PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION CONCERNING THE CONCLUSION OF THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
Date: 1991-03-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Mexico, agreement (EU), cooperation agreement, framework agreement

COMMISSION  OF  THE  EUROPEAN  COMVIUNITIES 

C0M(91)  92  final 

Brussels,  20 March 1991 

Proposal  for a 

COUNCIL PECISIQN 

oonoeming the conclusion of the Framework Agreement for cooperation 
between the European Economic CoraraunitY and the United Mexican States 

(presented by the Commission) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. By its decision of 22 October 1990, the Council authorized the 

Commission to open negotiations with Mexico with a view to concluding >i 
framework agreement for cooperation, and adopted directives to that eu I. 

2. Three negotiating sessions took place, the first on 16 and 17 November, 

the second on 6 and 7 December, and the third and final session on 7 and 
8 February.  This ended with the initialling of the Agreement between 
the European Economic Community and the United Mexican States.  An 
exchange of letters concerning shipping and declarations by the 
Community on the Generalized System of Preferences and arrangements for 
outward processing are annexed to the Agreement and form an integral 
part of it. 

3. The Commission considers that the text initialled is in line with the 

negotiating directives adopted by the Council. 

4. Because the legal basis for the Agreement includes Article 235 of the 

Treaty in addition to Article 113, Parliament must be consulted. 

5. With a view to the signature and conclusion of the Framework Agreement 

for Cooperation between the Community and the United Mexican States, the 
Commission proposes that the Council approve the Agreement and adopt the 
attached proposal for a Decision. 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Comunity, 
and in particular Articles 113 and 235 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, 

Whereas the Community should approve, for the attainment of its aims in tlie 
sphere of external economic relations, the Framework Agreement for 
cooperation with the United Mexican States, 

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

The Framework Agreement for cooperation between the European Economic 
Community and the United Mexican States is hereby approved on behalf of tlie 
Community. 

The text of the Agreement is annexed to this Decision. 

Article 2 

The President of the Council shall give the notification provided for in 
Article 43 of the Agreement.1 

Article 3 

The Commission, assisted by representatives of the Member States, shall 
represent the (immunity in the Joint Coramittee set up by Article 39 of the 
Agreement. 

This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication 
in the Official Journal of the European Communities. 

Article 4 

Done at Brussels, 

For the Council 
The President 

1  The date of entry into force of the Agreement will be published in thr 

* "  "" 

"" ~e  -*--1—- ^'Wflrvifm  rvimwmrn +-.i *»« "hv t.hf! f-jnnern.1  S WJ  o.\'<IV}  \ ' 

Framework agreement for cooperation 
between the European Economic Community 
and the United Mexican States 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 

of the one part, 

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES 

of the other part, 

CONSIDERING the traditional links of friendship between the Member States 
of the European Economic (immunity and the United Mexican States, 

MINDFUL of the common will of the European Economic Community, hereinafter 
referred to as the "Community" and the United Mexican States, hereinafter 
referred to as "Mexico", to expand and diversify trade between them and to 
step up cooperation in trade, economic matters, science and technology anrl 
financial natters,' 

CONSIDERING that the main beneficiary of cooperation is man, and that 
respect of his rights should therefore be promoted, 

BELIEVING that the Parties and relations between them have developed beyoni 
the scope of the Cooperation Agreement concluded between them in 1975, 

RECOGNIZING the positive consequenoes of the process of reform and 
modernization of the economy in Mexico for trade and economic relations 
between the Parties, 

WELCOMING the institutionalization of dialogue between the Rio Group and 
the Community and' its Member States through the Rome Declaration of 
20 December 1990, 

DECLARING that the basic aim of this Agreement shall be to consolidate, 
Intensify and diversify relations between the Parties, to the benefit of 
both, 

TAKING ACCOUNT of the acknowledged differences in the economic development 
of the Parties, 

DESIROUS of contributing to the development of international, ecdonoraic 
relations, 

CONSCIOUS of the international importance of the consolidation of the 
European single market in the world context, 

2 -

RECOGNIZING that the Community and its Member States attach great 
importance to the furtherance of trade and economic cooperation with 
developing countries, in the interests of helping to promote and strengthen 
their economies, 

CONVINCED of the importance of the rules and principles of the General 
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) for the purposes of open and 
continually expanding international trade, and reaffirming their 
commitments under that Agreement, 

CONSIDERING the importance attached by both Parties to the protection of 
the environment, resolved to redouble their efforts to ensure that this 
issue is fully integrated into any development poli<3y while taking into 
account local and global implications, 

MINDFUL of the importance of facilitating the involvement in cooperation of 
the individuals and entities directly concerned, particularly economic 
operators and the bodies representing them, 

HAVE DECIDED to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated  e.s 
their plenipotentiaries: 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES, 

WHO, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form, 

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 

Both Parties hereby undertake to impart renewed vigour to relations between 
them.  To achieve this essential objective, they resolve to promote in 
particular the development of cooperation relating to trade, investment, 
finance and technology, taking account of Mexico's special situation as a 
developing country. 

