigments, and machine parts and accessories.  
4.124.   Since the last trade policy review in 2017,  Mexico added three new regional trade 
agreements (RTAs) to its network, which currently consists of 23  RTAs, and has several ongoing 
negotiations of new agreements and modernization of existing ones. We are also happy to note that 
since 2017, five double taxation agreements, including the Philippines, have entered into force.  
4.125.   Further, we note that as Mexico aims to establish itself as a new gateway for multimodal 
traffic between Asia and the US east coast, it has increased the openness of its air transpor t sector. 
We are glad to note that with this goal of expanded air connectivity, greater foreign participation is 
allowed by Mexico and that among the new air services agreements it has signed is one with the 
Philippines.  
4.126.   Mexico is a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system and an active Member of the 
WTO, including its chairmanship in key bodies of the WTO and its dynamic participation in discussions 
on joint initiatives such as the micro, small, and medium -sized enterprises, e -commerce, services 
domestic regulation, investment facilitation, trade and gender, and trade and environment. Its active 
participation in the JSI on MSMEs, brought a successful realization of the Trade4MSMEs platform.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.127.   The Philippines notes the significant developments in the  economic policies of Mexico, and 
we appreciate the opportunity to learn more about these policies through this Trade Policy Review. 
Our delegation has submitted advance written questions and we thank the delegation of Mexico for 
its timely responses.  
4.128.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations with Mexico in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
AUSTRALIA   
4.129.   A warm welcome to H.E.  Ms Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, thank you Ambassador Ke lly for 
your thoughtful remarks and, of course,  welcome to Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos and your 
delegation here today . 
4.130.    Mexico is a big contributor to the global trading system and  to the W TO. We note that Mexico 
is a valuable contributor to rule-making here at the W TO, a nd as others have said, is an active and 
constructive participant in all four Joint Statement Initiatives . We want to thank Mexico for its strong 
commitment to the authority of i nternational law here; and to a fully functioning dispute settlement 
system, including in its role as a party to the Multi-party Interim Appeal Arbitration Mechanism.  
4.131.   We welcome  Mexico's strong commitment to the conclusion of the Fisheries Subsi dies 
Agreem ent at the MC12, and we encourage Mexico to undertake its domestic processes to ratify it 
as soon as possible . 
4.132.   We welcome  also the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Mexico on furthering 
multilateral agricultural trade reform, particularly in relat ion to distortionary subsid ies, and in this 
respect, Mexico could do better, we are calling on Mexico to submit outstanding notifications, for 
instance, in relatio n to its transparency obligations and one particular area where we have not seen 
a notificati on since 2016 . 
4.133.    We acknowledge the severe impact  of the COVID -19 pandemic on Mexico's economy . We 
were pleased to s ee that in 2021 Mexico's economy rebounded with GDP growth of around 4.8% . 
We commend the Mexican Government for the macroeconomic measures  that it adopted to address 
the pandemic 's impact, included targeting assistance payments designed to ease pressures on small 
and medium -sized business . 
4.134.   Looking at our own relationship, it is a healthy one . Mexico, as described , is the largest 
trading partner in Latin  America, two -way goods and services tr ade was more than AUD 3 billion 
in 2020, and during the review period the Australian investment in Mexico in creased substantially. 
As both of our countries look to diversify markets, the re are  opportunities to deepen investment and 
commercial ties in key growth sectors, such as resources and energy , defence , advanced 
manufacturing , education , and research . 
4.135.   Now we are pleased to see that Mexico is  continuing to lower tariffs on agricultural products . 
Mexico is now Australia's largest agricultural export market  in Latin  America . Meat exports have 
increased from around AUD 10 million to around AUD 16 million to the end of 2021 driven by a 
growing int erest in Australian beef from high -end Mexican  restaurants. Last year, Mexico also 
became Australia's  largest export market  for malt and barley . So, just concentrating on those two 
products, b eef, malt, and barley the potential to expand the bilateral relations through more st eak 
and beer , is evident and we look forward to talking in more detail about that . 
4.136.   Australia notes the  Mexican Government 's ambition to achieve energy sovereignty through 
reforms to the electricity and the resources sector . Like others who have spoken today on this issue,  
we would welcome the opportunity to discuss these reforms further, including  the impact that they 
could have on Australian businesses operating in Mexico . 
4.137.   We have submitted a number of questions as have others and we look forward to Mexico's 
responses . We wish Mexico well in this Trade Policy Review and to continue to cooperate with you 
here at the WTO . 
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  UKRAINE  
4.138.   Ukraine would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico on its 
seven th Trade Policy Review, led by Luz  María de la Mora Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade 
in the Secretariat of Economy.  
4.139.   I would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mexico for the ir 
respective Reports and express appreciation to H .E. Ms Clare Kelly, Permanent Representative of 
the New  Zealand , for her remarks as the discussant.  
4.140.   Ukraine is pleased to discuss developments in Mexico 's trade policies and practices.  Both 
Mexico and Ukra ine have focused on opening new markets and further integration into regional and 
global value chains, struggling to promote trade and to attract investments for economic 
development and well -being of our people.  
4.141.   In this context, we applaud Mexico 's macro economic strength and maintaining strong trading 
position, despite the adverse impact of the COVID -19 pandemic and drastic effects of the 
Russian  Federation's unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine.  
4.142.   Notwithstanding geographical distance, the  disastrous repercussion of the 
Russian  Federation' s war against Ukraine is felt throughout the world, far beyond Ukraine 's borders, 
including in Mexico. It has led to an increase in food and fuel prices, as well as to greater economic 
uncertainty and lowe r global growth expectations. The war continues to cause huge human suffering 
and economic losses, to destroy trade , supply chains and to undermine international trade.  
4.143.   Mexico is the second most important trading partner of Ukraine among the countries of 
Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to the war, our mutual trade considerably grew. In 2021, 
Ukrainian -Mexican trade in goods and services increased by 79 .5% compared to 2020 and amounted 
to USD  527.2 million.  
4.144.   However, due to the war, in the first half of this year, the volume of our bilateral trade in 
goods has fallen almost twice (by 48 .9% compared to the same period of 2021) and amounted to 
USD 97.7 million. Exports amounted to USD  27 million and decreased by 47%, imports fell by 49 .7% 
to USD  70.7 million.  
4.145.   Ukraine considers Mexico as an important economic and trading partner in region. We are 
sure that our mutual interest is to expand our trade in goods and services and to improve the balance 
of bilateral trade by creating better conditions for t rade, promoting business development, 
stimulating investments and attaining prosperity. We are looking forward to eliminating trade 
barriers and opening up our markets on mutually beneficial basis.  
4.146.   We note that Mexico has placed emphasis on the need of fu rther integration into international 
markets and it is seeking new markets from which to import goods that guarantee supply on the 
domestic market. We invite Mexico to consider Ukraine in this regard and to support its integration 
into supply chains. We ha ve raised question concerning possible collaboration in this area and we 
are ready to start joint work in order to find possible mechanisms for such integration.  
4.147.   Ukraine considers trade liberalization, including through the abolition of duties for Ukrainia n 
exports, as of extreme importance for recovery of our economy after the Russian -brought 
destructions and support for future economic growth.  
4.148.   Currently, Mexico imposes five anti -dumping measures regarding products originating in 
Ukraine. Considering that  the export potential of Ukrainian producers could not threaten to cause 
any material injury to the Mexican domestic industry due to emergency circumstances in Ukraine, 
we posed the question concerning possible revocation or review of above -mentioned measu res on 
an expedited basis according to Mexican domestic legislation.  
4.149.   At the same time, Ukraine would like to express its appreciation for the decision of Mexico 
to exempt 73  food and other basic products (including chicken, maize and wheat flour, eggs , etc.) 
from import duties for one year since May  2022, in order to address rising prices. We believe that it 
will create additional export opportunities.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.150.   We are also interested in signing the Agreement on Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of 
Investments betw een Ukraine and Mexico. There are great opportunities for further development of 
bilateral cooperation in mining ; agriculture ; transportation and communication ; space and aviation ; 
pharmaceutical ; and energy industries. We are sure that such agreement will  help both States to 
increase their bilateral trade turnover significantly. The participation of Mexican investments in 
important economic projects in Ukraine would be more than welcome.  
4.151.   We are convinced that regardless the war, we can continue strengthening our trade and 
economic relationship.  
4.152.   Given the importance of this TPR exercise, Ukraine raised other questions to Mexico, in 
particular, concerning its tax and investment regime; automatic licensing; establishment of the New 
Comprehensive Rur al Financing System; regulation and development of Mexico 's telecommunication 
sector , etc. 
4.153.   Ukraine welcomes Mexico 's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system and 
its active participation in the WTO and we wish the delegation of Mexico a ve ry successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.154.   Chile welcomes the delegation of the Republic of Mexico, led by the Mexican Under secretary 
for Foreign Trade, Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, and congratulates this country for the work 
undertaken since its last Review.  
4.155.   We also welcome our friend Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos and his team from the Mission to 
the WTO. We recognize the important work carried out by both the Secretariat and Mexico in 
preparing the respective reports and congratulate the discussant , Ambassador Clare  Kelly of 
New Zealand.  
4.156.   Chile and Mexico are two economies open to the world that share a common vision in their 
integration strategies. We are both promoters of free trade, and continuously pursue coordination 
on major issues on the inter national agenda.  
4.157.   Economic and trade relations between Chile and Mexico are governed by a Free Trade 
Agreement that entered into force in July  1999. In addition, December  2006 saw the entry into force 
of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, strengthening ti es not only at the trade level but also 
through political dialogue and cooperation.  
4.158.   Since the entry into force in 2015 of the Pacific Alliance Framework Agreement, the bilateral 
relationship has been focused on the decisions taken within this bloc. In part icular, we would like to 
highlight that Chile and Mexico have been participating in the Committee on Global Value Chains 
since 2018, and we hope that this body will help to build strategic alliances between enterprises and 
reciprocal direct investment as d rivers of the development of production chains.  
4.159.   With 98.3% of the tariff universe being exempt from the payment of tariffs and the rest 
covered by agreements for the reduction of tariffs within established time frames, trade in 2021 
amounted to USD  3,922  million, showing average annual growth of 4% since 2016.  
4.160.   According to figures from December  2020, the Mexican market is the seventh largest 
destination in the world for Chilean direct investment. There are approximately 50  Chilean 
companies in the Mexican m arket, with investments amounting to just over USD  2 billion.  
4.161.   At the sectoral level, the services sector remains the main destination for Chilean capital, 
with a cumulative amount of USD  1,462  million. The main services provided are transport, port 
logisti cs, storage and communications and financial intermediation services. The industry sector 
occupies second position, with a value of USD  560 million and a share of 27.3%.  
4.162.   In addition, in recent years, Mexico has become an important destination for many 
Chilean start-ups linked to information technologies and it is increasingly the main market for 
emerging Chilean artists.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.163.   At the multilateral level, and particularly within this Organization, Mexico is a constructive 
partner whose views we share on a number of  matters.  
4.164.   In particular, we would like to highlight Mexico's contribution on MSMEs and women in trade, 
and we appreciate the section dedicated to these matters in the report prepared by the Government.  
4.165.   For this Review, Chile has submitted questions concern ing, inter alia, the process for the 
incorporation of standards into the country's domestic legal system, and, in particular, the process 
for the incorporation into the legal system of decisions taken by bodies administering agreements; 
its experience with  the application of the broadened implementing regulations in trade agreements; 
and the aspects relating to the integration and participation of Mexican companies in global and 
regional value chains.  
4.166.   We have also submitted questions on Mexico's actions and  experience in improving the 
inclusion and participation of MSMEs and women in the country's economy and international trade.  
4.167.   Our delegation is grateful for the replies, which are now being analysed by our teams in 
Santiago.  
4.168.   Lastly, we wish Mexico a succes sful seventh  Trade Policy Review . 
ICELAND  
4.169.   It is with pleasure that Iceland welcomes the distinguished delegation of Mexico to their 
seventh  Trade Policy Review, led by Undersecretary, H.E.  Luz María de la Mora Sánchez . We also 
express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat as well as Mexico for the Reports prepared, as well as 
to the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador Clare  Kelly, for the excellent framing of the issues for our 
discussion today.  
4.170.   First, let me mention the free tr ade agreement between Mexico and the four EFTA States, 
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland that entered into force in 2001. The Free Trade 
Agreement has served our countries well however there is time to look forward. Therefore, we 
welcome ongo ing discussions to modernize the current free trade agreement and we look forward 
to concluding that process.  
4.171.   Iceland welcomes Mexico 's active participation and strong commitment to the smooth 
functioning of the multilateral trading systems.  
4.172.   As other Membe rs Mexico has felt the negative economic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic 
but has, as reported in the Trade Policy Report, rebounded with 4 .8% GDP growth in 2021 - mainly 
due to measures taken to mitigate the COVID -19 impact.  
4.173.   As one of the co -chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, Iceland 
appreciates Mexico 's constructive participation and the good cooperation our countries have on trade 
and gender.  
4.174.   This work is particularly important in the current global environment. COVID -19 related 
challenges continue to be felt and have been recognized to unevenly impact societies and 
populations. The economic and trade impacts of the pandemic have had a disproportionately adverse 
impact on women. This is a pattern that sadly also applies to  other crisis arising from ongoing 
geopolitical conflicts.  
4.175.   At the MC12 the Ministers acknowledged for the first time the importance of addressing 
women 's economic empowerment at the WTO – and recogni zing the positive benefits that it will 
have on our econo mies.  
4.176.   This fact is well recognized by Mexico, and we welcome Mexico 's approach in their foreign 
trade strategy by acknowledging the important role women play when it comes to fostering growth 
and reducing poverty.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.177.   The sharing of best practices of respective experiences relating to policies and rulemaking 
on advancing women 's economic empowerment is an important element of the work of the Informal 
Working Group on Trade and Gender.  
4.178.   In the spirit of supporting relevant data gathering in this field, I celand has submitted in 
advance written questions on the participation of women in the economy of Mexico. We welcome 
the replies as the answers will be useful in gathering best practices in the promotion of 
gender -equality within trade.  
4.179.   Finally, Iceland on ce again appreciates Mexico 's firm support to the multilateral trading 
system and its active engagement in the WTO. We wish the delegations of Mexico every success for 
their Trade Policy Review.  
THE SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU  
4.180.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to welcome the delegation of Mexico, led by Ms  Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, to its 
seventh  Trade Policy Review. I would also like to express my appreciatio n to Mexico for its 
comprehensive Government Report, and thank the discussant, Ambassador Ms  Clare Kelly of 
New Zealand, for her insightful discussion, and the WTO Secretariat for its excellent Report.  
4.181.   Mexico plays an important role in world trade and global economy. Its economy maintained 
stable and resilient even during the COVID -19 outbreak. Although the economy was badly affected 
by the pandemic in 2020, Mexico was able to weather the pandemic comparatively well, with GDP 
growth of around 4.8% in 20 21. We therefore commend Mexico 's measures adopted to deal with 
the pandemic and to support its people and business.  
4.182.   Mexico continues to be a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system. For example, 
concerning its transparency obligations, Mexico has submitted various notifications to the WTO in 
compliance with various Agreements. These demonstrate its recognition of the crucial importance of 
transparency. On its participation in the WTO negotiations, Mexico has been active in many fronts, 
includin g in fisheries subsidies negotiations. It has also taken steps to engage in all WTO 's plurilateral 
Joint Statement Initiatives, such as MSMEs, e -commerce, investment facilitation, services domestic 
regulation , and environmental sustainability. We applaud i ts active engagements in these initiatives. 
We have noticed that Mexico is not yet a signatory to the Agreement on Government Procurement 
(GPA), nor a party to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). The GPA provides a useful tool 
for optimizing value for money, good governance,  and trade objectives in the government 
procurement sector. The ITA has triggered rapid growth in trade in information and communication 
technology (ICT) industry products and services, with developing countries ' share of global ICT 
exports more than doubling since 1996. Expanding the ITA will further benefit developing countries 
by lowering the cost of ICTs that are critical inputs to making their manufacturing and services 
sectors more competitive; fostering innovation; and thus  playing a major role in growth. We look 
forward to seeing Mexico becoming a Party to the GPA and the ITA in the not -too-distant future.  
4.183.   Bilaterally, we are Mexico 's important investment and trading partner in Asia. We are 
Mexico 's fourth Asian investor an d ninth largest trading partner in 2021. Our businesses have started 
up approximately 300 companies in Mexico, including important enterprises like Foxconn, Inventec, 
Wistron, ASUS, and Delta. ICT industry is one of the most important items in our bilatera l trade 
relationship. While Mexico continues to pursue its National Development Plan 2019 -24, our own 
expertise and experience in ICT industry can surely serve as a basis for a mutually beneficial 
partnership and help Mexico to achieve its policy goal. We look forward to further strengthening our 
bilateral economic cooperation in the future.  
