Strengthening ASEAN’s engagement with Mexican localities

Mexico's Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.

The ASEAN Committee in Mexico City delegation in a group photo with leaders of the Tecnológico de Monterrey (Photo: VNA)

Mexico City (VNA) – The ASEAN Committee in Mexico City (ACMC) conducted a working visit to the northern Mexican state of Nuevo León from June 22–25, part of the bloc’s local outreach strategy in the Latin American country.

With the delegation comprising ambassadors of member states like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the trip aimed to advance multifaceted cooperation, particularly in trade, education, tourism, and innovation – areas where both ASEAN and Nuevo León share strong potential.

Welcoming the delegation, Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.

The state will facilitate investment and knowledge exchange of ASEAN businesses, academic institutions, and organisations, they pledged.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai stressed that the visit offered a valuable opportunity for both sides to enhance mutual understanding and identify potential areas of bilateral and regional cooperation – from digital economy and logistics to renewable energy and green transition.

He encouraged businesses from the sides to capitalise on free trade agreements, particularly the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to elevate ASEAN – Mexico trade and investment ties.

During a meeting with the local business community, the ASEAN ambassadors presented the investment climate and economic strengths of each member state, highlighting cooperation opportunities in manufacturing, high-tech agriculture, logistics, and education. Local business representatives expressed interest in the bloc’s development models, saying they are eager to explore further its markets, investment policies, and export potential.

The delegation also met with leaders of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) and Tecnológico de Monterrey – two of Mexico’s and Latin America’s leading centres for higher education and scientific research – to discuss prospects for student exchanges, scholarships, and joint research initiatives between ASEAN and Mexican universities./.

VNA