- 3 -

CHAPTER I 

ECONOMIC COOPERATION 

Article 2 

1. The Contracting Parties, taking into account their mutual interest and 
long- and medium-term economic objectives, undertake to establish economic 
cooperation of the widest possible scope.  The aims of such cooperation 
shall be in particular: 

(a) 

generally to step up and diversify economic links between them, 

(b) 

to contribute to the sustainable development of their economies and 
standards of living, 

(c) 

to open up new sources of supply and new markets, 

(d) 

to encourage the flow of investment and technology, 

(e) 

to promote cooperation between economic operators, particularly 
small and medium-sized enterprises, 

(f) 

to establish conditions conducive to job-creation, 

(g) 

to protect and improve the environment, 

(h) 

to encourage rural development measures, 

(i) 

to boost progress in science and technology. 

2. Without excluding beforehand any area, the Contracting Parties shall, in 
their mutual interest and with regard to their respective capacities, 
determine by common agreement the spheres to be covered by economic 
cooperation.  Cooperation shall centre particularly on the following: 

(a) 

industry, 

(b) 

intellectual and industrial property, standards and quality 
standards, 

(c) 

technology transfer, 

(d) 

agro-industry, 

(e) 

fish-farming and fisheries, 

(f) 

energy planning and the efficient use of energy, 

(g) 

environmental protection, 

(h) 

management  of  natural  resources, 

4 -

(i) 

services, including  financial services, tourism,  transport, 
telecommunications and data processing, 

(j) 

exchange of information on monetary issues. 

3. In the interests of attaining the objectives of economic cooperation, 
the Contracting Parties shall, each in accordance with its laws,  endeavour 
to promote activities including the following: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

the stepping-up of contacts between the parties,  in particular 
through the organization of conferences,  seminars,  trade and 
industrial missions,  "business weeks", general and sectoral trade 
fairs and fact-finding missions with a view to increasing the flow 
of trade and  investment, 

participation by Community enterprises in fairs and exhibitions in 
Mexico,  and vice versa, 

technical assistance,  notably involving the provision of experts 
and  the undertaking of specific studies, 

(d) 

the setting up of joint ventures, 

(e) 

cooperation between financial  institutions, 

(f ) 

(g) 

the exchange of relevant data, and in particular access to existing 
or future'databanks, 

the formation of networks of economic operators,  particularly in 
industry,' .'*' 

GOOPERATICN BK1WKKN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 

Article 5 

In line with their needs and within the bounds of their programmes and 
laws, the Contracting Parties shall endeavour to encourage  cooperation 
between financial institutions by means of measures to promote  the 
following: 

-  exchanges of information and experience in matters of mutual interest. 

Such cooperation shall  take the form inter alia of seminars, conferenoîs 
and workshops; 

-  exchanges of experts; 

-  the provision of technical assistance; 

-  exchanges of information relating to statistics and methods. 

- 5 

Article 4 

In view of the aims of economic cooperation, the Contracting Parties shall 
endeavour to promote, so far as the laws of each side allow, the conclusion 
between the Member States of the Community and Mexico of agreements 
relating to double taxation, and to encourage the exchange of information 
on this issue. 

INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION 

Article 5 

The Contracting Parties shall promote the expansion and diversification of 
Mexico's production base in the industrial and service sectors, directing 
their cooperation activities at small and medium-sized enterprises in 
particular and encouraging steps to facilitate access on the part of these 
enterprises to sources of capital, to markets and to appropriate 
technology, and also fostering joint venture activities directed especially 
towards trade between the Parties and aimed at third country markets.. 

To that end, the Parties shall encourage, within the limits of their 
responsibilities, projects and operations promoting cooperation between 
entrepreneurs such as:  joint ventures, subcontracting, technology 
transfer, licences, applied research and franchise. 

INVESTMENT 

Article 6 

In the interests of achieving the aijons of this Agreement, the Contracting 
Parties agree to promote as far as possible appropriate measures for the 
development and itaintenance of a favourable, predictable and stable climate 
for investment.  The Contracting Parties confirm "the need for private 
investors from each side to play an active role in the development of the 
other, in the interests of increasing economic interaction.  In this 
connection, each Party undertakes to examine, within the limits of its 
responsibilities and in accordance with its laws, regulations and policies, 
the possibility of setting up operations and mechanisms to improve the 
climate for such investment, in keeping with the guidelines of paragraph 58 
of the Rome Declaration on relations between the :European Economic 
Community and the Rio Group.  The same should apply to double taxation 
agreements. 