4.184.   We have raised some written questions and would like to thank Mexico in advance for its 
replies.  
4.185.   Finally, we wish Mexico a productive and successful Trade Policy Review. 
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  BRAZIL  
4.186.   Let me welcome the delegation of Mexico on its seventh  Trade Policy Review. I thank both 
the Mexican Government and the WTO Secretariat for their Reports, as well as the discussant, 
Ambassador Clare  Kelly, for her introductory remarks.  
4.187.   I would also like to acknowledge Ambassador Ángel Villalobos, our friend, who is a very 
important presence within the WTO. It is an honour for Mexico to have a professional of this quality 
in Geneva.  
4.188.   Mexico plays an important role in WTO, not only as a key  voice within our region, but also 
as an active and constructive Member in trade negotiations.  
4.189.   Mexico counts with an extensive network of trade agreements and in recent years has sought 
to further increase it by exploring trade negotiations with other par tners, such as the Republic of 
Korea  and Ecuador.  
4.190.   Recently, new aspects have been added to Mexico 's trade policy as a result of the package 
against inflation and famine (PACIC) implemented by the Federal Government to contain inflationary 
pressures. The c ore of this package lies at the unilateral reduction or removal of tariffs on various 
agricultural products. Brazil would be very interested in listening the views of the Mexican delegation 
on the results achieved so far.  
4.191.   Finance and trade are central pil lars of bilateral relations between Brazil and Mexico. They 
show the strong complementarity between our economies.  
4.192.   The mutual stock of investments is high and currently amounts to USD  30 billion.  
4.193.   Our trade flow is equally substantial and surpassed USD  10 billion in 2021, in spite of the 
hardship caused by the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.194.   There is a lot of potential to be further explored. The challenge we face is both to expand 
and to deepen our bilateral trade. Our trade exchanges are primarily regulated by the 2 002 Economic 
Complementation Agreement  53 – ACE-53. This agreement consists of preferential tariffs covering 
only 13% of tariffs.  
4.195.   In this connection, we thank the reply by the Mexican Government to our proposal of 
parameters aimed at broadening the scope of ACE -53. Promoting more trade with Brazil will not only 
increase economic development, but also further diversify Mexico 's network of trading partners.  
4.196.   There is also room for improvement under the current framework. Several measures of 
Mexico 's trade po licy affect Brazilian exports, such as various non -tariff barriers set up by regulatory 
practices, including delay in the concession of sanitary certificates; and the perpetuation of 
anti-dumping measures for decades.  
4.197.   In the last years, the regulatory age nda of the Mexican Government features new rules that 
raises concerns in terms of protectionism. Several industrial sectors are regulated by very rigorous 
requirements or  are subject to sudden changes without due transparency.  
4.198.   Agriculture is an area requiring concrete improvements in order for bilateral trade to further 
advance. Pork meat is an outstanding case as regards the delay faced by Brazilian exporters to 
access t he Mexican market.  
4.199.   Mexico 's National Service of Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) does not allow 
imports of pork meat from Brazil notwithstanding the technical analysis provided by international 
agencies such as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).  
4.200.   As regards safeguards, anti -dumping measures have been renewed for years without due 
consideration by the concerned authorities of arguments presented by interested parties in final and 
mid-term reviews. For instance, anti -dumping measures against Brazilian exports of rebar steel are 
in force since 1995; and anti -dumping measures against Brazilian exports of bond paper since 2013.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.201.   Brazil has submitted a number of questions in this trade policy review. We thank Mexico for 
their writ ten replies, which were forwarded to our capital for examination and follow -up. 
4.202.   Let me conclude by wishing the delegation of Mexico a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.203.   I would like to join others by extending a warm welcome to Mexico 's deleg ation led by Ms  Luz 
María de la Mora Sánchez, I would also like to thank Ambassador Clare  Kelly (New  Zealand) for her 
valuable observations as a discussant, and the Secretariat for its substantive contribution to this 
review.  
4.204.   As in other parts of  the world , Mexico 's economy has been seriously affected by the 
COVID -19 pandemic, both in social and economic terms.  
4.205.   However, the substantial economic rebound we have witnessed in 2021 confirms that the 
Mexican economy is built on a sound macroeconomic policy frame work. The value of this framework 
for both social and economic stability can in our view not be overstated.  
4.206.   This is also true with regard to the general framework governing Mexico 's foreign trade. 
Mexico 's strategy to promote open foreign trade relations and its network of preferential trade 
agreement with many WTO Members has certainly contributed to a quick and positive recovery of 
exports and imports in 2021 after the sharp decline due to the pandemic i n 2020.  
4.207.   Switzerland 's and Mexico 's economies share one important commonality: both countries are 
deeply integrated into global value chains. Also, but not only with their neighbours . This diversity of 
trade relations contributes to the resilience of our ec onomies particularly in times of crisis.  
4.208.   Switzerland and Mexico also share quite a long experience in implementing and continuously 
expanding their preferential trade relations. We have been pioneers in that regard: the EFTA -Mexico 
Free Trade Agreement sig ned in 2000 is among the first comprehensive free trade agreements 
concluded at that time.  
4.209.   Following the entry into force of the EFTA -Mexico Free Trade Agreement in 2001, the 
development of imports and exports between our countries has been strongly posit ive. With a 
volume of bilateral trade flows between Mexico and Switzerland between CHF 2.2 billion  and 
CHF 2.8 billion in the last two years. Today, Mexico is Switzerland's second most important market 
in Latin  America.  
4.210.   Many Swiss companies have a long -time presence in the country and we understand that 
improving the legal and administrative environment could further unlock business potential and 
increase the competitiveness of the Mexican economy.  
4.211.   We also believe that ensuring the best possible framework c onditions for trade and 
investment is crucial for  overcoming temporary disruptions of supply chains and qualitative economic 
growth in the long term.  
4.212.   In the context of this policy review , Switzerland has submitted a number of questions in 
writing, in part icular regarding the general framework conditions in Mexico, its trade policy 
formulation and objectives, and in the field of  import and exports prohibitions, restrictions and 
licensing.  
4.213.   We thank Mexico for considering those issues in its, of which we have  taken good not. 
Additional clarifications and explanations in the area of trade restrictions would however be 
appreciated and we stand ready to clarify the issue or questions raised, if necessary.  
4.214.   In conclusion , Switzerland is committed to continuing to w ork with Mexico in addressing 
today's numerous challenges. In that sense, a modernization of the EFTA -Mexico Agreement will be 
an important step in developing mutually beneficial relations and strengthening the resilience of our 
economies  by expanding trad e and investments.   WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.215.   We wish Mexico constructive and fruitful exchanges within this trade policy review.  
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
4.216.   I would like to join other speakers in welcoming H .E. Ms Luz Mar ía de la Mora Sánchez , 
Undersecretary for Foreign Trade and her delegation to the seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico. 
I also thank Ambassador Clare  Kelly for her role as a discussant and the Secretariat for its detailed 
Report.  
4.217.   This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea -Mexico diplomatic t ies, and bilateral relations 
have been cemented in various areas to date. The Republic of Korea and Mexico are also closely 
cooperating in the cross -regional group MIKTA whose aim includes responding collectively to global 
issues such as human rights, envi ronment, and development. It is particularly noteworthy that the 
economic relations between the Republic of Korea and Mexico have deepened since the 1990s with 
the trade volume increasing five -fold in the past 20  years. The trade volume in goods exceeded 
USD 20 billion  since 2018. Now, the Republic of Korea is Mexico 's fourth  largest trading partner and 
Mexico is Korea 's largest trading partner in Latin  America. This is a remarkable performance that 
has been achieved without any institutional framework such  as a bilateral free trade agreement 
(FTA).  
4.218.   My delegation believes that our two countries will continue to strengthen our economic ties 
with a view to achieving mutual prosperity. Once the Korea -Mexico FTA is signed, it will further 
contribute to expandin g bilateral economic cooperation in the future. In this regard, my delegation 
welcomes the announcement in March this year to resume negotiations for the Korea -Mexico FTA.  
4.219.   The Republic of Korea commends that Mexico, the 15th largest economy in the world, remains 
open to trade and has continued its efforts to further integrate into international trade. Under its 
commitment to a rules -based multilateral trading system and as a founding Member of the WTO, 
Mexico has been an active participant in negotiations and discussions on not only regular activities 
but also joint initiatives including investment facilitation, e -commerce, and service domestic 
regulation. However, Mexico is not a party to the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) 
and the Information Te chnology Agreement (ITA). My delegation encourages Mexico to consider 
joining these Agreements that will promote competition and free trade in relevant areas.  
4.220.   My delegation also takes note that, despite an unfavourable  international economic 
environment over the review period, Mexico 's exchange rate and international reserves stayed stable 
and trade and investment flows grew steadily except for the period affected by the pandemic. It is 
also commendable that Mexico cont inued to implement measures to facilitate trade by adopting 
electronic customs clearance, using consolidated customs forms and improving the Single Window 
for Mexican Foreign Trade.  
4.221.   Against this positive backdrop, it is noticeable that specific trade conc erns and questions 
about NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana), Official Mexican Standards, have been raised in TBT and SPS 
committee meetings. The purpose of NOM to protect human health and the environment should be 
respected, but in some cases such requirements c hange frequently or reasonable time is not given 
before their entry into force, which causes administrative difficulties for exporters to Mexico. The 
Republic of Korea would like to encourage Mexico to pay more attention to this issue.  
4.222.   My delegation prese nted through advance questions a specific concern of the Republic of 
Korea, which is related to import duties on steel products. And we appreciate the response provided 
by Mexico. The imposition and extension of such duties on steel products for several ye ars have had 
considerable impacts on relevant markets, including Korean steel exporters and customers in Mexico. 
My delegation looks forward to Mexico 's efforts to review its tariff plan on imported steel products 
in favour  of an open and free market.  
4.223.   As many other delegations said today, my delegation once again appreciates Mexico 's 
steadfast support for the rules -based multilateral trading system and its active participation. The 
Republic of Korea believes that Mexico will continue to contribute to facil itating free trade and 
strengthening the multilateral trading system. My Government also looks forward to continuing its 
close cooperation with Mexico in the collective efforts to strengthen and facilitate the global trade 
environment.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.224.   I wish the delegatio n of Mexico every success in its T rade Policy Review . 
NEW ZEALAND  
4.225.   New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to comment on the Trade Policy Review of Mexico. 
I would like to thank the Government of Mexico and the Secretariat for their work in preparing us 
for the Review. Let me also welcome the delegation from Mexico  led by Under secretary de  la Mora.  
4.226.   New Zealand welcomes the chance to comment on Mexico 's trade policy settings – both as 
an important bilateral partner, and as a strong advocate of the rules -based international order 
including through our shared membership of the Otta wa and Cairns Groups. We welcome its active 
participation in efforts to strengthen and revitali ze the WTO through its involvement in a range of 
important initiatives, including the Multiparty Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), and 
Joint Stateme nt Initiative negotiations on e -commerce, services domestic regulation and investment 
facilitation for development, and joint statements on MSMEs, and women 's economic empowerment. 
Mexico has also been an important partner in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured 
Discussions (TESSD).  
4.227.   We commend Mexico 's advocacy for trade liberalisation, and specifically its implementation 
of one of the largest Free Trade Agreements globally, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement 
for Tr ans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). As stated in the Reports from both the Secretariat and Mexican 
Government, FTAs are ensuring Mexico is a key stakeholder in the Asia -Pacific 's value chains, a 
process which New  Zealand is keen to support.  
4.228.   New Zealand partic ularly applauds Mexico 's work in enhancing the inclusion and participation 
of women in the domestic economy and international trade, including by joining the Inclusive Trade 
Action Group (ITAG) and the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA). CPTPP 's enhanced 
digital trade provisions create opportunities for Mexican women entrepreneurs. In addition, CPTPP 
includes a range of measures that address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs when 
exporting and provide a higher level of certainty and incre ased openness. New  Zealand encourages 
Mexico to continue the strengthening of its policies in women 's economic empowerment and we look 
forward to cooperating further to advance this shared interest in our relationship.  
4.229.   We would welcome Mexico 's participati on in the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade 
Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA), a first -of-its-kind, ground -breaking initiative that builds on 
New Zealand 's Trade for All inclusion agenda. Beyond these opportunities, New  Zealand continues 
to seek associa ted State status with the Pacific Alliance in order to broaden our regional collaboration 
with Mexico.  
4.230.   We again thank both the Mexican Government and the Secretariat for their work in preparing 
this review; and welcome the opportunity to commend Mexico for  its role in the multilateral trading 
system and for its on -going support for mechanisms that ensure prosperity for all communities.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.231.   Let me speak, for the first time at a TPR, on behalf of His  Majesty 's Government . I would 
like to welcome the Mexican delegation led by the Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Luz  María 
de la Mora. I would also like to thank the Federal Government of Mexico and the WTO for their 
reports  Let me also thank the Chair and our distinguished discussant, Clare  Kelly, for kindly 
facilitating this Trade Policy Review providing us such an insightful basis for our discussions.  
4.232.   In our written questions for this review, we were keen to gain a deeper understanding of 
Mexico 's regulatory framework in areas including intellectual property, domestic regulating bodies 
and agencies, the government procurement regime, trade in services, and SPS measures. This broad 
range of questions covering a panoply of themes is an indication of the range of opportunities 
available to Mex ican and UK business from our accelerating bilateral trade.  
4.233.   This review includes a period of acute economic instability globally. W e are therefore pleased 
to welcome the positive steps which the Mexican Federal Government has taken to mitigate these 
shock s, notably through the expansion of digiti zation services for administrative procedures for 
imports and agri -food exports.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.234.    It is encouraging that in periods of economic stress, actions such as these demonstrate that 
opportunities can be found, notably di gital solutions, which can accelerate best practice and improve 
the free trading environment. This also builds on previous efforts to reform customs procedures, as 
identified during Mexico 's last TPR, in 2017.  
4.235.   In that TPR, the then Chair outlined in her co ncluding remarks Member 's concerns that 
Mexico 's trade was highly dependent on a single market, noting that there was a need to diversify. 
During this review period, Mexico has enacted some of the suggestions made to address this, 
including strengthening e conomic ties with different trading partners.  
4.236.   To this same end, the UK was pleased to sign a Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) with 
Mexico which came into force on 1  June last year. We look forward to delivering our Factual 
Presentation to the Committee on  Regional Trade Agreements in November this year.  
4.237.   To realise the full potential of our trading relationship, Mexico and the UK launched 
negotiations in London on 20  May this year to secure a more modern and comprehensive bilateral 
FTA. As Mexico highlight ed in its Report, we have agreed on the moderni zation of rules relating to 
investment and intellectual property, and the inclusion of innovative provisions relating to SMEs, 
gender and innovation, among others. We look forward to bringing this agreement to  fruition in due 
course and to our businesses making full use of the opportunities that the FTA should offer.  
4.238.   As others have noted, Mexico has also signed agreements with the United  States, Canada, 
and the EU, and has signed the entry -into-force of the CPT PP. As the Secretariat recogni zes in its 
Report, these and other preferential trade agreements demonstrate the importance that regionalism 
plays in Mexico 's trade relations.  
4.239.   In 2017, Members also encouraged Mexico to join plurilateral agreements, notably the GPA. 
We would welcome Mexico 's indication of progress with regards to this key plurilateral agreement.  
4.240.   Let me welcome Mexico 's support for the Inclusive Trade Action Group ITAG and Global Trade 
and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA), as we ll as its engagement in the WTO Informal Working Group 
on Trade and Gender. All these important initiatives help to increase women 's economic 
empowerment through enhanced trade opportunities, an objective we share with Mexico.  
4.241.   Through our Embassy in Mexico  City, the UK has been pleased to work with Mexico on 
developing a methodology to measure the wage gap in Mexico and help to identify a remedy. This 
is an on -going and important work, and we encourage Mexico to continue to advance the necessary 
actions in order to reap the full reward of Mexico 's ambitions.  
4.242.   Regarding transparency, the UK notes that less than 200 measures have been recorded by 
Mexico in the WTO 's Trade Monitoring Database, a low notification level in both relative and absolute 
terms. The me dian G20 member notifies around 400  measures. Notifications and transparency 
obligations are a cornerstone of the ongoing success of the WTO, and we therefore encourage Mexico 
to continue its efforts to ensure maximum levels of transparency regarding notif ications.  
4.243.   Furthermore, recent data demonstrates that of 257  policy intervention measures in force, 
69% (that is  177) are trade restrictive rather than trade -facilitating. As such, the UK encourages 
Mexico to pursue balanced trade policies . 
