Foreign Secretary De la Fuente marks 60th anniversary of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mexico

• Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón De la Fuente called on Japanese companies to renew their trust in Mexico
• He highlighted the importance of the trade and investment between both nations

Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón De la Fuente encouraged Japanese companies to embrace the opportunity presented by the start of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration to renew their commitment to investing in Mexico.

Speaking at the opening ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mexico, the Foreign Secretary emphasized the strong historical ties between both nations while acknowledging the business community's role in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

"Mexico and Japan have a long-standing Strategic Partnership based on shared values and objectives. We believe in fair free trade, protected by international law and regulations," he said.

The Mexico-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement serves as the cornerstone of bilateral trade and investment relations, reaching its 20th anniversary in 2025. This is Mexico's only bilateral free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region, complemented by both countries' founding membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The Foreign Secretary highlighted the success of the bilateral economic relationship and recognized the significant presence of over 1,500 Japanese firms operating in Mexico, which create 90,000 direct jobs and contribute to the economy with strong corporate responsibility.

Speaking to Japanese business leaders and representatives in Mexico, he welcomed various announced investment projects, including Toyota's $1.45 billion commitment, with total investments exceeding $2.2 billion, primarily in the automotive sector.

He noted that throughout its 60-year history, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mexico has actively strengthened economic ties between Mexico and Japan.

"Mexico stands ready to welcome you. You can count on an open government eager to advance strategic projects that create wellbeing for our people, in an environment where Japanese companies can grow," the Foreign Secretary said at the event. He was joined by Takaaki Kuga, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mexico; Noriteru Fukushima, Japanese Ambassador to Mexico; and Francisco Cervantes Díaz, President of the Business Coordinating Council.

Japan ranks as Mexico's sixth-largest global trading partner and fourth-largest source of foreign investment since 1999. The two countries established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1888.