The Contracting Parties shall endeavour to encourage mechanisms and 
operations for promoting investment with the aim of identifying and helping 
to take advantage of new opportunities, and collaborating in arranging 
promotional events including seminars, exhibitions and business trip:, on! 
in enabling economic operators to generate investment projects. 

6 

Article 7 

Within the limits of their responsibilities, policies and possibilities, 
the Contracting Parties shall encourage the provision of the financial 
support and technical assistance necessary to bring about joint investment 
of interest to both sides, notably between their small and medium sized 
enterprises. 

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TNTRT.T.HJTUAL PROPERTY 

Article 8 

For the purpose of achieving effective collaboration between enterprises in 
Mexico and enterprises in the Community in the fields of the transfer of 
technology, the licensing of industrial and other intellectual property, 
joint investment and capital venture financing, the Parties agree: 

- ' to identify the branches or sectors of industry on which cooperation 

will centre and the means to promote industrial cooperation with a heavy 
technological bias; 

-  to cooperate in encouraging the mobilization of financial resources to 
support joint projects between enterprises in Mexico and enterprises in 
the Community the aim of which is to apply new findings in technology to 
industry; 

-  to support the training of qualified technological research personnel; 

-  to promote innovation by means of an exchange of information on the 

programmes each side is conducting for that purpose, periodic exchanges 
of experience stemming from the running of innovation programmes and by 
means of exchange schemes at Mexican and Communi.ty institutions for 
officials of both Parties responsible for promoting innovation. 

Article 9 

The Contracting Parties undertake to ensure, so far as their laws, 
regulations and policies allow, that suitable, effective and increased 
protection is provided for intellectual property rights, including 
commercial and industrial rights, copyright and marks of origin.  They 
agree furthermore to promote the signing of agreements in these fields and 
to facilitate as far as possible access to data banks and data bases. 

- 7 -

COOPERATION CONCERNING STANDARDS 

Article 10 

Without prejudice to their international obligations, within tlie scope of 
thier responsibilities, and in accordance with their laws, the Contracting 
Parties shall take steps to reduce differences in respect of weights and 
measures, standardization and certification by promoting the use of 
compatible systems of standards and certification.  To that end, they shall 
encourage the following in particular: 

-  establishing links betweeen experts in order to facilitate exchanges of 
information and studies on weights and measures, standards, and quality 
control, promotion and certification; 

-  encouraging interchange and contact between bodies and institutions 

specializing in these fields; 

-  promoting measures aimed at achieving mutual recognition of systems of 

calibration and, quality certification and of équivalence of standards in 
the areas covered by regulation; 

-  promoting the interchange of information and contacts in areas of mutual 

interest, especially health, environmental and safety requirements, 
requirements œix^erning trade information, technical requirements 
relating to standards and quality certification, and practice  connected 
with intra-Community trade; 

-  developing technical assistance in connection with weights and measures 
and the calibration of measurement standards and in connection with 
quality promotion programmes; 

-  holding consultations to ensure that standards do not constitute an 

unnecessary barrier to trade. 

CHAPTER II 

TRADE COOPERATION 

Article 11 

The Contracting Parties shall grant each other most-favoured nation 
treatment in trade; in accordance with the General Agreement on Tariffs and 
Trade. 

The Parties reaffirm their will to conduct trade between them in accordance 
with that Agreement. 

8 -

EXPANSION OF TRADE 

Article 12 

The Contracting Parties declare their common interest in strengthening 
their trade relations and undertake to promote, within the framework of the 
current legislation of each of the Parties, the expansion and 
diversification of trade between them. 

To those ends, the Parties undertake to exchange information of as detailed 
a nature  as  possible. 

Article 15 

The Contracting Parties agree to promote the interchange of information and 
to hold consultations on the issues of tariffs, health and technical 
requirements, laws and trade practices, and on any anti-dumping or 
œuntervailing duties which might apply. 

Article 14 

Without prejudice to their rights and obligations under the GATT, the 
Contracting Parties undertake to consult each other on any disputes which 
may arise in connection with trade. 

If one of the Parties requests such consultation, it shall take place at 
the earliest opportunity.  The Contracting Party making the request shall 
provide the other Party with all the information necessary for a detailed 
examination of the, situation. 

Attempts shall be made through such consultations to resolve trade disputes 
as rapidly as possible. 