4.244.   As the Secretar iat's Report identifies, Mexico is working to open -up untapped potential within 
its economy. Export diversification and the spreading of regional exporting opportunities have 
significant potential to achieve this, expanding the benefits of free trade at a global level and 
contributing to an improved, strengthened international trading system. The UK looks forward to 
working with our Mexican partners to help make the most of these opportunities.  
4.245.   The United  Kingdom thanks Mexico for their fruitful engagement  in this important 
transparency exercise and we wish them a successful seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  GUATEMALA  
4.246.   On behalf of Guatemala, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico, 
led by Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Under secretar y for Foreign Trade, as well as to the team 
in Geneva led by Mr  Ángel  Villalobos Rodríguez, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of 
Mexico to the WTO.  
4.247.   We would also like to highlight the work carried out by the Secretariat in preparing this Trade 
Policy Review, as well as the analysis that Ms  Clare Kelly, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of New  Zealand to the WTO, has been good enough to share with us today in her 
capacity as discussant.  
4.248.   Guatemala and Mexico share a very similar history: that of multicultural and multi -ethnic 
countries with great ancestral heritages perpetuated and passed on from generation to generation.  
4.249.   For Guatemala, Mexico is an important trading partner in the Latin  American region. We 
share common interests and ideals on several fronts in this Organization, and we are convinced that 
both countries will continue to build trust and work tirelessly to expand our strategic alliances, both 
here and in other regional forums.  
4.250.   In terms of the bilateral relationship b etween Guatemala and Mexico, 6  September marked 
174 years of diplomatic relations between us.  
4.251.   Mexico and Guatemala have a strong economic relationship and it is worth mentioning that, 
in 2021, Mexico ranked as Guatemala's fifth largest trading partner for exports and third for imports.  
4.252.   The main products imported by Guatemala from Mexico are, inter alia, beer made from malt, 
electricity and copper or aluminium wires.  
4.253.   The main products exported by Guatemala to Mexico are, inter alia, crude palm oil, natural 
rubber latex, whether or not pre -vulcanized, and food preparations.  
4.254.   In terms of this Review, it is important to underscore, as several previous speakers have 
done, the positive economic performance observed in Mexico since its previous Trade Policy Review.  
4.255.   During the period covered this time, as indicated in the report, Mexico has implemented an 
investment policy in all economic sector that has helped to boost national competitiveness and 
exports.  
4.256.   It is important to highlight the various trade facilitation m easures taken by Mexico, such as 
the upgrading of the Single Window for Mexican Foreign Trade, the implementation of electronic 
customs clearance and the establishment of its National Trade Facilitation Committee.  
4.257.   Another element to highlight is the Sector al Programme for Tourism 2020 -24, which seeks 
to foster the development of the country's tourism activities by encouraging the diversification of 
tourism markets both domestically and internationally.  
4.258.   With regard to intellectual property, we highlight the advantages provided by the new law 
on this matter, which promotes innovation and trademarks as sources of economic development, as 
well as enforcement mechanisms to ensure the protection of intellectual property rights.  
4.259.   In conclusion, Guatemala hopes that in implementing its economic and trade policies, Mexico 
will reap further success in terms of its economic growth and development, and trusts that our 
two countries will continue to strengthen their commercial and neighbourly ties.  
4.260.   We appreciate the replie s to our questions, which we shall send to our capital for analysis.  
4.261.   Guatemala acknowledges the efforts made by Mexico during the period under review in this 
report and wishes the Mexican delegation a successful conclusion to its Trade Policy Review  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  CHINA  
4.262.   I would like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico led by 
H.E. Under secretary, Luz  María de la Mora Sánchez and appreciate the Government of Mexico for 
the preparation for this review. I would also like to express my gratitude to the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Ms  Clare Kelly for her insightful remarks. Let me also thank the Secretariat for 
their hard work.  
4.263.   First of all, China comm ends Mexico 's efforts to implement its social economic strategy 
during the review period, including actively responding to the impact of external shocks on the 
economy, developing international trade relations, increasing foreign investment attractiveness,  
supporting the multilateral trading system, as well as effectively participating in regional integration 
processes.  
4.264.   We are pleased to note that in 2021 the Mexican economy rebounded robustly, with GDP 
growth reached around 4.8% and the total volume of tra de reached over USD 1 trillion, both export 
and import volumes have exceeded pre -pandemic levels. This was achieved against the background 
that the economy of Mexico was severely hit by the international economic shocks since the 
mid-2018. Nevertheless, Me xico has responded rapidly and effectively while adopting various 
macroeconomic policies to promote economic recovery and to deal with the impact of pandemic.  
4.265.   We are also delighted to see that Mexico constantly provides facilitation to promote trade 
and investment, which are identified as two of the most important engines for the economic and 
social development. For example, since 2021 the Government has been working on the design of 
investment facilitation tools to attract FDI. China also applauds Mexico 's efforts to the digital social 
transformation through increasing the internet coverage in the country and setting up the Technical 
Committee on 5G Deployment to create a forum among different stakeholders with the aim of 
moving towards the development and  deployment of 5G in the country.  
4.266.   China appreciates Mexico 's firm commitment to the rule s-based multilateral trading system 
and its substantive contribution to the WTO. As one of the 123  proponents of the joint proposal 
regarding launching the selection pr ocesses for AB members, China appreciates Mexico 's spearhead 
role and great efforts to the reactivation of the Appellate Body. We commend  Mexico 's actively 
participating in the Joint Initiatives in the areas of investment facilitation, e -commerce and servi ces 
domestic regulation and great contribution to the success of the WTO MC12 . we also want to express 
our sincere thanks to Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez 's leadership to this Organization as the 
current Chair of Trade Policy Review Body.  
4.267.   This year  marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between 
China and Mexico. Especially since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership 
between the two countries in 2013, the development of bilateral relations has entered into fast lanes 
and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Mexico is China's 
second largest trading partner in Latin  America, and China is Mexico's second largest trading partner 
in the world.  In 2021, the bilateral trade volume between China and Mexico will hit a new record 
high, with a year -on-year growth of 41.9%, reaching US D 86.6 billion.  
4.268.   The good performance of trade well reflected strong trade potential between China and 
Mexico, which we  believe could be further unleashed by strengthening our bilateral and multicultural 
cooperation. China is willing to work closely with Mexico to promote bilateral trade growth, enhance 
trade and investment facilitation, strengthen cooperation in emerging and key areas, deepen 
cooperation and coordination under the multilateral framework. Meanwhile, we urge Mexico to 
refrain from excessively using the trade remedy measures and abandon the surrogate country 
approach when calculating anti -dumping measures aga inst Chinese exports. It is firmly believed that 
with the joint effort from both sides, the China and Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership will 
be further strengthened.   
4.269.   For this review, China has submitted questions to  Mexico, we appreciate the writ ten replies 
and look forward to the answers for the subsequent questions. We will review all of them carefully.  
4.270.   Finally, I would wish the TPR of Mexico a complete success.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  TÜRKIYE  
4.271.   We welcome the delegation of Mexico headed by Luz  María de la Mora Sánchez, 
Undersecretary for Foreign Trade of the Secretariat  of Economy.  
4.272.   We thank the Secretariat and the Government of Mexico for their detailed Reports as well as 
discussant Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand for her invaluable remarks.  
4.273.   We also thank Mexico fo r the answers provided to our questions.  
4.274.   During the review period, the Mexican economy suffered from the adverse effects of 
international economic instability caused by supply chain shortages, COVID -19 pandemic, and 
depressed investment. This resulted in low growth in the country.  
4.275.   However, it is good to see that the Mexican economy is recovering with 4.8 % growth in 2021 
after contracting by 8.2 % in 2020.  
4.276.   To enable a sustained recovery over the medium -term and to deal with the pre -crisis 
challenges for growth and inclusion, we support Mexico 's efforts to promote greater participation of 
women and MSMEs in the economy.  
4.277.   We commend for Mexico 's active participation in negotiations, discussions , and work o f the 
WTO regular bodies. We are also pleased to work with Mexico in Joint Initiatives of e -commerce, 
investment facilitation, services domestic regulation, MSMEs, and TESSD . 
4.278.   As a reflection of strategic partnership between our countries, Mexico is our thi rd biggest 
trade partner in Latin  America.  
4.279.   Despite the pandemic, our bilateral trade volume reached to USD 1.8 billion in 2021. There 
is much more room for growth and it has already reached to USD 1.1 billion in the first six  months 
of 2022.  
4.280.   Direct flight s by Turkish Airlines are beneficial for both our economic cooperation and 
promotion of tourism.  
4.281.   We also have Agreement of Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments since 2015.  
4.282.   Turkish companies are increasingly investing in Mexico in critical, larges cale, and politically 
important projects.  Our companies are ready to do more in Mexico, particularly in the fields of 
construction, energy and infrastructure, among others.  
4.283.   However, there are still practical steps we can take to increase our bilateral tra de volume. 
We are planning to have the next meeting of Joint Economic Commission before the end of the year.   
4.284.   We are also discussing with Mexican authorities the resumption of negotiations on a possible 
FTA with Mexico.  
4.285.   We see a promising potential in coo peration in tourism. We consider that working together 
on concrete projects will support the growth in tourism sectors in both Türkiye and Mexico.  
4.286.   In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Rodr íguez and his 
able team for th e excellent preparation for this review, as well as their constructive contributions to 
WTO activities.  
4.287.   We wish Mexico a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ECUADOR  
4.288.   First of all, we would like to welcome Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Under secretary for 
Foreign Trade and head of the Mexican delegation at this seventh Trade Policy Review of her country. WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  We also welcome the Mexican authorities in attendance at this meeting, in particular my dear 
colleague and friend Ambassador Ángel Villalobos,  Permanent Representative of Mexico to the WTO.  
4.289.   Ecuador has taken note of the information provided by the Government of Mexico on its 
policies aimed at strengthening its economy and trade, promoting competitiveness and creating 
conditions conducive to sust ainable growth and development. We hope that these policies will be 
successfully implemented to serve the interests of the Mexican people and Government.  
4.290.   Mexico is clearly a major player in regional and global trade, as evidenced by its bilateral 
relations  with numerous countries, including Ecuador, its involvement in trade agreements and 
mechanisms, and its participation in the multilateral trading system. Its trade policy decisions will 
therefore always have an impact on international trade.  
4.291.   Ecuador recog nizes Mexico's commitment to free trade, the mobility of capital and integrated 
production, which are characteristics of a strong market economy with benefits that serve its society. 
Measures such as the significant reduction of its tariff lines, the openi ng up of its services and 
investment sectors and the implementation of policies for the diversification of its markets are key 
aspects of its trade profile.  
4.292.   While Mexico enjoys robust trade with its counterparts, in line with its international 
regulatory c ommitments, we note that it maintains some trade practices such as the establishment 
of tariff quotas, non -automatic licensing and non -tariff regulations including technical regulations 
and sanitary and phytosanitary measures that, in certain cases, affect  imports and impede effective 
access to the Mexican market. However, we are confident that the proper management of such trade 
practices accompanied by initiatives and programmes aimed at the diversification of its economy, 
the promotion of foreign investm ent and reduced dependence on oil revenues will have a positive 
impact on Mexico's relationship with its trading partners.  
4.293.   Trade between Ecuador and Mexico is mutually beneficial for both parties. In 2021, it 
exceeded USD  161 million, without taking into a ccount hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which 
reflects an increase of 81% compared to 2020. This figure is a demonstration of the recovery of 
bilateral trade ties, a key factor for economic revival following the COVID -19 crisis.  
4.294.   In 2021, foreign direct investment from Mexico to Ecuador amounted to USD  37 million, 
most of which went to the construction sector, thereby contributing to the creation of jobs in 
Ecuadorian society.  
4.295.   For Ecuador, Mexico is one of the main markets for a number of agricultural and  industrial 
products, such as, inter alia, vegetable extracts and oils, cocoa, food products, leather articles, 
canned fish, articles of textile fibres and fruit juices and preserves. For this reason, we pay particular 
attention to the regulations that Mex ico applies in its agricultural and manufacturing sectors, 
including in respect of sanitary and phytosanitary matters and technical regulations.  
4.296.   With regard to imports, Ecuador mainly purchases medicines, household appliances, light 
motor vehicles, polymer s and industrial machinery from Mexico.  
4.297.   My delegation would like to take the opportunity to highlight that the negotiation process is 
under way for the Productive Integration Agreement between Mexico and Ecuador, which began 
in 2019 and has been mentioned by the Under secretary in her presentation, as well as by the 
discussant in her statements this morning. We express our hope for a successful conclusion of this 
Agreement, which will foster greater space for deepening trade and investment relations between 
our two countries. At the same time, the Productive Integration Agreement will supplement 
Ecuador's series of understandings with the Pacific Alliance member countries, paving the way for 
the incorporation of our country as a full member of the mechanism a nd facilitating the growth of 
trade within the Pacific Alliance and with the Alliance's counterparts in world trade.  
4.298.   As part of this Trade Policy Review, Ecuador has submitted written questions that mainly 
relate to the risk analysis for phytosanitary and animal health requirements, procedures for trade 
facilitation, the application of customs duties and access to official sources of trade data. We thank 
Mexico in advance for its replies, which we look forward to receiving.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.299.   I would like to conclude this statement by wishing Mexico a successful and fruitful conclusion 
to this seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
MALAYSIA  
4.300.   Allow me to warmly welcome Ms  Luz María de  La Mora Sánchez, Undersecretary for Foreign 
Trade  of the Ministry of Economy , and her delegations, both who are physically present here in 
Geneva under the leadership of Ambassador Villalobos Rodr íguez, as well  as those participating 
virtually from Mexico  City to its seventh  Trade Policy Review. We would also like to express our 
appreciation to the Mexican Government and the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive review 
Reports and to Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New Zealand for her invaluable remarks and assessment 
of Mexico 's trade policy development since its last review in 2017.  
4.301.   Malaysia welcomes the opportunity to participate in Mexico 's seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
4.302.   Malaysia would like to commend Mexico for its continued efforts to facilitate international 
trade against the backdrop of economic uncertainty. We acknowledge Mexico 's participation in 
various free trade arrangements and regional integration efforts that promotes access to the Mexican 
market and attract investment.  
4.303.   At the multilateral front, Malaysia appreciates Mexico 's diligent and constructive role in many 
WTO initia tives that Malaysia has also taken part in, particular ly Mexico 's contributions to the 
Informal Work Programme for MSMEs that led to the creation of the "Trade4MSMEs " platform.  
4.304.   At the bilateral level, Malaysia and Mexico enjoy an increasingly robust economic 
relationship. In 2021, Mexico was Malaysia 's second  largest trading partner, largest export 
destination and the third largest import source in Latin  America. Total trade in 2021 increased 
significantly by 37.5% to USD  3.4 billion, from USD  2.4 billion in 2020. In the same period, 
Malaysia 's exports to Mexico increased by 37.9% to USD  2.8 billion . 
4.305.   Malaysia and Mexico are also key partners at the regional level, by virtue of our shared 
membership in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and th e Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).  
4.306.   For this current review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas such as digital 
economy, services, FDI, government procurement , and intellectual property rights.  
4.307.   We would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegation of Mexico for responding to 
our questions and we shall examine the responses with great interest.  
4.308.   With that, we wish the delegation of Mexico a productive and successful seventh Trade Policy 
Review.  
VIET NAM 
4.309.   On behalf of Viet  Nam's delegation, I wish to extend our warm welcome to the distinguished 
delegation from Mexico led by H .E. Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade 
to its seventh  Trade Policy Review. I would like to  thank the Government of Mexico and the WTO 
Secretariat for the preparation of comprehensive Reports for this review. My thanks also go to the 
discussant, Ambassador H.E . Ms Clare Kelly of New  Zealand for her insightful observations and 
introduction.  
4.310.   Since its last Trade Policy Review, we are pleased to note that the Mexic an economy 
rebounded after a severe downturn starting in mid -2018. We share the same view with Mexico that , 
strengthening the network of trade and investment treaties and agreements i s among the best 
pathways to prosperity and welcome Mexico 's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system. 
We highly appreciate Mexico 's active participation in areas concerning WTO reform, the reactivation 
of the Appellate Body, MSMEs, Trade and G ender, E-commerce, among other things.  
4.311.   For our trade relations, we are pleased to be Mexico 's 12th biggest trading partners in recent 
years. In 2021, bilateral trade recorded a year -on-year increase of 37.5 % to over USD 5 billion. WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  Mexico 's major exports to  Viet Nam include machinery, vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment. 
Viet Nam's major export items to Mexico are telephone of all types and components, computers and 
electronic products and components, footwear, and seafood products.  
