30 Years Later: A Look at Mexico Since Acceding to the OECD

Thirty years ago, in 1994, Mexico was a different country. That year marked several important milestones that allowed Mexico to position itself as a potential leader on the international scene.

The dawn of Jan. 1, 1994, was one of contrasts: on the one hand, the North American Free Trade Agreement was born, laying the foundations for free trade in the world's most dynamic region, determining the modalities and rules for investment. In other words, it was a framework that eventually turned Mexico from an import substitution country into an export power. On the other hand, the seizure by Subcomandante Marcos and his zapatistas of the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, showed that despite the efforts to modernize Mexico, it was still a country with significant challenges to achieve social equity.

Thirty years later, this reality has not changed. Today, Mexico is among the 15 most developed nations, but it is also among those with the most significant income disparity. In other words, Mexico has grown economically but has stagnated in allowing parity in access to wealth for many Mexicans.

Today, we hear the Manichean discourse of chairos versus fifís, of rich versus poor, of modernity versus tradition. This is a severe mistake because, in 30 years, we have not learned to take advantage of the tools to make our country a better place. Neoliberal policies have indeed fallen short in reducing the gap in the well-being of Mexicans. Still, it is also true that this model has guaranteed the entry of millions of dollars in investment and the creation of jobs for thousands of families. It is also a source of development and infrastructure. 

It takes two to tango. The problem is not the model; the problem is the meanness in the application of the rules. The big issue is the lack of solidarity and commitment of all sectors, public and private, which is reflected in the scourge of corruption. Nor is the solution to reverse all the progress we have made in three decades. There is a lot of acquired knowledge that is being lost. History is not only about evoking sacred personalities but also about remembering the baggage of learning and adaptation on which we must continue to build a great nation. Here, it is not a matter of good versus evil, and a great mistake has been not to call for the unity and solidarity we boast so much about.

I recall an event that may be a simple example of bridging differences. In the distant month of March 1994, when I had the great honor of participating directly in the negotiation of Mexico's accession to the OECD, there was a historic coincidence. After nearly two years of reviewing the entire regulatory and institutional framework of Mexican legislation – a process that not only benefited Mexico but also helped modernize the OECD – the last hurdle (Norway questioned the opening of cabotage) was finally cleared at the OECD Council meeting, and Mexico was invited to join for the first time as a full member. Although the official accession was written in the annals on May 18, Mexico sat among its peers on March 24, 1994. 

That date is significant because it was one day after the murder of Luis Donaldo Colosio, the presidential candidate of the then-almighty PRI. The assassination made us feel a particular angst of rejection when we received the news within hours of reaching our goal; however, I remember that fear dissipating when Jean-Claude Paye, then secretary general of the OECD, aware of the political implications, told us at the threshold of the Château de la Muette: "People and problems pass, institutions, clear rules, and certainty endure. This organization will help give meaning and certainty to Mexico's economic and social future."

In retrospect, much has changed. In 1994, 30 years after Japan's accession in 1964, Mexico was a beacon of hope for the emerging economies of Asia, the nascent democracies of Eastern Europe, and a troubled Latin America emerging from its recurrent crises. Today, Chile, Costa Rica, and Colombia are already members of the OECD. A Mexican – José Angel Gurría – was the organization's most beloved secretary general. By mid-February 2024, it was announced that a prominent Mexican – Elisa de Anda Madrazo – had been appointed to the presidency of the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF/GAFI), one of the most important mechanisms for combating money laundering at the international level, detecting organized crime and terrorism and intelligently fighting the temptations of corruption.

In 1994, Mexico was faithful to its tradition and gave a vision of the future. Let us retain our best diplomatic traditions now. Perhaps not only for prestige but also for our benefit.

A solid institutional framework based on regulatory improvement, pragmatism, and seriousness can help us continue to grow more and better. For example, the figures for attracting foreign direct investment revealed a few weeks ago by the Ministry of Economy are good. Still, they could be much better if we barely applied the rules we accepted 30 years ago.

Congratulations, Mexico! Despite the challenges, we are still one of the world’s most robust countries. Perhaps there will not be a commemoration to celebrate that we are part of one of the most prominent "neoliberal" institutions in the world, but let us recall that history also merits understanding and respecting the institutions to which we rightfully belong.