Article 15 

In trade between the Contracting Parties, should allegations arise of 
dumping or subsidy leading to investigation by the competent authorities, 
each Contracting Party undertakes to examine requests made by the other 
party in connection with the case in question. 

The competent authorities of the Contracting Parties shall inform tlie 
interested parties at their request of the essential facts and 
considerations which will serve as the basis for a solution.  Such 
information shall be provided before the definitive conclusions of the 
investigation are reached, and in sufficient tijne for the parties involvel 
to defend their interests. 

- 9 

Before definitive anti-dumping and (countervailing duties are imposed, the 
Contracting Parties shall do their utmost to bring about a constructive 
solution to the problem. 

Article 16 

The Contracting Parties agree to promote contacts and cooperation between 
their economic operators and institutions, with the aim of giving rise to 
concrete economic cooperation projects which can contribute to the 
development and diversification of their trade. 

Both Parties recognize the important role played by business organizations 
such as the Mexico-European Community Business Council in making proposals 
for the diversification and intensification of bilateral relations, and 
they reaffirm their interest in supporting the work of such organizations. 

1. In the interests of bringing about more active cooperation in trade, the 
Contracting Parties undertake to take steps including the following: 

Article 17 

promoting'meetings, interchange and contacts between entrepreneurs 
of each of the Parties, with the aim of identifying goods suitable 
for sale on the market of the other Party; 

facilitating cooperation between their customs services, in 
particular<as regards vocational training, the siinplification of 
procedures and detecting violations of customs regulations ; 

encouraging and providing support for trade promotion activities 
such as seminars, symposia, fairs and trade and industrial 
exhibitions, trade visits, reciprocal visits and business weeks; 

providing support for their own organizations and firms, to enable 
them to engage in activities which are of benefit to both sides. 

2. Where the competent authorities of both Parties so decide, the (immunity 

may provide financing for some of the trade promotion activities 
referred to in this Article, including market research for goods which 
are of interest to Mexico. 

-  10 -

TEMPORARY IMPORTATION OF GOODS 

Article 18 

The Contracting Parties undertake to consider tax and duty exemption for 
temporary import into their territory of goods which are covered by 
international agreements œncerning this matter. 

CHAPTER  HI 

COOPERATION IN SCIENCE AND TBCHNQUOGY 

Article 19 

In accordance with their mutual interest and the aims of their policies on 
science, the Contracting Parties undertake to promote cooperation in 
science and technology aimed in particular at encouraging exchanges of 
scientists between Mexico and the Member States of the Commuiiity in the 
interests of establishing permanent links between the two scientific 
communities, increasing research capacity, stimulating technological 
innovation, promoting the transfer of technology and encouraging 
association between research centres. 

Article 20 

In order to further cooperation in science and technology, the Parties 
agree to select jointly the areas which are of interest to both sides, and 
they shall pay particular attention to subjects including the following: 
improvement of the quality of life of the population, the environment and 
protection of natural resources, the applications of biotechnology in 
medicine and agriculture and new materials. 

Article 21 

With the aim of attaining the aims set, the Contracting Parties shall 
promote and stimulate activities including the following:  training of 
high-calibre staff, joint research projects and the interchange of 
scientific information through seminars, workshops, congresses and working 
meetings between the scientific «Dommunities of both Parties.  Such 
activities may be conducted among institutions, bodies and undertakings in 
the public or private sectors. 

11 

Article 22 

Cooperation on high-technology projects, shall specify, inter alia, the 
form and means of each operation, its aims and scientific and technological 
content and  provisions œroerning the mobility of technical staff and 
participation of representatives of both Parties. 

The Contracting Parties undertake to set out suitable procedures to ens-ore 
the widest possible participation of their scientists and research centres 
in cooperation between the Parties. 

CHAPTER IV 

OTHER FIELDS OF COOPERATION 

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SECTOR 

Article 23 

The Contracting Parties shall establish cooperation in the areas of 
agriculture, forestry and agro-industry. 

1. To these ends, in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill and taking into 

account the laws of both Parties on such issues, the Contracting Parties 
shall examine: 

(a)  opportunities for developing trade in agricultural, forestry and 

agro-industrial products; 

(b)  health, plant health and environmental measures, and their 
consequences, ensuring that they do not hamper trade. 

2. The Contracting Parties shall furthermore endeavour to promote 

cooperation cpncerning: 

(a)  the development of Mexican agriculture in general; 

(b)  the protection and development of forestry resources, particularly 

in relation to tropical forests; 

(c)  the agricultural and rural environments; 

(d)  training in science and agricultural technology; 

(e)  agricultural research; 

(f)  contact between the Parties' agricultural producers, in tlie 

interests of facilitating trade operations and investment; 

(g)  agricultural statistics. 