4.312.   Viet Nam and Me xico have been parties of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement 
for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Given the fact that the CPTPP is a high -standard and "new 
generation " agreement, with the commitments made to each other in this Agreement, bilater al trade 
between Viet  Nam and Mexico is expected to expand strongly and sustainably in the coming time, 
bringing about practical benefits for both countries and the people.  
4.313.   In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank H.E . Mr Ángel V illalobos 
Rodríguez  and his team at the Mission for the preparation of this review as well as their constructive 
and active contribution and engagement in WTO activities, especially Ambassador V illalobos  
Rodríguez  for his able leadership in his capacity as Chair  of this Trade Policy Review Body. I wish 
Mexico a successful seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA   
4.314.   Let me begin by e xtending a warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico led by 
H.E. Ms Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez , Undersecretary for Foreign Trade. India is pleased to be part 
of the seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico today. My delegation would further like to commend 
the Government of Mexico, the delegation in Geneva led by H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  and 
the WTO Secretariat  for their comprehensive Reports.  I would also like to thank the discussant, 
H.E. Ms Clare Kelly (New  Zealand)  for her insightful remarks.  
4.315.   India and Mexico shared an active, diversified, and expanding bilateral relationship. The 
status of this relationship  was elevated from a privileged partnership to strategic partnership during 
Indian Prime  Minister 's visit to Mexico  2016. Ties of friendship and solidarity continue to grow 
stronger between our countries, even during the pandemic. Mexico was the first coun try in 
Latin America to receive vaccines from India in February  2021. India's External Affairs Minister visit 
to Mexico later in September  2021 followed by Mexico's Foreign Minister visit to India in March  2022 
have further bolstered our relations . 
4.316.   Economi c and commercial relations are an important pillar of this relationship. There are 
regular meetings of bilateral interactive mechanisms which include a Joint Commission and a 
High-level Group on Trade, Investment, and Economic Cooperation ; as well as consultations between 
the two foreign ministries.  There also exist between us several bilateral agreements, including 
investments protection and promotion, double taxation avoidance, extradition, administrative 
assistance in customs matters, ai r services, and cooperation in many other sectors.  
4.317.   Mexico has emerged as the third most important trade partner of India in the entire Americas 
after US and Brazil. The global trade and economic crisis deeply affected the trade between India 
and Mexico in 2020. The year 2021 showed clear sings of recovery in the trade exchange, as the 
total trade ascended to USD  10.11  billion.  
4.318.   Indian companies see Mexico as a major investment destination, and several Indian 
companies have invested in Mexico in the recent y ears. The three strongest performing areas  for 
Indian investments in Mexico are information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive sector.  
4.319.   After the Secretariat Report, the Mexican economy started facing  severe downturn s since 
mid-2018 which was exace rbated by the COVID -19 pandemic and caused the GDP to shrink 
by 8.2%. However, in 2021 the economy has rebounded with a GDP growth of around 4.8% thanks 
in large part to the measures adopted to deal with the pandemic. The challenges for the Mexican 
economy  remain addressing income inequalities, reducing poverty, increasing labour productivity, 
and diversifying the economy.  
4.320.   We take note of Mexico's export promotion and agricultural support programmes as well as 
some recent export bans administered by the Gov ernment to meet the national priorities and needs, 
to increase productivity and competitiveness in these sectors, as well as to improve their 
self-sufficiency.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.321.   As a part of this TPR exercise, my delegation has submitted several questions on various 
schemes , policies, and measures of the Mexican Government in areas like goods, services, 
agriculture , intellectual property , trade facilitation, etc. Our capital will be perusing the responses to 
these questions. I wish to state here that certain non -tariff measu res by Mexico especially in the 
areas of textiles, pharmaceutical s, and ste el, remain irritants in realizing the full potential of our 
bilateral trade relationships and we request Mexico to review these measures.  
4.322.   Finally , we note the commitment of Mexico to the multilateral trading system, both India 
and Mexico have shared interest in a strong and effective multilateral trading system, and we look 
forward to working with the Government of Mexico towards achieving the shar ed objective. We 
remain committed to working closely with Mexico in further expanding our economic ties for mutual 
benefit and we wish the delegation of Mexico a productive and successful TPR.  
URUGUAY  
4.323.   Uruguay wishes to extend a warm welcome to the delegati on of Mexico, led by the 
Under secretary for Foreign Trade, Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, and thank her for her 
presentation on the occasion of Mexico's seventh  Trade Policy Review. We also thank the Secretariat 
for its comprehensive report and the discu ssant, Ms Clare  Kelly, Ambassador of New  Zealand, for 
her excellent presentation.  
4.324.   Our countries maintain important ties of friendship that are reflected in the fact that the 
first bilateral free trade agreement signed by Uruguay was with Mexico in 2004. We  also have an 
agreement in force in the automotive sector, and both govern the significant trade flows between 
our countries.  
4.325.   In 2011, we signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the bilateral 
relationship through the establishment o f a strategic partnership covering political, economic, trade 
and cooperation matters. This agreement establishes a Commission on Economic, Trade and 
Investment Affairs, which reports directly to the FTA Administrative Commission.  
4.326.   In recent years, the trad e balance has shown a surplus for Uruguay thanks to exports from 
the PEPSICO free zone, the main exporter to Mexico. If we disregard the goods from free zones, the 
main product exported by Uruguay is rice, followed by cheese, wood by -products and leather. Our 
country mostly imports medium -technology manufactured products, primarily motor vehicles, from 
Mexico.  
4.327.   Uruguay and Mexico agree that the WTO plays a central role in the rules -based multilateral 
trading system, and we share the need to ensure that it re mains relevant in the future and can rise 
to any occasion. We are working together in implementing the "Geneva Package" of commitments 
made at MC12, particularly in defending the mandate of Article  20 of the Agreement on Agriculture; 
the revival of the App ellate Body; the implementation of the agreement to prevent subsidies for 
illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and on all matters related to the fight against the 
COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.328.   Mexico is part of the Informal Working Group on MSMEs, and we see in this seventh Review 
that it has incorporated most of the recommendations agreed upon by the Group. This issue is 
consistently mentioned in every trade policy described in both the Government and Secretariat 
reports. I would like to highlight the support  for digital training as part of the post -pandemic 
recovery, the multidisciplinary support for the MSMEs of indigenous peoples, the micro -credit system 
for entrepreneurs in rural areas and the trade facilitation measures related to customs procedures. 
In this regard, I thank Mexico for its leading role in coordinating the implementation of the 
Trade4MSMES platform.  
4.329.   I would like to acknowledge and express my appreciation for the hard work of 
Ambassador  Ángel  Villalobos Rodríguez and his team in coordinating positions and constantly 
maintaining a constructive approach when addressing the matters that interest us.  
4.330.   During this review process, we have submitted questions on matters relating to market 
access for agricultural products. Our Governments are working t o implement sanitary authorizations WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
- 40 - 
 
  for rice and dairy plants, as well as on market access for new products of plant origin such as 
rapeseed, mandarins and their by -products, and blueberries.  
4.331.   To conclude, we would like to reiterate our appreciation for thi s latest opportunity to discuss 
Mexico's trade practices. We hope to continue collaborating with Mexico on every level, bilaterally 
and here at the WTO  
EL SALVADOR  
4.332.   On behalf of the Government of El  Salvador, I would like to join the delegations that have 
preceded me in welcoming the distinguished delegation of the Government of Mexico, led by 
the Under secretary for Foreign Trade, Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, as well as 
Ambassador  Villalobos, in his capacity as Permanent Representative of Mexico to  the WTO, and all 
the officials joining us from the capital and the Mission here in Geneva.  
4.333.   I also thank Ambassador Kelly and the Secretariat for the excellent report submitted.  
4.334.   This seventh  Trade Policy Review enables us to ascertain the difficulties that  all Member 
countries of this Organization, including Mexico, have faced in the wake of the pandemic, and those 
we are currently facing due to other geopolitical developments with a direct impact on our 
economies.  
4.335.   Like all of us, Mexico implemented a seri es of measures to mitigate the adverse effects of 
the pandemic, which were largely focused on assisting the most affected families and businesses, 
particularly small and medium -sized enterprises.  
4.336.   COVID -19 had negative fiscal and monetary consequences. Sim ilarly, in terms of 
international trade, Mexico suffered a sharp contraction in exports and imports of goods and services 
in 2020, a phase it has managed to overcome thanks to the recovery experienced by the country.  
4.337.   During the period under review, Mexico  has consolidated its commitment to strengthening 
and improving the efficiency of its export platform, with a view to further diversifying markets and 
exportable supply, increasing the competitiveness of the domestic productive sector and integrating 
more efficiently into regional and global value chains.  
4.338.   In terms of multilateral relations, Mexico participates actively in WTO deliberations on diverse 
topics, which are part of its three trade agenda strategies: strengthening the multilateral trading 
system,  reactivation of the Appellate Body and revival of the negotiating arm. We would like to 
highlight the leadership of Ambassador Villalobos, who has chaired several WTO bodies, including 
the Trade Policy Review Body.  
4.339.   Mexico places great emphasis on the impo rtance of the WTO as the forum for agreeing 
disciplines and commitments aimed at reducing international barriers to trade, which we welcome. 
The country is particularly active on several negotiating fronts and in joint initiatives on investment 
facilitatio n, e-commerce, services domestic regulation and structured discussions on the 
environment and sustainability.  
4.340.   It also participates in the joint initiative on MSMEs, as part of which it has led the coordination 
of the Trade4MSMEs platform. At the same time,  Mexico supports and is calling for the increased 
participation and inclusion of women in international trade. It is therefore actively participating in 
the WTO Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender.  
4.341.   Also noteworthy is Mexico's extensive network of t rade agreements, which includes the 
Central American region.  
4.342.   At the bilateral level, Mexico continues to be an important trading partner for El  Salvador. 
The value of Salvadoran exports to Mexico between August 2021 and August 2022 increased by 
33%. Takin g the whole year into consideration, Salvadoran exports to Mexico in 2021 
were USD 140 million, equivalent to 2% of total world exports, ranking Mexico sixth as a destination 
for El  Salvador's exports, after the United  States and some Central American coun tries.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
- 41 - 
 
  4.343.   Decidedly, throughout 164 years of diplomatic relations, El  Salvador and Mexico have made 
considerable progress in building a solid friendship, reflected in numerous signs of solidarity and 
collaboration in the political, diplomatic, economic, trad e, migratory and cooperation areas at the 
bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.  
4.344.   It only remains for me to wish Mexico every success in this review.  
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA  
4.345.   Let me begin by extending a very warm welcome to the head of the delegation Ms  Luz María 
de la Mora S ánchez, Under secretary for Foreign Trade, to the Ambassador H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos 
Rodríguez  and the entire  delegation from Mexico. I would also like to express my appreciation to 
Mexico for its comprehensive Government Report and statement and thank the Chair Ambassador 
of Botswana H.E.  Ms Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme, and to the discussant 
Ambassador  H.E. Ms Clare Kelly (New  Zealand), as well as the Secretariat for their important 
insights. I will briefly address several points.  
4.346.   The Republic of Moldova strongly commends Mexico for its active participation in regular 
activities of the WTO. Being among the foundin g Members of this Organization, it is actively involved 
in negotiations and discussions on new trade related topics as well, setting commendable example 
for Member countries. It is also commendable Mexico 's high degree of integration in international 
trade , and the importance it attaches to the smooth functioning of the rule s-based multilateral 
trading system created within WTO that contributes to inclusive and sustainable development of our 
economies.  
4.347.   In this context we extend our thanks to Mexico, partic ularly for their persistence and 
continuity while leading the initiative on the revitalization of the Appellate Body within the DSB which 
was supported and by our country.  
4.348.   Furthermore, the Republic of Moldova commends Mexico 's good transparency record and  
would encourage it to continue its efforts.  
4.349.   On another note, the Secretariat Report mentions that as a result of Article  IV consultations 
in 2021, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the Mexican economy is rebounding from 
its deepest recession  in decades, driven by strong US growth and the pandemic -related re -opening 
of sectors. IMF Executive Directors commended the authorities for maintaining economic stability 
during the pandemic, underpinned by strong macroeconomic policies and institutional  frameworks. 
However, they emphasized that while the economy continues to recover, there is a need to safeguard 
the recovery and promote stronger, more inclusive , and greener growth. The merit in additional 
fiscal support targeting health and education, so cial safety nets and quality public investment, along 
with enhanced spending efficiency, and reform of the business strategy and governance of 
State -owned compan ies was also underlined . Mexico is also urged to implement a medium -term tax 
reform as the economy strengthens, which would help finance needed social and public investment 
spending and put the public -debt-to-GDP ratio on a firm downward trajectory.  
4.350.   In this context, the Republic of Moldova encourages the Government of  Mexico to continue 
its ref orm agenda to address issues affecting the business and investment environment to ensure 
the benefits of its economy continue to be broadly shared among its citizens.  
4.351.   From a bilateral perspective, this year the Republic of Moldova marks 30  years of diploma tic 
relations with Mexico. Additionally, the Republic of Moldova welcomes the recent increase in our 
bilateral trade with Mexico. While still modest, we look forward to continued growth in this area. 
I would like to highlight a couple of domains where impr ovements would be of particular interest to 
the Republic of Moldova, namely efforts to increase our bilateral trade, particularly in our top 
exported products which are electrical machinery and equipmen t; cereals ; oil seeds and oleaginous 
fruits; edible fr uit and nuts ; and of course,  wine, spirits and vinegar ; also, furniture ; and articles of 
apparel and clothing accessories.  
4.352.   Concluding, the Republic of Moldova welcomes  Mexico 's commitment to the rules -based 
multilateral trading system and its very active a nd admirable participation in the Joint Statements 
Initiatives (JSI) on e-commerce, investment facilitation for development, services domestic WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
- 42 - 
 
  regulation , and active leading participation and in micro, small and medium sized enterprises, as 
well as all oth er informal groups. We also look forward to working closely with Ambassador Villalobos 
and his team to strengthen the WTO. I wish  Mexico utmost successful and productive TPR. 
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA  
4.353.   The Plurinational  State of Bolivia welcomes Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, 
Under secretary for Foreign Trade; Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez; and their entire 
distinguished delegation from the capital and in Geneva. We are grateful for the very exhaustive 
presentat ion of Mexico's seventh Trade Policy Review and for the information shared with all 
WTO Members. We also thank the Secretariat for its report and the Ambassador of New Zealand for 
her important contributions.  
4.354.   The historical ties of fraternity, solidarity a nd support that unite our peoples and 
Governments have enabled us to consolidate our political relationship and revitalize the trade, 
economic and investment promotion agenda. We hope to move forward on this objective and 
strengthen our trade relations und er the Mexico -Bolivia Economic Complementarity Agreement 
(ACE-66), in force since 2010, as a tool for harnessing the potential of the economic and trade 
relationship between the two countries to stimulate expansion and diversification and promote trade 
facilitation.  
4.355.   Against this backdrop, the Presidents of our countries expressed their interest in deepening 
the bilateral relationship, by reactivating the mechanisms for dialogue not only on economic and 
trade matters, but also on consular and migration, tech nical, scientific and cultural matters and 
cooperation against drug trafficking and drug addiction.  
4.356.   Mexico is a strategic partner for Bolivia, and we therefore reiterate the mutual interest in 
exploring areas of complementarity in production chains, as wel l as in promoting cooperation 
projects in sectors of interest such as lithium, for the benefit of both countries.  
4.357.   In this constructive spirit, Bolivia has submitted a number of questions to the distinguished 
delegation of Mexico, which specifically concern  customs regimes, the simplification of procedures 
and the promotion of trade, with a view to gaining a better understanding of its good practices in 
that area. We look forward to Mexico's responses.  
4.358.   We hope to continue working together on the issues on wh ich we agree and that today are 
fundamental within our Organization: the reform of the WTO, the functioning of the Appellate Body 
(on which we thank Mexico for its leadership), agricultural trade reform, effective responses to the 
pandemic and identifying collective responses to the climate emergency. Accordingly, we welcome 
Mexico's announcement that it will join the informal dialogue on plastics, with a view to strengthening 
a transparent, inclusive and rules -based trading system.  
4.359.   We would like to take th is opportunity to thank Mexico for the solidarity shown towards 
Bolivia during the coup d'état in 2019, and for its commitment and support to Bolivia in the fight 
against the COVID -19 pandemic, provided through the shipment of essential medical inputs for our 
country, in the mutual interest of prioritizing peoples' welfare, social inclusion and sustainable 
development.  
