Background on Antonio Tajani and His Role
Antonio Tajani, the Vice Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has expressed his optimism regarding the modernization of the EU-Mexico Trade Agreement (TLCUEM). His comments come during his participation in the Mexico-Italy Business Forum in Mexico City.
Timeline and Key Participants
According to Tajani, the modernized TLCUEM is expected to be signed in 2025, just three days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration as the President of the United States. Tajani has been in contact with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s Trade Commissioner, to discuss the agreement.
Objectives of the Modernized TLCUEM
The modernized TLCUEM aims to:
- Expand market access in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, creating opportunities for increased exports on both sides.
- Harmonize investment provisions.
- Establish a trade facilitation chapter.
- Ensure no monopolies for the export and import of raw materials.
- Create a digital trade chapter.
Benefits for Mexico and the EU
The agreement will grant Mexico better market access for products such as orange juice, tuna, asparagus, honey, and egg white albumin. It will also ensure equitable access for meat products, including chicken.
In return, Mexico will eliminate tariffs of up to 100% on significant EU exports like cheese, poultry, pork, pasta, apples, jams and marmalade, chocolate, and wine. Additionally, Mexico will extend protection to 568 European traditional and iconic products (Indications of Geographical Origin).
Contextual Remarks by Tajani
In the context of new tariffs imposed by Trump, Tajani emphasized that “where there is trade, there is no war.” He further stated, “I believe that promoting trade is part of a strategy for peace. We should work harder to defend trade.”
Tajani also addressed Mexico’s crime-related issues, suggesting that Italy could share its experience in combating organized crime. He referenced Judge Giovanni Falcone, who famously said, “To find the leaders, follow the money.”
Strengthening Mexico-Italy Ties
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, echoed Tajani’s sentiments and mentioned areas for collaboration between the two nations, including naval, aeronautical, metal-mechanical sectors, artificial intelligence forecasts, semiconductors, and the automotive industry.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Antonio Tajani, and what is his role? A: Antonio Tajani is the Vice Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- Q: When is the modernized EU-Mexico Trade Agreement expected to be signed? A: Tajani predicts the agreement will be signed in 2025.
- Q: What are the main objectives of the modernized TLCUEM? A: The agreement aims to expand market access in agriculture and fisheries, harmonize investment provisions, establish trade facilitation, ensure no monopolies for raw materials’ export and import, and create a digital trade chapter.
- Q: How will the agreement benefit Mexico and the EU? A: Mexico will gain better access to various products, while the EU will see reduced tariffs on significant exports. Both sides will also protect traditional and iconic products.
- Q: What contextual remarks did Tajani make regarding trade and geopolitical issues? A: Tajani emphasized that trade fosters peace and highlighted Italy’s experience in combating organized crime, referencing Judge Giovanni Falcone’s advice to “follow the money.”
- Q: What areas of collaboration were discussed between Mexico and Italy? A: Areas for collaboration include naval, aeronautical, metal-mechanical sectors, artificial intelligence forecasts, semiconductors, and the automotive industry.