12 -

FISHERIES 

Article 24 

The Contracting Parties recognize the importance of bringing about a 
rapprochement between their respective interests as regards fisheries, and 
they will as a result seek to strengthen and develop cooperation concennng 
fisheries by formulating and undertaking specific programmes addressing the 
economic, trade-related, scientific and technical aspects of that fie1 K 
They shall also encourage the joint involvement of the Connnunity and 
Mexican private sectors in the development of fisheries. 

The launching of specific cooperation programmes urder this Agreement shall 
not exclude the possibility of agreeing other mechanisms relating to 
fisheries. 

MINING 

The Contracting Parties agree to promote cooperation in mining, chiefly 
through the implementation of operations aimed at the following: 

-  promoting the involvement of enterprises of the Member States of the 

Community in exploration, exploitation and profitable  use  of minerals in 
Mexico, in accordance with that country's laws in tlie field œnoern-o ; 

-  undertaking activities to encourage small and medium-sized raining 

enterprises ; ' 

-  carrying out ah interchange of experience and technology- relating to 
mining exploration and exploitation, and performing joint research to 
increase the opportunities for technological development. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELEOOMMUNICATIONS 

Article 26 

The Contracting Parties recognize that information technology and 
telecommunications constitute a key element of modern society, and that 
they are vital to its economic and social development. 

They declare themselves prepared to promote cooperation in fields of cornuon 
interest, chiefly in respect of the following: 

-  standardization*, testing and certification relating to information 

technology and teleccaramuiications ; 

13 

-  earth and space-based teieœmrnuiiications such as; transport networks, 

satellites, fibre optics, ISDN, data transmission, telephone systems for 
rural areas and mobile telephone systems; 

-  electronics and microelectronics; 

-  information and automation; 

-  high-definition television; 

research and development in new information technologies and 
telecommunications. 

Such cooperation shall take place in particular through: 

-  collaboration between experts; 

-  expert services, studies and interchange of information; 

-  training of scientists and technicians; 

formulation and implementation of projects of mutual benefit; 

-  promotion of investment and joint investment; 

-  promotion of joint projects relating to research and development, the 

establishment of information networks and data Isanks linking 
universities, research centres, testing laboratories, enterprises and 
operators in the public and private sectors in Mexico and the Community. 

The Parties agree to step up the development of cooperation on space 
research and development, Mexico's new generation of satellites and 
experimental low-orbit satellites. 

The Farties shall set up specific mechanisms for implementing cooperation 
in this field. 

Investment promotion shall be the subject of special efforts involving 
information and consultation. 

TRANSPORT 

Article 27 

1. Recognizing tlie importance of transport to economic development and the 

intensification of trade, the Contracting Parties shall adopt tlie 
necessary measures to further cooperation in this field. 

2. Cooperation in the area of air, road and rail transport and 

infrastructure, shall centre on the following: 

-14-

(a)  the interchange of information on the Parties' policies and 

subjects of common interest; 

(b)  economic, legal and technical training programmes aimed at economic 

operators and those in charge of public-sector departments; 

(c)  technical assistance, particularly in connection with programmes 

for the modernization of infrastructure, replacement of rolling 
stock, vehicles and craft, and the introduction of technology 
relating to combined and multi-mode transport. 

PUBLIC HEALTH 

Article 28 

The Contracting Parties agree to cooperate in the field of public health, 
with the aim of raising the standard of living and quality of life, 
particularly in the sectors which are most disadvantaged.  In the interests 
of attaining these aims, the Parties undertake to conduct joint research, 
transfers of technology, and interchanges of experience and technical 
assistance, notably including measures relating to the following: 

-  the management and administration of the departments with responsibility 

for this field; 

-  the organization of scientific meetings and exchanges of specialists; 

-  the undertaking of programmes of vocational training; 

-  programmes and projects for the improvement of health and social welfare 

in urban and rural areas. 

DRUG ABUSE CONTROL 
Article 29 

1. The Contracting Parties undertake to coordinate and step up their 
efforts to prevent and reduce the production, trafficking and 
consumption of drugs. 

2. Such cooperation shall include the following: 

projects for training, education, health-promotion and 
rehabilitation of addicts, including projects for the réintégra1. e>n 
of addicts into work and social environments; 
research programmes and projects; 
measures to encourage alternative economic opportunities; 
the interchange of all relevant information, including that 
relating to money laundering. 

-15-

3. Financing for tlie operations referred to may be contributed by public 

and private institutions and national, regional or international 
organizations, • in consultation with the Mexican government and the 
appropriate Community and Member State bodies. 

