Oil, gas and oil products account for one-third of total export earnings. In the service sector, tourism is the most important single industry, with most of the business coming from North America. Outside the American continent, Japan, Germany and Spain are Mexico's other important trading partners. English is widely spoken in business circles although it is preferable for the visitor to be able to speak Spanish. Letters written in Spanish should be replied to in Spanish.
Business wear is formal.
Mexicans attach much importance to courtesy and the use of titles. Best months for business visits are January to June and September to November. Avoid the two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter. The meetings, conventions, exhibitions and incentives planner's kit issued by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism lists over 70 convention venues in Mexico City, Acapulco, Taxco, Morelia, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Guadalajara, Mazatl n, Canc n and M rida. Taxco, Acapulco, Morelia and Canc n have dedicated centres, the largest of which, in Acapulco, can seat up to 8000 people.