4.360.   Lastly, we reiterate our gratitude for the information submitted by the delegation of Mexico 
and acknowledge the progress made in its trade policy despite the difficulties caused by the 
pandemic. We wish them a successful seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAICA  
4.361.   Jamaica is delighted to participate in the seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico and joins 
others in extending a warm welcome to the dele gation headed by H .E. Luz María de  la Mora S ánchez, 
Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economy. We would like to thank you Chair for the 
excellent arrangements for the meeting, and commend our discussant, H .E. Clare Kelly of 
New Zealand for shar ing her perspectives for today 's review exercise. We also appreciate the 
comprehensive Reports prepared by the Government of Mexico and the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.362.   Jamaica and Mexico have a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship including cooperation in 
culture, trade and investment, tourism as well as health. Jamaica also has a strong bilateral and 
intra-regional institutional relationship with Mexico within the context of CARICOM, Organi zation of 
American States (OAS) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). We look forward to our 
continued dialogue to further strengthen the relations between our two countries.  
4.363.   According to the World  Bank, Mexico, with its rich cultural history and natural resources, 
ranks 15th among the world 's largest economies  and is the second largest in Latin  America. The 
World  Bank's report reveals that there is still much more potential for growth when compared to 
similar countries.  
4.364.   Mexico did not escape the damaging effects of the COVID -19 pandemic. However, the 
Governmen t's quick action in implementing sound socioeconomic policies, based on responsible debt 
management, a monetary policy focused on ensuring low and stable inflation as well as a flexible 
exchange rate, allowed for the country to rebound positively in 2021. We commend the Mexican 
Government 's commitment to facilitating trade, including the maintenance of the flow of vaccines 
and medicals products during the pandemic, as well as the action taken to ensure to overcome 
supply chain constraints. In this regard, w e express our appreciation to the Government of Mexico 
for its invaluable support, through the supply of critical COVID -19 vaccines, to Jamaica 's national 
COVID -19 response.  
4.365.   Against worldwide inflationary pressures, the geo -political situation in Europe, we are 
heartened to note that Mexico 's economic outlook remains positive. Already, trade and foreign direct 
investment have exceeded pre -pandemic levels.  
4.366.   We view positively the Government 's continued efforts to improve its performance in the 
export of goo ds and services, and expand trade via the implementation of its Sectoral Programme 
for the Economy 2020 -2024. Jamaica shares some of the objectives outlined in the programme  and 
believes that its full implementation will not only augur well for its citizen s, but for bilateral, regional 
and international trade. We encourage all Members to support Mexico 's efforts in this regard. 
Jamaica further commends the Government 's commitment to strengthen and improve the efficiency 
of its export platform, as well as ac tions being taken to facilitate trade. We view positively the 
implementation of measures such as the electronic customs clearance system, updating of the Single 
Window for Mexican Foreign Trade (VUCEM), and divesting of powers to various Federal Government  
departments and bodies involved in the fight against the pandemic to facilitate the smooth transfer 
of goods. We support further the establishment of a National Trade Facilitation Committee to allow 
for improved coordination among relevant government enti ties. We encourage Mexico to continue 
these efforts going forward.  
4.367.   Jamaica and Mexico have a shared commitment to strengthening the international 
rules-based multilateral trading system. As a mutual partner, Jamaica welcomes Mexico 's 
commitment to the stre ngthening of system, with the WTO as its core institution, and commends 
Mexico for its active participation in the WTO and in informal groupings of WTO Members, such as 
the Friends of the System, matters related fisheries, the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) , as well as 
the WTO Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. We note the leadership role played by 
Mexico with a view to reconstitute the Appellate Body in a bid to ensuring that all aspects of the 
dispute settlement system offer guarantees for complia nce with the provisions of the various WTO 
Agreements.  
4.368.   Jamaica extends special commendations to Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodr íguez and his 
team for their active and constructive engagement on issues within the WTO and their contribution 
to strengthening  the WTO and the multilateral trading system. We look forward to further exchanges 
as we seek to implement the outcomes of the MC12  that took place in June and  embark on our 
preparation for MC13.  
4.369.   In closing, Jamaica once more extends its best wishes to Mexico for a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
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  MAURITIUS  
4.370.   Let me join you and other delegations in welcoming the Mexican delegation led by 
H.E. Ms Luz Mar ía de la Mora S ánchez, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade . We also thank the 
discussant, H .E. Ambassador Clare Kelly for her insightful remarks.  
4.371.   Allow me at the outset, to offer my condolences to the Mexican delegation for the damage 
caused by the passing of hurricane Orlene which made a landfall in southwest  Mexico yesterday and 
also for the high magnitude e arthquakes of last week in Mexico  City. We know the resilience of the 
Mexican people and we know that they will surmount these difficulties.  
4.372.   Mauritius is pleased to participate in this seventh  Trade Policy Review of the Mexico and we 
congratulate Mexico fo r its strong economic performance during the period under review as well as 
a rapid recovery initiatives from the C OVID -19 pandemic. We note from the Trade Policy Review 
reports that trade has played a crucial role in the economic recovery.  
4.373.   In this respec t, we commend the various support measures put in place by the Mexican 
Government in order to mitigate the economic fallout from the pandemic including the business 
support programmes to enterprises.   
4.374.   As founding Members of the WTO, Mauritius and Mexico s hare a similar commitment to the 
smooth functioning of a rules -based multilateral trading system that contributes to inclusive and 
sustainable development.  
4.375.   We acknowledge the constructive positions taken by Mexico for the preservation and the 
promotion of  the multilateral trading system, particularly with the reference to the two -tier dispute 
settlement system at the WTO.  
4.376.   In addition, we acknowledge Mexico 's active participation in plurilateral frameworks under 
the WTO, including the Joint Statement Initiative s on investment facilitation, e -commerce and 
services domestic services regulation.  
4.377.   We note that Mexico has implemented several initiatives in recent years to facilitate trade 
including the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agree ment and updating the Single Window 
for Mexican Foreign Trade. Mexico has also an open trade and investment framework, which is 
reflected by its low average tariffs.  
4.378.   We commend Mexico for its recent promulgation of the Federal Law on Industrial Property 
Protection. This new law will create a conducive environment for innovators and transfer of 
technology.  
4.379.   We believe that export promotion and investment institutions of both countries can work 
together to establish possible trade and business linkages.  
4.380.   As Africa looks forward to upscaling its engagement with major partners, especially following 
the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area, we hope that Mexican businesses will establish 
value chains, with Africa and deepen its engagements with countr ies of the Indian Ocean.  
4.381.   Last but not least, let me recognize the excellent contribution of my neighbour and brother 
H.E. Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodr íguez in the WTO process and in helping to advance the 
negotiations and the multilateral trade system.   
4.382.   We wish him , his Embassy  and delegation  every success for this Trade Policy Review.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.383.   Let me start by saying that we reject the declaration  that we heard today from one 
delegation. We believe that all Members should refrain  from disrupt ing the WTO work and should 
raise political issues exclusively in relevant fora that are mandated to discuss them.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.384.   I would like to extend our welcome to the delegation of Mexico. We appreciate the 
comprehensive Reports by the Government and the WTO Secret ariat. Our thanks also go to the 
discussant, H.E.  Ms Clare Kelly (New Zealand ), for her thoughtful remarks. We hope that this TPR 
would contribute significantly to the transparency of the trade regime of Mexico.  
4.385.   We would like to commend the Government of Mexico for carrying out effective trade and 
investment policies that ensured solid economic performance and resilience of its economy during 
the review period. It seems that the Government was relatively successfu l at addressing the 
COVID -19 challenges with timely and effective interventions that allowed to minimize economic 
impact of the pandemic.  
4.386.   Of course, the current global economic downturn affected Mexico 's trade performance. The 
Government 's Report mentions that "the recent geopolitical crisis stemming from the conflict 
between the Russia n Federation  and Ukraine has led to an increase in food, fuel and fertilizer prices, 
as well as to greater economic uncertainty and lower global growth expectations ". Let us be clear 
on facts. Energy and food crises started emerging long before. In general, prices for agricultural 
commodities are on an upward trend from the second half of 2020. This trend was exacerbated by 
unilateral restrictive measures in a wide array of ar eas – from logistics to financial services.  
4.387.   The same Report assures  that "Mexico is convinced of the importance of trade as a vital 
element in the functioning of the international economy ". The Russian  Federation shares this view. 
We therefore highly appre ciate Mexico 's continued commitment to the core values of the multilateral 
trading system and the WTO which was proved by the decision not undermine this Organization 's 
rulebook by introducing unilateral economic restrictive measures.  
4.388.   Mexico is one of the Russia n Federation 's key foreign economic partners in Latin  America 
and consistently ranks second  in terms of trade volumes. According to our data, by the end of 2021, 
the Russian -Mexican trade turnover more than doubled compared to the previous year and 
amounted to USD  4.8 billion, exceeding the historical maximum.  
4.389.   According to the Economic Information System of the Central Bank of Mexico, in the first 
half of 2022, the volume of imports from the Russia n Federation  amounted to almost USD  1.2 billion, 
which is 21% higher than last year. The Russia n Federation  is the main international supplier of 
fertilizers to Mexico with a share of about a quarter of all imports of nitrogen and mixed nitrogen, 
phosphorus and potash fertilizers. Other important imports fr om the Russia n Federation  are rolled 
steel, aluminium , and synthetic rubber.  
4.390.   We look forward to working with the authorities of Mexico in order to continue expanding 
our trade and investment ties for mutual benefit.  
4.391.   In conclusion, we would like to thank you  Chair, the delegation  of Mexico, the Secretariat 
and the discussant, for the work done so far and wish Mexico a successful Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.392.   It is my pleasure to participate in the seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico. We warmly 
welcome Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, H .E. Luz María de la Mora Sánchez and her delegation 
to Geneva.  
4.393.   We thank you Chair for your introductory remarks and the discussant, Ambassador 
Clare Kelly for her insightful and helpful discussion as always. In additi on, we appreciate the Mexican 
Government and the WTO Secretariat for their excellent, comprehensive, and detailed Reports.  
4.394.   Chair, please allow me to share a few remarks with respect to the Mexico 's seventh  TPR.  
4.395.   First of all, I would like to highlight that  Thailand and Mexico share a number of similar 
characteristics in terms of economic development. Both countries are an upper middle -income 
country that is highly dependent on international trade as well as tourism and other exports, 
including agricultural products which are still important for both countries. We take note with 
satisfaction that the Mexican government 's policies in this area have been moving forward towards 
greater liberalization. Moreover, Thailand and Mexico are also an active member of AP EC. In fact, WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  the Mexican Ambassador (H.E.  Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez ) was in Bangkok for the APEC  MRT 
meeting earlier this year to represent the Government of Mexico of which we are very grateful.  
4.396.   Second, the Mexican economy is characterized by low but rather stable growth rate during 
the review period. Since 2016, the Mexican economy has grown at 0.2% However, we note that 
in 2021 the Mexican economy experienced strong economic recovery where the GDP rebounded 
significantly at 4.8% with the value of exp orts and imports exceeding the pre -pandemic levels. This 
is due mainly, in our view, to the government 's swift adoption of responsive measures and the 
foreign trade as its driver of growth.  
4.397.   During the review period, we have seen the trade and investment be tween Thailand and 
Mexico growing rather quickly, despite a small drop in 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic. In  2021, 
Mexico is Thailand's largest trading partner in Latin  America and Thailand is Mexico's sixth largest 
trading partner in the Asia -Pacific r egion with a total trade of USD  3.7 billion, recording 18.3% 
increase from the previous year .  
4.398.   Thailand also welcomes the Mexican government 's policy to promote diversification of export 
markets and is pleased to observe the Mexican exports becoming less, despite still highly, 
geographically concentrated during the review period.  
4.399.   We hope to expand and deepen the economic collaboration on a wide range of areas, 
especially with respect to the circular economy. I myself had spoken in many occasions to Mexican  
students visiting Thailand every year and had experienced how active young Mexican people were, 
which contributed considerably to the growth of the Mexican economy.  
4.400.   Third, Thailand applauds Mexico for its invaluable contributions to the work of the WTO i n 
many areas and appreciates active participation of Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez in many 
fora, including the Joint Statement Initiatives. I have a fond memory of working closely with him in 
the fisheries subsidies negotiation. We very much look f orward to the continued cooperation with 
Mexico in the future.  
4.401.    Last but not least, I cannot fail to mention a particular economic sector which is of great 
importance to Thailand. That is the automobile and parts, of which both Thailand and Mexico are 
major exporters. In this regard, Thailand has been monitoring closely the development of the policies 
of the Mexican economy, notably with respect to the rules of origin that, as a result of the modified 
NAFTA agreement or the current USMCA agreement, have an  impact on foreign direct investment in 
this particular sector. We would follow with interest the responses from the Mexican Government to 
the questions posed by other Members with respect to this concern.  
4.402.   In conclusion, we are pleased to participate in th e seventh  TPR of Mexico today where many 
of us have learned so much about the latest development of Mexico 's trade and economic policies. 
We are also thankful for the cooperation with Mexico at every level and wish Mexico every success 
in its seventh Trade  Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.403.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of Mexico led by Ms  Luz María de la Mora Sánchez , 
Undersecretary for Foreign Trade. We thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mexico for 
their comprehensive Reports and appreciate Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand on her 
insightful information and analysis as the discussant.  
4.404.   Sri Lanka acknowledges that Mexico  as a founding Member of the WTO actively participates 
in the regular activities of the WTO, negotiations, and discussions on new trade -related topics, and 
gives its great importance to the smooth functioning of a rules -based multilateral trading system 
that contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.  
4.405.   It is commendable that in 2016, Mexico ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
undertook to implement all the agreed provisions immediately and in 2021, Mexico established its 
National Trade F acilitation Committee. During the review period, Mexico has also continued to 
implement measures to facilitate trade, such as electronic customs clearance, the use of consolidated 
customs forms and the improvement of the Single Window for Mexican Foreign T rade. WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.406.   Mexico gives its high degree of integration in international trade as Mexico's trade policy 
objectives are to promote foreign trade, defend its trade interests, and negotiate trade agreements. 
My delegation notes that regionalism is considered of utm ost importance for Mexico's trade relations 
by signing many preferential trade agreements with its main trading partners.  
4.407.   We note that as a part of its trade strategy, Mexico promotes women's empowerment and 
the development of transport and logistics infr astructure. However, it has shown that the use of 
trade as a tool to reduce poverty and socio -economic inequalities has not achieved the expected 
outcome in Mexico, as the export activities are predominantly focused on certain goods produced in 
a limited n umber of regions of the country. We believe that Mexico works hard to attract investment 
to different sectors and regions of the country with the objective of promoting export diversification.  
4.408.   We acknowledge that Mexico's exports continue to be dominated b y manufactured products 
and its export markets remain highly concentrated and services trade continued to be in deficit, 
while tourism industry was heavily affected by the pandemic during the review period.  
4.409.   We note that investment regime of Mexico is rela tively open, however, there are still some 
restrictions are imposed with regard to FDI. Certain activities, mainly in the energy and services 
sectors, are still reserved to the State or to Mexican legal and natural persons, while in other sectors 
the share  of FDI is limited.  
4.410.   My delegation acknowledges that as many economies in the world, the economy of Mexico 
was also badly affected in 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic. However, in 2021, the Mexican 
economy rebounded due to a substantial number of measures  adopted to deal with the pandemic, 
which were aimed primarily at assisting the hardest -hit families and businesses, particularly SMEs.  
4.411.   It is significant to note that Mexico wishes to establish itself as a new gateway for multimodal 
traffic between Asia an d the east coast of the United  States and has begun work on the creation of 
a multimodal transport corridor.  
4.412.   My delegation notes that Mexico has continued to implement export promotion programmes, 
particularly to the manufacturing sector to promote product ivity and increase competitiveness. In 
addition, Mexico has other programmes to attract investments and create jobs, a number of which 
have been notified to the WTO. As the agricultural sector is of great importance to Mexico and it is 
also a net importer of agricultural products, country has implemented a series of support 
programmes for the sector.  
4.413.   When it comes to bilateral trade relations between Sri  Lanka and Mexico, total trade between 
the two countries was US D 217 million in 2021. The balance of trad e has always been in favour of 
Sri Lanka during last six years.  
4.414.   Mexico became the 15th export market for Sri  Lanka in 2021. The value of Sri  Lanka 's exports 
to Mexico has increased to US D 205 million in 2021 recording a 51% growth compared to 2020. 
Cinnamo n and cinnamon -tree flowers have been the dominant export items accounting for more 
than 50% of the value of Sri  Lanka 's exports to Mexico in 2021. We acknowledge with sincere 
appreciation that Mexico has traditionally been one of the significant buyers of  true cinnamon, which 
is known as "Ceylon Cinnamon " grown and produced in Sri  Lanka. As we have been successful in 
the EU market, Sri  Lanka looks forward to obtaining geographical indication protection for "Ceylon 
Cinnamon " in Mexico to ensure that the Mexican consumers can continue enjoy the flavours of true 
"Ceylon Cinnamon " in the future as well.  