ENERST 

Article 30 

The Contracting Parties recognize the importance of the energy sector to 
economic and social development, and are prepared to step up cooperation 
relating to the saving and efficient use of energy.  Such cooperation shall 
include the assessment of the usable energy potential of alternative 
resources and the application of technology for the saving of energy to 
industrial processes. 

To these ends, the Parties agree to promote: 

-  the conduct of "joint studies and research; 

-  contacts between those responsible for energy planning; 

-  the execution of joint programmes and projects in this field, 

THE ENVIRONMENT 

Article 51 

1. The Contracting Parties undertake to establish cooperation relating to 
the protection'and improvement of the environment in respect of the 
^  problems caused by the contamination of water, soil and air, erosion, 
; desertification, deforestation and over-exploitation of natural 
a  resources and the growth of towns, and relating to the productive 

conservation of forest and aquatic flora and fauna. 

2. To these ends, the Contracting Parties shall endeavour to cooperate on 

environmental measures which seek in particular: 

(a)  to establish and strengthen public and private environmental 

structures ; 

(b)  to introduce laws, standards and models ; 

(c)  to conduct research, training, information and public awareness 

measures; 

(d)  to execute studies and projects and supply technical assistance; 

•16-

(e)  to organize meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences and visits 
by officials, experts, technical personnel, entrepreneurs and 
others active in the field of the environment ; 

(f )  the interchange of information and experience on major 

environmental issues of global importance; 

(g)  to conduct joint study and research programmes and projects 

relating to disasters and disaster prevention. 

j3. The Parties agree to cooperate on all issues relating to water, 
*  including meteorology and climatology, and on research and development 

of water resource technologies, management, use and conservation. 

| 

TOURISM 

Article 52 

The Contracting Parties shall promote, in accordance with their laws, 
cooperation on tourism, which is to be achieved through specific measures 
including: 

-  exchanges of officials and experts dealing with tourism, the interchange 
• of information and statistics relating to this field and the transfer of 

technology; 

-  the development of activities to stimulate tourist traffic; 

-  the advancement of training schemes intended in particular to support 

hotel operation and management; 

-  joint participation in fairs and exhibitions aimed at increasing tourist 

flows. 

SOCIAL MATTERS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 

Article 55 

The ODmmunity agrees to support measures to develop cooperation on 
social and economic planning, with particular reference to the 
interchange of information and know-how relating to methods and tlie 
preparation and execution of special programmes in this field.  Such 
cooperation shall be achieved chiefly by means of: 

(a)  interchanges of information; 

(b)  reciprocal visits and exchanges of experts; 

-17-

(c)  the organization of seminars, symposia and conferences; 

••(d)  the provision of technical assistance for administering social 

services; 

(e)  activities on the part of non-governmental organizations to 

supplement official action in this field. 

2. The Contracting Parties agree to discuss in detail programmes and 
projects concerning social development and aimed at meeeting the 
essential needs of the most deprived sections of the population.  Such 
cooperation shall include in particular measures to combat extreme 
poverty and to create new sources of employment. 

GOVERNMENT 

Article 54 

The Contracting Parties shall cooperate in matters relating to government 
and institutions at national, regional and local levels. 

To these ends, the Contracting Parties undertake: 

-  to promote meeting's, visits, exchanges of information and technical 

personnel, seminars and training courses for civil servants and staff of 
national, state and local government departments; 

'" 

. 

'• 

-  tof exchange information on programmes aimed at improving the efficiency 

of;such sections of government service. 

TNK3RMATTON. OOMMUNICATICN AND CULTURE 

Article 55 

The Contracting Parties undertake to act jointly :in the fields of 
information and communication in order to further the cultural links which 
already exist between the Parties. 

These measures sha.11 take the form, in particular, of: 

-  interchange of information on issues of common interest concerning 

culture and information; 

-  preparatory studies and technical assistance for the preservation of tlie 

cultural heritage; 

-  organization of cultural events; 

-  cultural exchanges; 

-18-

-  academic exchanges; 

-  translation of literary works 

TRAINING 

Article 56 

The Contracting Parties shall establish specific training programmes in 
areas of common interest.  Cooperation on training shall take into account 
the contribution of new technologies in the field. 

The Contracting Parties agree to take the necessary steps to promote the 
training of technical and executive staff, giving priority to measures with 
a considerable multiplier effect aimed at training .and technical staff 
already occupying positions of responsibility in public- and private sector 
undertakings, government departments, public service and economic 
organizations.  Such cooperation shall take place through specific 
programmes for exchanges of experts, know-how and techniques between 
Mexican and European training institutions, particularly in the technical, 
scientific and technical fields. 

