Emma talks trade with Mexican Ambassador to the EU

Wednesday 10th July, Today Emma met with Mexican Ambassador to the EU, Sandra Fuentes-Berain, to discuss the trade relationship between the EU and Mexico. Emma follows trade relations with Mexico on behalf of the Conservative Group of MEPs in the European Parliament, as part of her role on the International Trade committee.

The EU currently has a Free Trade Agreement with Mexico which was fully implemented in 2001. However, as new trade deals are being negotiated between the EU and other South American and North American countries, most notably the current discussions taking place between the EU and the US, both parties to the discussion believe that it is time to update the current agreement.

Emma said:

“Mexico is an important trading partner for the EU, with its huge market of 117 million people. I want to ensure that while discussions continue on trade deals with Canada and the United States, as well as those which have just been agreed, such as with Central America which I worked on, Mexico is not left out of the loop.

“Mexico’s open economy and preference for free trade is admirable, as are the recent growth figures for its economy. President Barroso and President Nieto agreed earlier in the year to review the possibilities for an upgrade of the Free Trade Agreement and I will do what I can in my role as an MEP to ensure that discussions keep moving.

“I fully believe in the ability of free trade to stimulate economic growth and therefore to create jobs. This is vital in the current economic climate. I hope that we can get the ball rolling on an extension of this Free Trade Agreement in order for all involved to benefit, including businesses within the East Midlands.”