Celebrating Mexico

The trilateral free trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico called the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) is expected to result in freer markets and a robust economic growth that will strengthen the middle class and create good, well-paying jobs for the almost half-a-billion people who live in North America. The USMCA will update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that US President Donald Trump had been unhappy with.

The new trade deal is certainly a welcome development especially for Mexico that recently celebrated the 208th anniversary of its proclamation of independence. In the Philippines, Mexican Ambassador Gerardo

Lozano Arredondo hosted the celebrations held at the Manila Diamond Hotel, where guests enjoyed the fiesta atmosphere with mariachi music, colorful streamers and booths offering Mexican staples and drinks.

“This year marks a special occasion in bilateral ties between Mexico and the Philippines, as we also celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations,” said Arredondo, adding that the relationship can actually be traced back to the 16th century when both countries became Spanish territories. Historians also say the “galleon trade” between Manila and Acapulco ushered in an era of economic globalization and paved the way for cultural exchanges.

On several occasions, the Mexican Ambassador had expressed hopes for the Philippines to serve as Mexico’s gateway to trade with Southeast Asia. Trade between Manila and Mexico stands at $2.5 billion with Mexican investments to the Philippines estimated at $6 billion.

Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas and the 14th largest nation in the world in terms of territorial area. Its economy is also ranked 15th in the world according to the International Monetary Fund. It is part of 12 free trade agreements signed with 46 countries. Mexico recently held a presidential election won by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who will take his oath of office this December.

(From left) Ambassadors Rodrigo do Amaral Souza of Brazil, Rolando Guevara Alvarado of Panama, Capaya Rodríguez González of Venezuela, Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo of Colombia and José Néstor Ureta of Argentina.

Moroccan Ambassador Rida El Fassi, Glenn Gale and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur councilor Chavit Singson.

Ambassadors Jaideep Mazumdar of India and Kok Li Peng of Singapore.

Mexican Embassy Press Attaché Luis Gerardo Regalado flanked by Sofia Ruiz de Chavez and Jesus Regalado. Mexican Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo waves the Mexican flag.

Ambassador Gerardo Lozano Arredondo (right) with son Gerardo Lozano Jr. and wife Mariza Arciniega.