REGIONAL COOPERATION 

Article 57 

The Contracting Parties shall promote measures aimed at furthering 
cooperation with other countries within the framework of the agreements to 
which they are party.  Particular priority shall be given to measures 
seeking to: 

-  develop trade within the region, 

-  promote cooperation on the environment at regional level, 

-  strengthen regional institutions and help to set in train common 

policies and activities, 

L  encourage the development of regional communications. 

RESOURCES FOR UNDERTAKING COOPERATION 

Article 58 

In order to facilitate the achievement of the cooperation aims provided for 
in this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall apply the appropriate 
financial and other resources in accordance with their means and respective 
mechanisms. 

-19-

CHAPTER V 

JOINT OOMMiTTKE 

Article 59 

1. The Contracting Parties shall establish under this Agreement a Joint 
Committee consisting of representatives of the Community, on the one 
hand, and representatives of Mexico, on the other. 

2. The Joint Committee shall: 

(a) 

see to the proper functioning of the Agreement, 

(b) 

agree on and coordinate activities, projects and specific 
operations in relation to the aims of this Agreement and propose 
means of implementing them; 

(c) 

study the development of trade and cooperation between the Parties; 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

make any recommendations required to promote the expansion of traie 
and intensify and diversify cooperation; 

seek appropriate methods of forestalling problems which might arise 
in areas covered by the Agreement, 

encourage1 and follow up the activities of the Business Council and 
other bodies which can contribute to the expansion of relations 
between the Parties. 

5. The Joint Committee may set up specialized subcommittees and working 

parties to assist it in the performance of its duties.  These 
subcommittees and working parties shall make detailed reports on their 
activities to the Joint Committee at each of its meetings. 

4. The Joint Committee shall meet at least once a year, in Mexico City and 

Brussels alternately.  Special meetings may be convened by mutual 
argeement, at the request of either Contracting Party.  The office of 
chairman of the Joint Committee shall be held alternately by each of tlie 
Contracting Parties. 

5. The agenda for meetings of the Joint Committee shall be determined by 

agreement between the Parties. 

-20-

CHAPTER VI 

FINAL PROVISIONS 

OTHER ARRANGEMENTS 

Article 40 

1. Without prejudice to the provisions of the Treaties establishing the 

European Communities, neither this Agreement nor any action taken under 
it sha.11 in any way affect the powers of the Member States of the 
Canmunities to undertake bilateral activities with Mexico in the field 
of economic cooperation or where appropriate to conclude new economic 
cooperation agreements with Mexico. 

2. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 c»noerning economic 

cooperation, the provisions of this Agreement shall replace the 
provisions of the agreements concluded between the Member States of the 
Communities and Mexico where such provisions are either incompatible 
with or identical to the provisions of this Agreement. 

TERRITORIAL APPLICATION 

Article 41 

This Agreement shall apply, on the one hand, to the territories in which 
the Treaty estabiisliing the Community is applied and under the conditions 
laid down in that Treaty and, on the other, to the territory of Mexico. 

ANNEXES 

Article 42 

The Annexes shall form an integral part of this Agreement. 

'  ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TACIT RENEWAL 

Article 45 

This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the month 
following the date on which the Contracting Parties have notified each 
other of the completion of the procedures necessary for this purpose.  It 
is concluded for a period of five years.  It shall be renewed tacitly on a 
yearly basis unless one of the Contracting Parties denounces it to the 
other Party in writing six months before the date of expiry. 

-21-

AUTHENTTC TEXTS 

Article 44 

This Agreement is drawn up in duplicate in the Danish, Dutch, English, 
French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish languages, each text 
being equally authentic. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS 

Article 45 

The Contracting Parties may by mutual consent expand this Agreement with 
a view to enhancing the levels of cooperation and supplementing them by 
means of agreements on specific sectors or activities. 

With regard to the iinplementation of this Agreement, either of the 
Contracting Parties may put forward suggestions for widening the scope 
of cooperation, taking into account the experience gained in its 
application.  , 

ANNEX I 

UNILATERAL DECLARATION BY THE COMMUNITY ON OUTWARD PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS 

Yith administrators and potential, users in Mexico in mind, the Community 
will take steps to provide information on how to take the maximum advantage 
of the opportunities offered by Community rules on outward processing, 
which consists of the export of goods from the Community with a view to 
subsequent re-import into the Community from Mexico after processing, 
working or repair. 

ANNEX II 

DECLARATION BY THE COMMUNITY ON THE GSP 

The European Economic Ccanmunity confirms the importance of the Generalized 
System of Preferences - implemented by it in accordance with Resolution 
No 21 (II) of the Second United Nations Conference on Trade and 
Development - for the developing countries' trade. 

