Oaxaca Strengthens Ties With France Amid Investment Talks

Oaxaca´s government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen international cooperation and foreign investment with France's Ambassador to Mexico, Delphine Borione. A meeting spearheaded by the Ministry of Economic Development (Sedeco) marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between Oaxaca and France, particularly in renewable energy, logistics, agro-industry, sustainable tourism, and technical education.

“Our commitment is to promote investments that bring well-being to our people, foster the state's productive diversification, and respect the identity of our communities,” said Iñigo Aragón García, Oaxaca’s Deputy Minister for Economic Promotion and Investment Attraction. “We seek partnerships that combine technology, sustainability, and social responsibility.”

Discussions highlighted key sectors with high potential for collaboration, including the circular economy, social innovation, and workforce development. “We are interested in building a long-term relationship with France,” Aragón García said. “This meeting opens a space for dialogue among our public, private, academic, and cultural sectors. We are fully committed to working together to identify strategic projects and encourage the participation of French companies and institutions in Oaxaca.”

The government of Oaxaca emphasized its willingness to use international cooperation as a strategic tool to drive innovation, expand trade, and generate tangible benefits for its residents.

David Ribot, Vice President, French-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France México), said there are approximately 700 French companies currently operating in Mexico, generating over 200,000 direct jobs and more than 700,000 indirect jobs.

Macron to Visit Mexico

France and Mexico will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic ties, and both countries are aiming to deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation across economic, cultural, and political spheres. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to make an official visit to Mexico in November to support this initiative.

During the recent celebration of France’s National Day (July 14), French Ambassador to Mexico Delphine Borione and Mexico’s Deputy Foreign Minister María Teresa Mercado emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the two nations. They underscored the importance of continued high-level dialogue in strengthening bilateral relations, reported MBN. 

Ambassador Borione highlighted the strong economic connection, noting that over 700 French companies are currently operating in Mexico. In 2024, trade between Mexico and France resulted in a net trade deficit for Mexico, with imports exceeding exports by $1.05 billion. Specifically, Mexico's exports to France were valued at $107 million, while its imports from France totaled $455 million in March 2024. Overall, France is Mexico's 18th largest trading partner outside of the European Union. Borione pointed to key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace as focal points of bilateral exchange. Borione also expressed confidence that President Claudia Sheinbaum's Plan México will foster additional investment.

“The friendship between France and Mexico has evolved through shared culture, values, and commitments. Together, we have stood in defense of liberty, peace, humanism, diversity, and now, more than ever, multilateralism and respect for international law,” Borione stated.

Some of the most important French companies operating in Mexico according to  CCI France México include ManpowerGroup, Capgemini, L'Oréal, Up Sí Vale, Sodexo, Airbus, BIC, SGF Global, Axa México, Renault Group, Thales, Alstom, Richemont, Veolia México, 5 Steps Head Hunting, Mercer, Santos & Becker, Pierre Fabre, Ayvens, Amati box, Galiachef, Amarante International.