4.415.   On the imports front, the pattern of the value of imports from Mexico to Sri  Lanka has been 
rather erratic during 2016 -2021 pe riod while optical, medical or surgical instruments have become 
major import items from Mexico.  
4.416.   The Agreement on the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries 
(GSTP) was established in 1988 as a framework for the exchange of trade prefe rences among 
developing countries to promote intra -developing -country trade. Both Sri  Lanka and Mexico are 
members of the GSTP. Sri  Lanka 's exports to Mexico under GSTP has increased to US D 49 million 
in 2021 recording a 31% increase in exports compared to  2020.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.417.   Furthermore, Sri  Lanka has potential of expanding its trade with Mexico in sectors such as 
apparel, rubber products, machinery and electrical machinery parts, essential oils, activated carbon, 
ceramic products, glass products , etc. Sri  Lanka believes that there could be many more areas to 
be discovered to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, and we look forwa rd 
to exploring those opportunities.  
4.418.   In concluding, Sri  Lanka wishes the delegation of Mexico a successful deliberation and 
productive outcomes on its seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
HONDURAS  
4.419.   Honduras warmly welcomes the entire delegation of Mexico, led by it s Head of Delegation, 
H.E. Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Under secretary for Foreign Trade. We also acknowledge 
Ambassador Villalobos and his team for their excellent work and thank them for their statement and 
report.  
4.420.   We extend our thanks to you, Chair, for your leadership and guidance; to the discussant 
Ambassador Kelly for her valuable contribution; and to the WTO Secretariat for the excellent work 
carried out.  
4.421.   Our bilateral relationship has been marked by over 143 years of diplomatic relations a s part 
of which both parties have made efforts to strengthen and deepen consultation mechanisms, with a 
view to establishing mechanisms to address the challenges we both face.  
4.422.   This was demonstrated by the visit of the Mexican President to our country in Ma y 2022, 
during which our authorities agreed to deepen connections through economic, trade, cultural, 
agri-food, educational and scientific exchanges, and to address matters in order to solve energy 
problems, including the maintenance of the electrical inte rconnection system between the countries 
of our region and Mexico.  
4.423.   As regards the bilateral trade relationship, as indicated in the reports examined, the 
governing instrument is the Single Free Trade Agreement in force since 2013. Mexico is and has 
been an  important trading partner for Honduras.  
4.424.   In 2021, bilateral trade reached around USD  1 billion. Our exports stood at a value of 
USD 162 million, with an increase of 3% in the annual growth rate between 2017 and 2021.  
4.425.   We also import more than USD  851 millio n worth of electrical machinery, equipment and 
electrical parts; vehicles; and plastics and articles thereof from Mexico.  
4.426.   With regard to the reports examined, we highlight the actions taken by the Mexican 
authorities to promote the expansion of telecommuni cations and broadcasting services in an 
environment of effective competition, such as asymmetric regulatory measures for dominant 
economic operators and competitive tendering processes for parts of the radio spectrum for 
broadcasting and telecommunications  services, as well as the direct allocation of new spectrum 
concessions for public and social use, including community and indigenous concessions.  
4.427.   We are also pleased to see the adoption of the Sectoral Programme for Tourism 2020 -24, 
which sets out the sec tor's priority objectives, ensuring a social approach and respect for human 
rights in the country's tourism activities, promoting the balanced development of tourism 
destinations, strengthening the diversification of tourism markets and promoting sustainab le tourism 
in Mexico.  
4.428.   The OECD, in its most recent report published in February  2022, highlighted Mexico's 
potential to become a high -growth economy and commended the country for safeguarding 
macroeconomic stability amid the COVID -19 pandemic through the a doption of solid macroeconomic 
policies, underpinned by innovative debt management, sound monetary policy and a flexible 
exchange rate regime.  
4.429.   We agree with Mexico that the WTO is a global public good, and that Members need to show 
commitment and willingne ss to improve, defend and strengthen the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  4.430.   Lastly, Honduras acknowledges the contributions, achievements and active participation of 
Mexico in the WTO and we wish it every success in the presentation of its seventh  Trade Policy 
Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.431.   Indonesia is pleased to participate in the seventh  Trade Policy Review of Mexico. We would 
like to join previous speakers in extending a very warm welcome to the delegation of Mexico, headed 
by H.E. Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Undersecre tary for Foreign Trade. We would also like to thank 
the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Mexico for their excellent Reports, as well as our 
appreciation to the TPRB Chair , and the discussant, Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand for their 
insightful perspectives.  
4.432.   As indicated in the Reports, the OECD stated in the study that Mexico has a tremendous 
potential to become a high -growth economy, having transitioned from an oil -dependent economy to 
a manufacturing hub integrate d in global value chains in the early 1990s.  
4.433.   We have observed that, during the review period, the Mexican economy grew relatively 
slowly and contracted by 8.2% in 2020 as the result of the COVID -19 pandemic. Despite all the 
challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic, the Mexican economy recovered in 2021, with GDP 
growth around 4.8%. We believe that the business support programmes implemented by the 
Government will provide benefits to the business world, especially small and medium -sized 
enterprises that are  severely affected by COVID -19. 
4.434.   Mexico is one of Indonesia's strategic partners in Latin  America with total bilateral trade 
between the two countries reaching USD 1.61 billion in 2021, with a trend (2017 -2021) of 6.09%. 
Vehicles and parts, electrical machi nery, footwear, rubber, and animal or vegetable fats and oils are 
among the top five Indonesia 's exports to Mexico. Meanwhile, mechanical appliances, electrical 
machinery, copper, optical devices, and organic chemicals are the top five imported products fr om 
Mexico.  
4.435.   Although the bilateral framework is still not optimal, trade ties between Indonesia and Mexico 
looks promising; trade and investment tend to increase during the post -pandemic economic recovery 
phase. The two countries also cooperate well in regi onal and international fora such as APEC and 
the G20. 
4.436.   As this year's G20 host, Indonesia would like to thank Mexico, particularly H .E. Luz María 
de la Mora Sánchez and her team, for their cooperation and participation in the series of Trade 
Investment and Industry Working Group (TIIWG) and Trade Investment and Industry Ministerial 
Meeting (TIIMM) held in Bali last September.  
4.437.   To conclude, Indonesia appreciates Mexico 's active engagement in the WTO and their 
continued support for the multilateral trading syst em. We wish the delegation of Mexico every 
success for their seventh Trade Policy Review.  
BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA  
4.438.   The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to welcome the delegation of 
the United Mexican States, headed by Ms  Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, Under secretary for Foreign 
Trade. We thank the discussant, Ambassador Clare Kelly (New  Zealand), for her context -setting 
analysis, and the Secretariat for its organization and documentation.  
4.439.   We would like to begin our statemen t by recalling the historic ties of brotherhood and trade 
cooperation that have united us with Mexico, which have been revitalized since the triumph of 
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in December 2018. Our country can attest to the fact that 
cooperat ion and respect are a Mexican state policy that has been maintained and deepened 
throughout history.  
4.440.   Mexico's main exports to Venezuela include maize, baby food, shampoo, paper and 
machinery. Venezuela's main exports to Mexico include steel -making machiner y, construction 
materials and sesamum seeds. We would like to highlight that both countries are part of the WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  Latin American Integration Association (LAIA). We have signed important trade, political, economic, 
parliamentary and cultural agreements and conven tions. There is significant potential for 
cooperation between the two countries in petrochemicals, oil and gas.  
4.441.   Turning to the report submitted by the WTO Secretariat for Mexico's seventh Trade Policy 
Review, we are pleased to note that, in 2021, the Mexican economy saw GDP growth of around 
4.8%, thanks in large part to the measures adopted to deal with the pandemic, which were aimed 
primarily at assisting the hardest -hit families and businesses, particularly small and medium -sized 
enterprises.  
4.442.   The exp ansion of the Mexican economy in 2021 was also reflected in its international trade. 
Merchandise exports in 2021 amounted to USD  494,225  million (18.5% higher than in 2020), while 
imports totalled USD  505,716  million (32% above the 2020 level).  
4.443.   In wishing Mexico a successful Trade Policy Review, we would like to conclude our statement 
by reaffirming our full willingness to continue strengthening our trade and cooperation ties, as well 
as the shared commitment to the establishment of a strong, fair and predi ctable multilateral trading 
system based on solidarity and common and transparent rules.  
4.444.   To conclude, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ambassador Ángel 
Villalobos Rodríguez for his leadership and valuable contributions as Head of the P ermanent Mission 
of Mexico to the WTO, as Chair of this Body and as the individual responsible for uniting the majority 
of this Organization's Members in order to revive the Appellate Body. We extend this recognition to 
his team, reiterating our support an d best wishes for success in its work.  
BANGLADESH  
4.445.   At the outset, the Bangladesh i delegation welcomes H.E.  Luz María de la Mora Sánchez 
Under secretary for Foreign Trade and thanks for her introductory presentation at the seventh  TPR. 
We also thank Ambassado r H.E.  Ms Clare Kelly of New  Zealand for her insightful discussions. Our 
sincere appreciation goes to the Government of Mexico and the WTO Secretariat for the 
comprehensive Reports.  
4.446.   Trade has long been an important part of Mexico's economy and also an important connector. 
This has been reinforced during the global COVID -19 pandemic. This seventh  Trade Policy Review of 
Mexico covers a period of great international economic instability. As an open economy with strong 
economic ties with the international c ommunity, Mexico has also been hit by the adverse effects of 
COVID -19 and other shocks. Mexico's macroeconomic strength, coupled with the implementation of 
measures by the monetary authority and others, Mexico have mitigated those adverse effects.  
4.447.   It is e ncouraging to see that prudent macro -economic measures adopted by the country 
have resulted in impressive economic growth and remarkable improvement in almost all ind exes. 
Since the last TPR, relatively strong economic fundamentals and solid buffers to ext ernal shocks, 
have helped the country maintain macroeconomic stability. The strong outward orientation of the 
Mexico economy has been one of the pillars of growth for many years.  
4.448.   As a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system Mexico remains active ly engaged at 
the WTO. It took leadership roles in various WTO bodies, including the Appellate Body appointment. 
It also supports a TRIPS waiver on COVID -19 vaccines, as well as reforms to strengthen the WTO.  
4.449.   Bangladesh welcomes Mexico's trade policy prio rity on multilateral, non -discriminatory rules 
is complemented by a goal of continuous expansion and deepening of trade relations through 
regional and bilateral approaches. It attaches high importance to reducing gaps in the level of 
development between na tions, to promoting the further integration of developing and least 
developed countries into the global economy, and to the need to make economic development more 
sustainable.  
4.450.   As the 15th largest economy of the world, Mexico is one of the Bangladesh 's imp ortant and 
largest trading partners. The bilateral trade volume between two countries stands at around 
USD 300 million and Bangladesh expects it will reach USD 1 billion mark within a few years. From WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  Mexico perspective, though, Bangladesh is a small tradin g partner but it 's export to Mexico has been 
rising since the opening of its diplomatic mission in 2012.  
4.451.   Bangladeshi export basket to Mexico is dominated by the apparels, which is around 90 %. 
The other major export items include cotton, textiles, footwear , and leather products. Bangladesh 's 
major imports from Mexico include medicine, beer,  and tequila.  
4.452.   Bangladesh appreciates Mexico 's constructive engagement with the WTO, and its 
commitment to multilateral trading system. To conclude, we wish the delegatio n of Mexico a 
productive and successful TPR. My delegation will continue to work closely with the Mexic an 
delegation, led by Ambassador H.E.  Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez , to strengthen the multilateral trading 
system while we strive to enhance our bilateral trade.  
PANAM A 
4.453.   First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate H.E. Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, 
Under secretary for Foreign Trade at the Mexican Ministry of the Economy, as well as the entire 
Mexican delegation for its outstanding preparator y work in its seventh Trade Policy Review. My 
congratulations also go to H.E. Ambassador Ángel Villalobos and his entire team at the Permanent 
Mission of Mexico in Geneva.  
4.454.   In addition, I would like to thank Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, discussant  at this 
Review, for her excellent introductory remarks that paint a picture of Mexico's current trade policy 
environment and the surrounding circumstances. We also wish to commend the work of the 
Secretariat in preparing the respective reports.  
4.455.   The period  under review saw many global events that have had an impact on Mexico's 
economic and trade development. These include the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade 
Agreement, the COVID -19 pandemic and the recent geopolitical crisis. Such events have 
undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Mexican economy.  
4.456.   We note that GDP fell significantly by 8.3 percentage points. While all countries are exposed 
to international shocks, it is important for Mexico to implement public policies not only to mitigate  
the effects of the crisis, but also to strengthen the economy and increase its resilience to such events 
in the future.  
4.457.   In this regard, we are pleased to learn that Mexico is taking steps in the short and medium 
term to address the crisis through a multid isciplinary approach.  
4.458.   In addition, we welcome the fact that Mexican merchandise exports in 2021 exceeded 
pre-pandemic levels, amounting to USD 494 million, an 18.6% increase on the previous year. The 
main exports continue to be manufactured products.  
4.459.   A significant percentage (85%) of Mexican exports of manufactured products going to Asia 
pass through the Panama Canal, as Mexico is the sixth greatest user of the Canal in tonnes.  
4.460.   The prospects for economic growth remain positive and we hope that Mexico will c ontinue in 
this direction.  
4.461.   Panama shares Mexico's objective of remaining at the forefront of new technologies in order 
to strengthen the services sector. In this regard, we are pleased to learn that Mexico has 
implemented the Law Regulating Financial Techn ology Institutions (known as the Fintech Law).  
4.462.   This Law has two objectives; it represents the formalization of the financial services provided 
through the various platforms and provides legal certainty to users of such platforms. As a services 
country, Pan ama will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this Law.  
4.463.   With regard to our bilateral relationship, our countries are united by significant historical, 
social and commercial ties. During the period under review, specifically between 2017 and 2019, 
Panama's  exports to Mexico increased by 250%. The main agricultural products exported to Mexico WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  are, inter alia, oil, tuna, rum and cane molasses. Mexico, for its part, mostly exports manufactured 
products to Panama.  
4.464.   There is constant bilateral cooperation between  our countries on SPS matters, as 
demonstrated by the recent visit of the Mexican authorities from the Federal Commission for 
Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) to the Ambassador of Panama in Mexico. The objective 
of this body is to protect the pop ulation from health risks caused by the use and consumption of 
goods and services.  
4.465.   We would like to commend Mexico for its active participation in the multilateral trading 
system. Mexico's Chairpersonship of this body, the Trade Policy Review Body, is an e xample of the 
importance Mexico attaches to this Organization.  
4.466.   We wish it every success in this seventh  Trade  Policy  Review   
  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MEXICO  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  Ambassador Molokomme, Ambassador Kelly, I would once again like to express my deepest 
gratitude for your important work in Mexico's Trade Policy Review, and to also extend my thanks to 
the representatives of the Members that have joined us in this transparency exercise, which is 
fundamental to the WTO.  
5.2.  Thank you f or all the questions that Members have submitted to us in writing and orally. I also 
appreciate the comments and reflections that were shared with us at the first session of the Review. 
We received 842 written questions, all of which have been promptly add ressed.  
5.3.  We heard various remarks in Wednesday's session that I would like to address today.  
Macroeconomic aspects  
5.4.  Mexico is committed to maintaining a sound macroeconomic framework as a basis for its 
growth. The macroeconomic policy response during the pan demic, in both its fiscal and monetary 
aspects, focused on enabling the proper functioning of financial markets and providing support for 
the most vulnerable sectors of our society. Our objective remains consolidating the macroeconomic 
framework by taking various steps to reduce inflation to meet the central bank's target and maintain 
healthy fiscal accounts. We also continue to promote the healthy development of financial markets 
with an inclusion -based approach, in order to leave nobody behind. In this re gard, we appreciate 
the interest shown by various Members in relation to the reforms implemented in the Mexican 
financial sector in recent years.  
Trade concentration  
5.5.  An initial comment on the concentration of our trade is that one of the pillars of our cou ntry's 
trade policy strategy is the diversification of markets, suppliers, sectors, products and regions. In 
this connection, progress has been made by reducing the share of our total trade with a single 
country to 62%, while manufactured products account for more than 80% of foreign trade, with 
certain sectors seeing trade flows grow significantly, such as the aerospace sector. At the Ministry 
of the Economy, we use the Herfindahl -Hirschman Index to measure export diversification. The 
higher the index, the  greater the concentration in the number of exported products. In 2007, we 
saw an index of 305.6, while for 2021, it had fallen to 127.6 as a result of the diversification of our 
export basket.  
5.6.  Moreover, we have taken targeted action to bring the benefits of foreign trade to the south -
south -east regions of Mexico, which have not traditionally reaped the rewards of international 
markets and foreign trade.  