With a view to enabling Mexico to make the best and fullest possible use of 
the European Economic Community's preference scheme, the Community herel>y 
declares its willingness to examine suggestions from Mexico for identifying 
ways of enabling that country to derive maximum benefit from the 
opportunities offered by the scheme in question. 

-22-

The Community will conduct training seminars on the use of the Generalized 
System of Preferences for administrators and users in Mexico, with a view 
to enabling them to derive the greatest possible advantage from the Systtmi. 

ANNEX III 

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS ON MARITIME  TRANSPORT 

Sir, 

I have the honour to confirm the following: 

When the Agreement on cooperation between the European Economic Community 
and Mexico was signed, the Parties undertook to address in the appropriate 
manner issues relating to the operation of shipping, particularly where tlie 
development of trade might be hindered.  Mutually satisfactory solutions on 
shipping will be sought, while the principle of free and fair competition 
on a commercial basis is observed. 

It has likewise been agreed that such issues should also be discussed by 
the Joint Committee. 

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration. 

a -

Fiche  Financière 

Accord  de coopération commerciale  et économique  CE-Moxique 

Lignes budgétaires  concernées 

a)  lignes  dont  l'application  est  conditionnée  par  l'existence  d'un 

Accord  de coopération  : 

75020 - 

Actions  dans  le  cadre  d'accords  de  coopération 
économique  et  commerciale 

73015 - 

Actions  visant  la  promotion  de  l'investissement 
communautaire  dans  les PVD  d'Amérique  latine  dans  le 
cadre  des  accords  de  coopération  économique  et 
commerciale. 

68200 - 

Coopération  internationale  -  actions  de  recherche  et 
de  développement  dans  le  cadre  des  accords  do 
coopération  avec  des pays tiers. 

b)  autres  I ignés : 

73011  - 

73012 - 

Promotion 
d'Amérique  latine 

des 

relations  commerciales  des  PVD 

destinées 

Actions 
efforts 
d'intégration  régionale ou subrégionale  entre  les PVD 
d'Amérique  latine. 

favoriser 

les 

à 

73013 - 

Coopération  avec  des  PVD  d'Amérique  I at ire  dans  le 
domaine énergétique. 

73014 - 

Actions  de  formation  en  faveur  de  ressortissants  de 
PVD d'Amérique  latine. 

75030 - 

Dépenses  d'organisation  ue  sèminan oo  jur  !e  Sp^ 
communautaire. 

75040 - 

Ecologie  dans  les PVD 

75045 - 

Programme  d'actions  de  coopération  Nord-Sud  dans  le 
domaine de  la  lutte contre  la drogue. 

2.  Base  légale 

Accord  de coopération  commerciale  et économique. 

3-  Class ifIcat ion 

DNO 

4.  Peser ipt ion 

4.1  Objectif  : 

Etablir  une  coopération  dans  l'intérêt  des  deux  parties. 

4.2  Personnes  concernées : 

Opérateurs  économiques  et  instances  responsables  des  deux 
part ies. 

5.  Nature  de  la dépense 

5.1  Nature : 

Aide  à  fonds  perdus  en  faveur  de  divers  projets  dans  les 
différents  domaines  de coopération  couverts  par  l'Accord. 

5.2  Calcul  : 

Dans  les  prochaines  années  les  lignes  dont  l'application  est 
conditionnée  par  l'existence  d'un  accord  de  coopération  seront, 
dans  le cadre  de  la procédure  budgétaire  habituelle,  dotées  des 
montants  estimés  nécessaires  pour  tenir  compte  de  l'inscription 
du Mexique  parmi  les bénéficiaires de ces  lignes. 

Pour  les autres  lignes, aucune  incidence  directe  mais  évolution 
normale  dans  le cadre de  la procédure  budgétaire. 

6.  Incidence  financière  de  I'act ion sur  les  créd  its d '_ i n t_erven t ion 

6.1  Echéancier  des  crédits  d'engagement  et  de  paiement 

Selon demande  et  approbation  par  les services  de  la  Commission 
des  actions  à développer 

6.2  Part  du  financement  communautaire  (en  %)  dans  le coût  total  de 

I'act ion 

à  décider  au cas par  cas-, dans  certains  cas  jusqu'à  100%. 

6.3  Modalités du  financement  de  l'action  pendant  l'année en  cours : 

A  partir  des crédits existants. 

7 •  Obser vajjons 

Le  volume  des  dépenses  dérivés  de  l'accord  de  coopération  sera 
déterminé, pour  ies budgets  futurs, selon  la procédure  habituelle. 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(91) 92 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

11 

Catalogue number : CB-CO-91-117-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-70477-2 

PRICE 

1 - 30 pages: 3.50 ECU 

per additional 10 pages: 1.25 ECU 

Offiu. for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg