The T-MEC: A Cornerstone for Jobs, Supply Chains, and Opportunities for SMEs
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) supports jobs, supply chains, and opportunities for SMEs. Today, the North American block accounts for nearly one-third of the global GDP and generates over 17 million jobs. Protecting this instrument requires coordination between governments and the private sector to ensure legal certainty, uniform rules, and standards that enable investment at scale.
COPARMEX’s Business Delegation to Canada: Emphasizing the Importance of International Collaboration
A recent business delegation from COPARMEX to Canada, held from September 10-12, underscored a strategic truth: international collaboration is not optional but essential for competition. In Ottawa, it was confirmed that Mexico is well-positioned to capitalize on nearshoring and establish itself as an indispensable partner in the North American supply chain. This was achieved through direct dialogue, concrete proposals, and the conviction that economic development requires clear rules and mutual trust.
Investment Interests in Energy, Mining, Infrastructure, and Agroindustry
During meetings with Canadian authorities and leading business groups, it became clear that there is a strong interest in investing in energy, mining, infrastructure, and agroindustry. This interest aligns with Mexico’s robust talent pool and internal markets, which can transform the region into a competitive manufacturing powerhouse. However, to attract productive investment, legal certainty is required – including security, the rule of law, and energy policies that offer long-term stability.
Legal Certainty and the Recent Judicial Reform in Mexico
Several Canadian business leaders emphasized their expectations regarding Mexico’s recent judicial reform. While acknowledging that the legislative process has concluded, they warned that investment decisions will be heavily influenced by the new judges’ rulings. Impartiality, technical solidity, and transparency in these resolutions will be crucial signals confirming that Mexico offers the level of certainty demanded by long-term projects.
The Value of SMEs: Strengthening the Backbone of Employment and Social Fabric
The true value lies in SMEs, which form the backbone of employment and the social fabric. Strengthening SMEs involves improving market access, reducing logistical friction, and offering technical training that connects education with demand. Formal employment is the best social program, as it brings tranquility to families, protection to workers, and increased productivity for employers.
Direct Business-to-Business Trade: Opening Immediate Channels for SMEs
COPARMEX’s Mission to Canada 2025 demonstrated that direct business-to-business trade can open immediate channels for SMEs, particularly in agroindustry, fresh products, and construction. Joint training programs, commercial missions, and technical cooperation agreements are practical tools that can be activated without delay.
Pragmatic Action: Regulatory Frameworks, Public-Private Partnerships, and Economic Diplomacy
This journey compels us to act pragmatically: promote regulatory frameworks that reduce uncertainty, encourage public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure, and design integration schemes that enable small businesses to join value chains. It also calls for deeper economic diplomacy: visiting is not enough; stable agendas with Canadian counterparts and US allies must be built.
A Prosperous Future: Mexico and Canada’s Integrated Production as a Means, Not an End
With foresight and responsibility, we can capitalize on this opportunity. Integrated production between Mexico and Canada is not an end in itself but a means to ensure more investment, better jobs, and a more prosperous future for millions of Mexicans. This is the mission we bring from Ottawa and the task we now undertake with determination.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the T-MEC for North America? The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) supports jobs, supply chains, and opportunities for SMEs. It accounts for nearly one-third of the global GDP and generates over 17 million jobs.
- Why is international collaboration crucial for Mexico and Canada? International collaboration is essential for competition in today’s globalized economy. It enables countries to capitalize on nearshoring opportunities and establish themselves as indispensable partners in supply chains.
- What investment interests does Canada have in Mexico? Canada is interested in investing in energy, mining, infrastructure, and agroindustry sectors in Mexico. These interests align with Mexico’s robust talent pool and internal markets.
- How does legal certainty impact investment in Mexico? Legal certainty, including security, the rule of law, and stable energy policies, is crucial for attracting productive investment in Mexico.
- Why are SMEs vital for economic development in North America? SMEs form the backbone of employment and the social fabric. Strengthening them through improved market access, reduced logistical friction, and technical training is essential for economic development.
- What role does direct business-to-business trade play in supporting SMEs? Direct business-to-business trade opens immediate channels for SMEs, particularly in agroindustry, fresh products, and construction, through joint training programs, commercial missions, and technical cooperation agreements.
- What pragmatic actions should be taken to foster integrated production between Mexico and Canada? Pragmatic actions include promoting regulatory frameworks that reduce uncertainty, encouraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure financing, and designing integration schemes for small businesses to join value chains. Deeper economic diplomacy with stable agendas for Canadian counterparts and US allies is also necessary.
