Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture Explores Opportunities in Japan

Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, embarked on a work tour through Japan that will last until March 6. The trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties and explore opportunities in the agroalimentary sector.

Villalobos is leading a Mexican delegation composed of representatives from both the public and private sectors. Their overarching goal is to revitalize, sustain, and enhance agroalimentary trade and scientific cooperation in the agricultural and fishing sectors of Mexico and Japan. Key participants include Melba Pría Olavarrieta, Mexican Ambassador to Japan; Alfredo Ramírez, Governor of Michoacan; Diego Sinhue Rodríguez, Governor of Guanajuato; Juan Cortina, President, National Agricultural Council (CNA); and César Carrilero, President, Association of Pork Exporters.

A pivotal part of the tour includes participation in Foodex Japan 2024, the largest agroalimentary fair in the Asia-Pacific region. With over 2,500 leading companies from about 60 countries, the fair provides a platform for Mexican agricultural and agroindustrial producers to showcase their products.

Minister Villalobos will engage in meetings with officials from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF). Discussions with Tetsushi Sakamoto, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, will cover topics such as imports, MAFF's inspection visit to bell pepper production sites in Sinaloa, and sanitary considerations for Mexican plant and animal products entering Japan. 

The Mexican delegation will also meet with Katsura Miyazaki, Vicepresident, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting will focus on reviving the silkworm production project to support small-scale producers and collaborating on underwater ecosystem research in the Sea of Cortez. 

Villalobos will also meet with key players in the Japanese agroalimentary industry. Talks will address the outcomes of the combined aquaponics and agriculture project by the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR) and the universities of Tokyo and Tottori. The construction of artificial reefs in La Paz, Baja California Sur, will also be on the agenda. 

Villalobos will participate in a joint presentation for the marketing of Mexican meat at the Mexican Embassy in Japan. The itinerary also includes a visit to the tuna auction at the Toyosu Fish Market.