Intellectual property  
5.7.  Mexico is a country committed to the enforcement of intellectual property rights t o counter 
piracy and counterfeiting, as well as to enforcement in the digital sphere.  
5.8.  In the administrative arena, the Mexican Industrial Property Institute (IMPI) ran a campaign 
as part of which inspection visits were carried out, resulting in the resolut ion of administrative 
proceedings involving millions of products.  
5.9.  With regard to the enforcement of rights in the digital sphere, the association for the digital 
anti-piracy campaign in Mexico's music industry (APDIF MEXICO), requested the removal of a tot al 
of almost 30 million items of musical content between July 2020 and June 2022.  
5.10.   In this connection, the IMPI has not had to issue any fines to internet service providers for 
non-compliance with the new provisions in this area because the items have been removed. 
Moreover, these platforms did not receive any counter -notifications or counter -notices as a result of 
these actions. It is important to note that none of the notices led to infringement proceedings or any 
other legal dispute.  
5.11.   In the same vein, in order to improve the enforcement of intellectual property rights at the 
border, the IMPI constantly trains staff from the country's various customs offices, with a view to WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  equipping these officials with the knowledge required to identify goods that may be protected by 
intellectual property rights.  
Technical regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
5.12.   Mexico reiterates its commitment to ensuring its regulations continue to be developed in 
accordance with the obligations contained in the WTO's Agreeme nt on Technical Barriers to Trade 
and Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. We also highlight the 
importance of our internal coordination within Mexico with each of the relevant regulatory 
authorities, aimed at promoting and ensuring compliance with the principles enshrined in these 
Agreements, in particular with regard to the principles of non -discrimination, transparency, 
proportionality and harmonization. This helps to facilitate fair international trade in goods and 
ensure s that our country continues to have the legitimate right to establish the level of protection 
that it deems appropriate, with a technical and scientific basis.  
Customs procedures and trade facilitation  
5.13.   We have heard some concerns and comments regarding cu stoms procedures and the 
functions of the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM). In this respect, Mexico is currently 
overhauling its customs environment.  
5.14.   ANAM was established in January 2022 as a decentralized body of the Ministry of Finance and 
Public C redit. This change was accompanied by a reassessment of the customs system, giving the 
matter a central place on our country's public agenda. This is taking shape as a rethinking of the 
Mexican customs system that seeks to improve it for the benefit of all  parties and involves better 
business practices, greater security and coordination with public bodies at both the national and 
international level. ANAM is a leading customs agency in the Latin American and Caribbean region, 
due not only to the high level of digitalization it has implemented, but also to its relationship with 
the world.  
5.15.   It should be noted that the Mexican State today possesses high -technology fixed and portable 
specialized equipment for non -intrusive inspections, as well as highly qualified  personnel in this field. 
This non -intrusive technology is one of the tools used by ANAM as part of efforts to increase security 
in the logistics supply chain, thereby complying with the Framework of Standards to Secure and 
Facilitate Global Trade of the W orld Customs Organization.  
5.16.   In this way, ANAM contributes to strengthening both domestic and international security, 
thereby allowing for the seamless, secure and rapid flow of trade to other countries, preventing 
illegal trade and protecting our borders fr om the illicit trafficking of sensitive materials.  
5.17.   We would also like to highlight that, through the National Trade Facilitation Committee, 
established in March 2021, the difficulties faced by economic operators are being analysed in order 
to seek solution s and alternatives that facilitate trade flows and reduce administrative burdens by 
eliminating redundant or unnecessary requirements, without compromising the control of goods.  
Agricultural policy  
5.18.   We recognize Members' interest in Mexico's current agricul tural policy, one of the central 
objectives of which is to promote food self -sufficiency by boosting domestic production and reducing 
dependence on imports, particularly amid a global food crisis. To achieve this goal, the Federal 
Government amended its su pport programmes to prioritize small and medium -sized producers who 
have fewer options in dealing with market risks and the impact of adverse climatic events that occur 
worldwide.  
5.19.   Amid the current high price volatility in international markets and rising energy costs, the 
Guaranteed Prices Programme, which is a matter of interest for certain Members, offers an 
alternative to producers of maize, beans, bread wheat, rice and milk so that they receive a minimum 
income and secure their production. The p rogramme does not seek to affect crop trade channels, 
aiming instead to ensure that smaller producers are able to use their production to contribute to 
national food security.  
5.20.   Mexico is committed to the opening up of markets and the provision of agricultur al support 
under the WTO disciplines and existing bilateral and regional agreements. I wish to point out that WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  we have fulfilled our transparency obligations, which was noted by some Members, notifying our 
domestic support up until 2020 under the Agreement on Agriculture. We also call on other Members 
to update their notifications so that all Members have a comprehensive collection of information that 
helps them to move forward in the current negotiations on the reform of agricultural support.  
5.21.   With regard to  tariff levels on imports, the protection provided responds to sectoral 
sensitivities. However, it is also important to note that the applied tariffs are below the levels that 
we have bound in the WTO. The tariff reductions contained in the Package to comb at inflation and 
high living costs (PACIC), issued by the Government of President López Obrador in May of this year, 
are part of a broader range of measures that seek to address an abnormal price situation caused by 
external phenomena. It is therefore too early to undertake a separate assessment of their effects.  
Services  
5.22.   On telecommunications, we appreciate Members' recognition of Mexico's efforts to accelerate 
the digital transformation through the National Digital Strategy 2021 -24, aimed at strengthening  
information and communication technologies, including the deployment of technologies such as the 
fifth generation of mobile technologies (5G network).  
5.23.   Moreover, with regard to financial services, we note the interest shown by a number of 
delegations in th e legislation regulating financial technology (Fintech) institutions. Within the 
information provided on this subject, the replies detail the actions we have undertaken to improve 
the operating environment of the institutions covered by the Fintech Law, wh ich includes the 
issuance of provisions related to rules for contracting technology suppliers.  
Environment  
5.24.   Turning to environmental issues, we agree that in order to fulfil the commitments of the Paris 
Agreement and to combat the global problem that is (among other environmental challenges) 
climate change, all countries have significant steps to take and work to do.  
5.25.   Within the multilateral trading system, I announced at Wednesday's session that Mexico would 
join another environmental initiative at the WT O. In this regard, I would like to share with you that 
we have already formally requested our incorporation into the Informal Dialogue on Plastics 
Pollution.  
Joint initiatives  
5.26.   Mexico is committed to the multilateral trading system, and the country's active  and 
constructive role in the joint initiatives was repeatedly mentioned on Wednesday.  
5.27.   In this connection, our country has vast experience in the negotiation of new disciplines in 
regional trade agreements, which allows us to make valuable contributions to  these joint initiatives, 
in order to:  
• improve and increase the transparency of trade measures that have a positive impact on 
trade in services;  
• support the participation of MSMEs in world trade;  
• create a business environment that is more efficient, predic table and conducive to 
investment;  
• join efforts that contribute to the transition to a green economy and to attaining the 
Sustainable Development Goals.  
Plurilateral agreements  
5.28.   I would also like to highlight several Members' interest in Mexico joining the following 
plurilateral agreements: the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and the Agreement on 
Government Procurement (GPA).  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  5.29.   Generally speaking, I would like to stress that Mexico is committed to the WTO's vision and 
obligations, even though we are not  party to these two Agreements.  
5.30.   In particular, with respect to the ITA, I would like to reiterate that Mexico gives priority to 
supply chains and attracting investment, and recognizes the benefits for the business community 
and for consumers of eliminating  tariffs on information technology products. Accordingly, Mexico has 
been applying what we call the ITA Plus for several years, which eliminates tariffs on computer, 
telecommunications and other electronic goods imported into Mexico from anywhere in the wo rld. 
This scheme has been improved according to the sector's needs. For our country, this is an ongoing 
and permanent exercise for the purpose of boosting competition in this important sector in  Mexico.  
5.31.   With regard to the Agreement on Government Procuremen t (GPA), Mexico has chosen to 
prioritize the opening up of its market, negotiating provisions on government procurement as part 
of its free trade agreements, with these provisions being aligned with the standards and principles 
laid down in the GPA. This h as been done in accordance with the standard of Article XXIV of the 
GATT. In addition to this clarification, we reiterate Mexico's commitment to continuing to develop 
competitive markets and promote competition in all sectors.  
Anti-dumping measures  
5.32.   With re gard to anti -dumping measures, fewer investigations were initiated over the review 
period than in the previous period, during which there had already been a noticeable decline in 
investigations compared to earlier periods, despite no changes being made to the regulatory 
framework governing the application of trade remedies.  
5.33.   It is also important to note that the investigations initiated were done so at the request of the 
affected sectors themselves. In other words, no proceedings were initiated ex officio  by the Mexican 
authority during the period under review.  
5.34.   We reiterate our commitment to conducting and implementing all investigations and measures 
in a manner consistent with the WTO Agreements and our domestic legislation, respecting the 
principles of due process, transparency and confidentiality.  
Business Environment  
5.35.   Turning to the business environment, I would like to reiterate that Mexico remains open to 
domestic and foreign investment, and continues to be the tenth largest recipient of FDI in the world.  
This is a clear demonstration of Mexico's openness and the positive business environment that is 
conducive to the development of business in the country.  
5.36.   We have a legal and regulatory framework that encourages the establishment of foreign 
companies, whic h are welcome in our country, and also offers these companies the option of 
resorting to the courts if they consider their investments to be harmed.  
5.37.   We have listened carefully to the points made by various Members, which will help us to 
analyse and examine the steps that Mexico can take in order to remain an attractive place in which 
to invest.  
5.38.   Mexico values foreign investment, which is essential for our growth and development. In 
Mexico, we are therefore continuing to work to strengthen and improve the business climate and 
the comments made in the Trade Policy Review contribute to this.  
Gender and Trade  
5.39.   We also received comments, which we greatly appreciate, regarding the efforts we are making 
on gender and trade. We are making these efforts to compl y with a number of international 
commitments that we have taken on, but above all, to fulfil a responsibility that we have towards 
women and other traditionally under -represented groups so that they can benefit from being part of 
the international market a nd are able to reap the rewards arising from economic activity.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  5.40.   Some of the strategies on which we are working are a response to certain circumstances, such 
as the post COVID -19 recovery. It is now important to work on institutionalizing these strategies 
and maintaining them as a key part of our public policies to consolidate this inclusion.  
5.41.   Among the efforts we are undertaking is the adoption of guidelines in the 
Mexico -United  States -Canada Agreement (T -MEC) to ensure that inclusive trade remains a 
cross-cutting matter. We are also committed to ensuring that the trade instruments entered into by 
Mexico, such as the Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated with the United Kingdom, 
contain provisions to foster greater inclusion.  
5.42.   The growth of the Mexic an economy is directly linked to the international economy and we 
have been working to take advantage of the options this offers us. However, we have also had to 
adapt to the various trends and challenges of the global economy that have arisen during this review 
period, and this is reflected in Mexico's trade policy report.  
5.43.   I would like to conclude by reiterating my thanks to Ambassadors Molokomme and Kelly, to 
all Members and to the WTO Secretariat for their efforts and great work in making this exercise 
possible, an exercise that is fundamental to the WTO functions and very useful for Mexico, the 
economic development model of which is intrinsically linked to the world economy and will continue 
to be so.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.44.   It has been particularly rewarding to participate in this rich and detailed conversation. The 
43 Members who intervened on Wednesday all spoke of the meaningful trade relationships they have 
with Mexico - both in terms of the economic value of their bilate ral trade, and the wider value that 
Mexico contributes to multilateral and regional trade architecture.  
5.45.   Members universally commended the resilience of the Mexican economy during a time of 
significant global economic upheaval caused by the COVID -19 pandemi c. As well as acknowledging 
Mexico 's sound macroeconomic management, a number of Members highlighted the creative and 
effective measures implemented to support business through the pandemic, including measures 
digitali zing trade facilitation procedures and  supporting MSMEs. Those measures were clearly 
influential in the strong bounce -back by the Mexican economy during the past year.  
5.46.   It is also clear that Mexico 's extensive network of free trade agreements, bilateral and 
regional, have played a vital role in  supporting the Mexican economy through this time. A number 
of Members spoke of the importance they place on their trade agreements with Mexico, and others 
expressed a desire to further strengthen their trade relationships through new or upgraded free 
trade agreements.  
5.47.   Closely tied with Mexico 's commitment to its FTA agenda, is the contribution Mexico makes to 
the multilateral trading system. A number of Members highlighted the invaluable role that Mexico 
plays in this Organization, both in its contribution  to core WTO business, but also through its 
engagement in a number of new initiatives designed to ensure our Organization continues to evolve. 
In line with this commitment to the Organization, several Members encouraged Mexico to ensure it 
meets its notifi cation obligations. Others suggested Mexico round out the suite of initiatives to which 
it is a part by joining the Information Technology Agreement and the Government Procurement 
Agreement.  
5.48.   The scope and resilience of the Mexican economy coupled with a co mmitment to participation 
in international trade architecture has made Mexico a regional trade leader, and prominent in global 
value chains and the international economy. With significant economic power comes a high degree 
of expectation from trade partner s.  
5.49.   A number of Members urged Mexico to continue to adhere to the extensive, ambitious trade 
commitments it has undertaken. The domestic regulatory decisions taken by Mexico can have a 
significant impact on the functioning of regional and global value chai ns, and some Members noted 
their concern with the direction of regulatory travel in some sectors. A number of Members pointed 
to the administration of foreign investment in Mexico, particularly in the energy sector, as an area 
that needed attention. Linked  to this, some Members expressed concern at the status accorded to WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  state owned enterprises. Other Members requested that Mexico ensure that its customs procedures 
remained trade facilitative and were not overly burdensome. Several Members requested that Me xico 
ensure effective intellectual property enforcement.  
5.50.   Mexico 's history of championing the transformative potential of trade is important to its trade 
partners. Members have encouraged Mexico to stay the course and ensure it remains a favoured 
destinatio n for investment and a force for stability and ambition in its trade relationships, as it 
continues to rebuild from the economic upheaval,  we are all currently encountering.  
5.51.   Mexico 's work on inclusion, to spread resilience and exposure to the benefits of t rade across 
new economic sectors and geographic regions, was commended by Members. I was pleased to hear 
Members speak so positively of the work Mexico is undertaking in on trade and gender issues and 
support for MSMEs. I was also very interested in the he aring about the work that has been done to 
address income inequality. This forward thinking in trade and economic policy bodes well for Mexico 's 
continued economic success.  
5.52.   Finally, let me commend the Mexican delegation for its commitment to this Trade Pol icy 
Review process. Receiving and responding to over 800  questions places real demand on the domestic 
system. Mexico 's commitment to the process has been evidenced by those efforts, as well as by the 
impressive delegation in attendance, led so effectively by Under secretary de  la Mora, who Members 
were delighted to welcome into yesterday 's General Council.  
5.53.   With that, let me congratulate Mexico on a successful Trade Policy Review and register my 
thanks for the opportunity to act as discussant.  
ISRAEL  
5.54.   Israel is pleased to participate in Mexico 's seventh  Trade Policy Review at the WTO. We would 
like to extend our warm welcome to the Mexican delegation headed by Undersecretary Luz  María 
de la Mora Sánchez . And last but not least, we would like to thank Ambassado r H.E.  Ms Clare Kelly 
(New Zealand) for her insightful initial remarks.  
5.55.   At the outset, Israel would like to note that international trade plays a dominant role in our 
economies, primarily maintaining an open trade regime. Moreover, in relation to trade and  
development, our nations are also members of the Organisation for Economic Co -operation and 
Development (OECD), where we enjoy fruitful cooperation. Since the last review in 2017, our 
countries have pursued liberal trade and investment policies and have r emained strong advocates 
of the multilateral trading system.  
5.56.   Mexico and Israel have enjoyed a healthy and steady growth in the bilateral trade in recent 
years, specifically since the entry into force of the FTA between Mexico and Israel on 1 July 2000. 
Total trade amounted to over USD 1 billion (goods and services) in 2021, following a growing trend 
expected to remain for 2022. Israeli exports to Mexico are dominated by machinery, chemicals and 
chemical products, rubber and plastics, medical and optical app aratus and transportation products, 
while Mexico 's exports to Israel are dominated by machinery, transportation, minerals, chemicals 
and chemical products and agriculture products.  
5.57.   Despite the small size of its population, Israel enjoys high purchasing po wer, and Mexico is 
Israel's second -largest trading partner in Latin  America.  
5.58.   Since 2021, the Mexican economy rebounded, with GDP growth of around 4.8%, achieved 
mainly thanks to the measures adopted to deal with the COVID -19 pandemic. This recovery was 
also reflected in an increase in trade in goods.   
