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French Agency Promoting Business Expansion Between Mexico, France

Olivier Pradet - Central America and the Caribbean, Business France
Director Mexico

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Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Thu, 06/01/2023 - 08:45

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Q: What role does Business France play in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean?

A: We are a public agency under the supervision of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy. We operate in 55 countries, assisting French businesses. Our primary goal is to promote French products in Mexico and help these companies find customers. We also assist businesses that want to establish a presence in Mexico, even helping them with things that may be beyond our control by connecting them with the right people. 

Additionally, we support Mexican or Central American investors who want to expand into France by helping them position their investments in the most beneficial locations. Finally, we assist in managing international volunteers who work for French companies and help them become ambassadors of Mexico in our country. 

Q: France will be the guest of honor at FAMEX 2023. How are French companies innovating in technical training and what benefits have these innovations brought to the workforce?

A: The aerospace sector requires advanced product quality and safety technology, which requires specialized and cutting-edge skills. Mexico has top-level French companies that supply the Mexican and US markets. Those companies are making significant investments and generating many jobs. Companies in the aerospace sector require a highly skilled labor force. Several collaborations are taking place between France and Mexico to develop training programs and to make Mexican talent even more highly sought-after by foreign companies.

Q: How is Business France working with local academic institutions to support skills development and training?

A: Business France does not participate in training programs but supports them. We visit many companies to understand their labor needs and identify possible next steps based on their areas of opportunity. We are also in contact with the embassy's technical cooperation service and chambers of commerce to understand their needs and how we can help Mexico strengthen commercial relationships. 

Mexican companies seek ways to establish collaborations and bridges with universities. The country has clusters dedicated to the aerospace industry, which serve as receptacles for partnerships with institutes and universities.

Q: How do you perceive the nearshoring boom that Mexico is experiencing and how can French companies take advantage of the growing industrial operations in the country?

A: Mexico is being given an unparalleled opportunity because there is a great need given the realignment of global value chains. The country has the support of its partners in the USMCA to reindustrialize and reinforce the sector, which is growing at a fast pace. Mexico needs to offer the appropriate conditions to guarantee security, such as that necessary for investments, and a secure supply of energy, if possible clean.

There are also many opportunities in South America. Additionally, we must think outside the box because many sectors are attracting a lot of investment. 

Q: What are the main products that French companies export to Mexico and how is Business France working to grow the range of products exported to the country?

A: Mexico is highly important for us as the bilateral trade of goods alone yields almost €4 billion (US$4.3 billion) annually. Some of our primary sectors in Mexico are the aerospace and industrial sectors, along with pharmaceutical, clinical, machinery and electrical equipment. 

Mexico imports €2.5 billion (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods from France and we hope to continue growing this bilateral relationship. The French presence in Mexico is not a short-term investment but one deeply rooted in Mexico. These companies come with the goal of staying, and they continue to invest.

Q: What are Business France’s main plans for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean in the coming years?

A: We have a team specializing in foreign trade that knows the necessary actors well. In Mexico, we have an entire support system for companies that range from embassy services to economic services, such as investment banks that facilitate project financing. We will continue working to strengthen economic and trade relations between the regions in the Americas and in France.

 

Business France is responsible for fostering export growth among French businesses and facilitating international investment in France. It promotes French companies, their brand and the country’s attractiveness as an investment location.

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