5.59.   Israel shares Mexico 's views regarding multilateral trade liberalization, and we work alongside 
on many issues in the WTO, on a plurilateral  level, and on other platforms. For example, we are 
both actively en gaged in the Joint Initiative on e-commerce, where Mexico plays a leading role. 
Israel appreciates Mexico 's initiative and contribution to the MSME informal working group's 
Trade4MSMES Platform and soon, the Trade4MSMES Hub. Both nations also worked hard t owards 
the successful conclusion of the Joint Initiative on services domestic regulation negotiations last 
year. In addition, we co -sponsor, among other Members, the transparency proposal.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  5.60.   We would also like to point out the potential benefits Mexico woul d gain should they join the 
Government Procurement Agreement. Being a participant would ensure optimal value for money in 
public purchasing in a transparent and non -discrimination manner. Israel stands ready to assist 
Mexico, should they wish so.  
5.61.   Israel submitted questions to Mexico during this exercise, and we look forward to reviewing 
the replies carefully. The areas of interest for Israel include, among others, government 
procurement, IT trade, customs, copyrights , and fintech policy.  
5.62.   We would l ike to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to the hard -working 
team in the Mission of Mexico, ably led by Ambassador Ángel V illalobos Rodríguez . 
5.63.   To conclude, allow me to wish Mexico every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
NIGERIA  
5.64.   I would like to congratulate the entire delegation of Mexico for the conduct of this 
seventh  Trade Policy Review It  is an important moment , not only for Mexico , but for the entire 
membership of the WTO . 
5.65.   I would like to warmly welcome the Mexican head of dele gation, Ms  Luz María de  la Mora 
Sánchez, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade . My delegation would also like to commend 
H.E. Mr Ángel  Villalobos Rodríguez, the Ambassador  and Permanent Representative of the Mexican 
Mission to the WTO here in Geneva , for his ex cellent work in leading the Geneva based delegation  
5.66.   We would also extend our warm appreciation to  H.E. Ms Clare Kelly, the distinguished 
Ambassador of New  Zealand . We also appreciate  the entire delegation of Mexico for their exceptional 
hard work towards this very important exercise.  
5.67.   It is worthy to note the significant transformative economic policies and programmes by the 
Mexican Government towards mitigating the adverse circumstance s occasioned by the COVID -19 
crisis. Mexico introduced measures that eased the import of COVID -related products during the 
review period. In the same vein, the country's economic environment remained strong and resilient, 
mid and post -pandemic with a stabl e exchange rate  that has not seen any significant depreciation 
with an appreciable level of international reserves . 
5.68.   With regards to trade policies, we note the efforts of the government's development  agenda, 
through developing and implementing comprehensiv e trade policies for innovation, diversification 
and inclusion in production and trade, stimulating domestic and foreign investment , as well as plan s 
for further integration into regional and global value  chains.  Hence, t he free-trade-related strategic 
agenda of the country , which includes strengthening the multilateral trad ing system,  defence of 
Mexico's interest , and deepening and opening of new markets .  
5.69.   Furthermore, we also witnessed the steps taken by Mexico on the inclusion and participation 
of women and SMEs in Mexico 's econom y and international trade, with different international 
programmes and projects . We share the same priorities with Mexico in the WTO, such as the 
negotiations on e -commerce . 
5.70.   Nigeria  has been enjoy ing cordial b ilateral relations with the Mexican Government, particularly 
in the export of Nigeria's hibiscus flowers to Mexico . Although bilateral engagements between our 
two countries continue for the purpose of resolving an issue , with the hope to continue with the 
hitch-free and free flow of trade in h ibiscus flowers for the benefit of the two countries . 
5.71.   In conclusion, Nigeria would like to , once again , acknowledge the efforts of the Mexican 
Government for different initiatives, e conomic and trade policies, programmes and projects, and 
reforms towards promoting the multilateral tr ading system.  
5.72.   My delegation will continue working closely with the Mexican delegation and the rest of the  
membership.  We once again congratulate the entir e delegation of Mexico,  and we wish you a 
successful seventh  Trade Policy R eview  exercise.  WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  EGYPT  
5.73.   On behalf of the Egyptian delegation, I would like to welcome the distinguished delegation of 
Mexico and wish the delegation success in the current Review of t he country 's trade policy. Our 
delegation also thanks our discussant today, H .E. Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand and the 
WTO Secretariat for their detailed Report.   
5.74.   Egypt is pleased to see that, despite the unstable international economic situation and 
uncertain global markets since the pandemic, the Mexican economy has been generally resilient with 
both imports and exports transactions exceeding the levels seen in th e years prior to the pandemic.  
5.75.   Egypt commends the measures adopted by the Government of Mexico with a view to 
addressing the repercussions of the pandemic, supporting the financial system , and providing an 
enabling environment for MSMEs to recover. These measures contributed to the rebound of the 
Mexican economy with GDP growth of around 4.8% in 2021.  
5.76.   Egypt encourages Mexico to take stock of the current discussions to further improve its fiscal, 
economic and trade policies, according to its national prior ities. We also invite Mexico to review some 
of its trade measures, especially non -tariff measures, which had a restrictive impact on the exports 
of some developing countries, particularly in Africa.  
5.77.   Egypt is of the opinion that development is central to t he functioning of the global trading 
system, and that trade –in turn - plays an important role in achieving sustainable development. 
Consequently, the WTO has a leading role to play in extending the necessary support to Mexico, in 
order to ensure that the c ountry is fully integrated in the global trading system while pursuing its 
sustainable development aspirations.  
PERU 
5.78.   We would like to thank the Under secretary for Foreign Trade, Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, 
and Ambassador Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez for th eir insightful interventions as well as, of course, 
the Secretariat and Ambassador Clare Kelly, discussant at this Trade Policy Review of Mexico. This 
process, by its very nature, may involve a lot of work, but we must also recognize that it is an 
opportun ity to reflect on the useful and good practices of other Members.  
5.79.   In this regard, we express our deep gratitude for the summary of the discussion that has been 
circulated and for the information provided by Mexico in response to the questions raised by som e 
Members.  
5.80.   In the economic sphere, Mexico is one of Peru's main partners and our country is the 
second  largest recipient of Mexican foreign direct investment in Latin America, after Brazil. In the 
last 10  years, this investment has amounted to almost USD 1 7,000 million according to figures from 
the Mexican companies themselves.  
5.81.   Peru greatly appreciates its strong trading relationship with Mexico, particularly as a partner 
in various trade agreements that have enabled our exchanges to gain greater momentum a nd 
dynamism in recent years. Among these agreements, I would like to highlight the Trade Integration 
Agreement between the Republic of Peru and the United Mexican States, in force since 2012; the 
Pacific Alliance Agreement, which also incorporates Chile an d Colombia; and the Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership involving Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, 
Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Viet Nam, in addition to Mexico and Peru.  
5.82.   Peru is Mexico's sixth la rgest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean and its 
41st worldwide. Mexico, for its part, is Peru's fourth largest trading partner globally. In addition, 
many of our exports are non -traditional goods and this is a very important element for th e export 
diversification policy that my country is pursuing.  
5.83.   On 4 August 2022, the President of Peru, Pedro Castillo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 
César Landa, met the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, who was accompanied by 
a number of Mexican investors, at the Government Palace in Lima, with the aim of strengthening 
foreign trade and investment. The meeting addressed various topics on the bilateral agenda framed WT/TPR/M/429 • Mexico  
 
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  by both the strategic partnership in force since 2015 and the strength of trade and investment 
relations, exploring possibilitie s for cooperation on food security, among other areas.  
5.84.   We applaud the progress made by Mexico and its defence of rules -based trade multilateralism. 
We encourage it to continue the proactive efforts to further liberalize its trade and make further 
economic progress . 
UNITED  STATES  
5.85.   The United  States would like to thank Undersecretary de  la Mora, Ambassador Villalobos and 
the entire Mexican team for your government 's dedication in presenting Mexico 's trade policy and 
responding to Members ' questions.  
5.86.   The United  States also appreciates the guidance of the Chair and discussant, and the hard 
work of the Secretariat in preparing the Reports, which made this review possible.  
5.87.   The United  States enjoys a longstanding and constructive relationship with Mexico, with  
cooperation across a range of issues at the WTO and important new commitments undertaken 
through the USMCA.  
5.88.   We look forward to continuing our close engagement with Mexico to further strengthen our 
trade partnership and work to resolve the concerns and que stions we have highlighted as part of 
this review – in particular, I want to stress our concerns regarding Mexico 's energy policy, its 
attempts to weaken its regulatory agencies and practices, and the need for continued improvements 
in its customs procedur es.   
5.89.   We appreciate the responses provided to our advance written questions. We have submitted 
follow up questions and look forward to receiving responses.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.90.   Let me first thank the delegation of Mexico, led by Ms  Luz María de la Mora Sánchez , 
Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, as well as Ambassador of Mexico H.  E. Ángel Villalobos Rodr íguez 
and his team here in Geneva for the constructive participation in this important transparency 
exercise, including the comprehensive overview presented on Wed nesday and this morning of the 
main developments occurred in its trade and economic policy during the review period.  
5.91.   The EU is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the 
trade policy of Mexico and trusts that it wil l duly take into account some of the challenges highlighted 
by Members.  
5.92.   The discussion on the first day of the Review has shown that many Members share the EU 's 
positive views about the constructive role that Mexico plays within the WTO and in internation al 
trade more broadly. We have highlighted a number of concerns, however. The EU is concerned about 
the deteriorating investment climate and the increasing lack of legal certainty. The actions in taken 
in Mexico 's energy sector are particularly worrying. W e would like to thank Mexico for having 
provided timely replies to the questions raised by the EU. The answers gave some useful clarifications 
on the issues we had raised.  
5.93.   The EU looks forward to continuing our close cooperation with Mexico operation in a ll the 
relevant multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral fora. As mentioned on Tuesday, the EU and Mexico 
are strategic partners and we are committed to upgrading our trading relationship with the swift 
ratification of the moderni zed EU -Mexico Global Agree ment, which will provide a comprehensive and 
up-to-date framework for our relations and strengthen and deepen our relationship even further.  
5.94.   On behalf of the EU, I would like to congratulate Mexico for the productive and successful 
seventh Trade Policy  Review.  
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  ECUADOR  
5.95.   I would like to thank the Under secretary, Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, for presenting her 
final comments for this Trade Polic y Review of Mexico. I also thank Ambassador Kelly, discussant 
for the exercise, for her comments.  
5.96.   Ecuador recognizes that this has been an extremely productive exercise, through which all of 
Mexico's trading partners and WTO Members have been able to appre ciate how useful it is to 
exchange views on the progress of the trade and the multilateral relationship that we maintain with 
Mexico.  
5.97.   I would like to highlight the good news that we have received with respect to Mexico's 
incorporation into the informal dia logue on trade and plastics pollution. This is a dialogue that is 
taking place within this Organization and, as we all know, Ecuador is one of the coordinators of the 
initiative. We are therefore extremely pleased to learn that Mexico will now be joining e fforts for a 
worthy cause, and that it is heading in this direction that, in our view, is now absolutely necessary, 
i.e. using international trade mechanisms to support environmental conservation efforts.  
5.98.   We wish Mexico every success in the conclusion of i ts Trade Policy Review   
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This seventh  Trade Policy Review has provided an excellent opportunity to review the main 
developments in, and challenges of, Mexico's trade and investment policies since its last Review 
in 2017. I would like to thank Undersecretary for Foreign Trade at the Secretariat of Economy, the 
Hon. Ms Luz María de  la Mora Sánchez, who has travelled from Mexico, and 
Ambassador  Ángel  Villalobos and the rest of the Mexican delegation for their active engagement in 
this review. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador Clare  Kelly of New  Zealand, for 
her valuable contribution.  
6.2.  Members attach great importance to Mexico as a gl obal trading partner, as evidenced by the 
more than 800  questions received and the 43 delegations that took the floor on the first day. 
Members have greatly appreciated Mexico's written responses to the questions received, and we 
look forward to receiving the outstanding responses no later than one month after today's meeting.  
6.3.  Members noted that Mexico's GDP had contracted as a result of the negative effects of the 
COVID -19 pandemic, and that the authorities had responded by implementing measures to cater 
above all to the most affected families and businesses, particularly SMEs. Mexico did not implement 
substantial aid packages, preferring to stay on the path of fiscal and  financial stability. Members 
were encouraged to learn that economic growth had resumed in 2021, underpinned mainly by a 
rapid recovery in Mexico's foreign trade, which had contracted during the pandemic.  
6.4.  Mexican merchandise trade continues to be dominate d by manufactured products, which 
represent more than 85% of total merchandise trade. As at the time of the last Review, Members 
noted that Mexico remains highly dependent on one single market, and again advised Mexico to 
diversify its markets by using its  large number of preferential agreements.  
6.5.  Members welcomed Mexico's active role at the WTO and highlighted the importance it attaches 
to a well -functioning rules -based international trading system. They stressed that Mexico's 
commitment to the promotion an d advancement of the WTO is evidenced by its active contribution 
to all aspects of the WTO's work, for instance, through participation in the Joint Statement Initiatives 
on Services Domestic Regulation, E -commerce, and Investment Facilitation, as well as i n the Trade 
and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions.  
6.6.  Members appreciated Mexico's notification record but encouraged it to fulfil pending notification 
obligations, including in agriculture. Mexico's participation in the Multi -party Interim Appeal 
Arbitration Arrangement was commended. Mexico was encouraged to join the plurilateral 
Agreements on Information Technology and Government Procurement. On gender issues, Members 
appreciated Mexico's efforts to include women in trade and encouraged fu rther strengthening of 
women's economic empowerment.  
6.7.  Members took note of the representative of Mexico's observations regarding the importance of 
FDI to the economy and the commitment to an open, stable, rules -based FDI regime. Nonetheless, 
they showed con cern about the deterioration of the investment climate. Concerns were expressed 
relating to the increasing legal uncertainty regarding investment, and with respect to some measures 
taken, particularly in the energy sector.  
6.8.  Members urged Mexico to apply its  laws in a transparent manner as not to undermine 
confidence in its business environment, and to further liberalize the FDI regime. Members stressed 
that improving the legal and administrative environment could further unlock business potential and 
increas e the competitiveness of the Mexican economy.  
6.9.  Members welcomed the establishment of Mexico's National Trade Facilitation Committee and 
noted the adoption of measures to simplify customs procedures.  
6.10.   Nevertheless, some Members observed that there is still ro om to engage in further efforts to 
reduce import procedures that may prove costly or burdensome, such as the need to appoint a 
customs broker, a customs agency, or a legal representative to handle customs clearance.  
6.11.   Regarding the applied tariff, Members no ted that the average MFN applied tariff rate had 
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  other non -tariff measures, further information was sought on the criteria for the economic analysis 
used to determine the need to impose import restrictions. Some Members expressed concerns 
regarding the use of regulatory measures, for instance, the way SPS and TBT measures are applied.  
6.12.   Concerns were also raised about the use of trade remedies, in particular the application and 
renewal of anti -dumping measures. In the area of government procurement, Members urged Mexico 
to continue its efforts and to progress further in opening up its markets to foreign enterprises.  
6.13.   Mexico was commended for making important ch anges to its intellectual property rights 
legislation, which had enhanced protection and transparency, and was invited to further strengthen 
enforcement of IPRs.  
6.14.   On sectoral policies, Members noted Mexico's agricultural policy objective of guaranteeing 
food security by increasing productivity while implementing sustainable environmental practices. 
They also referred to the fact that tariffs on agricultural products are substantially higher than those 
on non -agricultural products, as well as to the various s upport programmes, their scope and 
effectiveness.  
6.15.   Members noted that at the time of the last Review, Mexico had undertaken comprehensive 
structural reforms covering several sectors, such as energy, financial services, and 
telecommunications. In the course of the present Review, several Members raised concerns 
regarding changes in the investment environment, in particular in the energy sector, that in their 
view limited competition. In general, Members urged Mexico to further open its market to foreign 
investment, in particular in the area of services.  
6.16.   In her statement just now, Ms  de la Mora Sánchez has responded comprehensively to the 
major queries and concerns raised by Members. We look forward to Mexico's replies to all 
outstanding questions in a month's time, which will then mark the successful conclusion of this Trade 
Policy Review.  
6.17.   In closing, I would like to point out that as in the previous Review, Members were heartened 
that Mexico has taken TPRs so seriously, as evidenced by the many responses it pr ovided. Members 
thanked Mexico for its engagement in the multilateral system, and given its importance, encouraged 
it to become even more active.  
6.18.   Finally, I would like to thank the delegation of Mexico both here and in the capital, the 
discussant, all dele gations that participated, and the Secretariat for this fruitful review of Mexico's 
trade policies.  
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