Bogota, January 25, 2013.- The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Sergio Diaz-Granados, met today with the Secretary of Economy of Mexico , Ildefonso Guajardo, in order to facilitate better access conditions for certain products of export interest to Colombia. the two also delved into creating complementarity and supply conditions to improve bilateral integration.

With the deepening existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mexico, as of August 2011, there has been improved accessibility for various Colombian dairy products Colombians, given preferential access quotas with 10-year growth and 10% annual increases for subheadings, which include powdered milk, butter, and cheese, as well as beverages containing milk. "In the bilateral meeting, we addressed the facilitation of procedures so that these products will have the corresponding health access," said the Minister.

The two officials also raised the conditions of access for other products of interest and the need to establish a work plan between the health authorities. Colombia intends to improve export conditions for meat and bovine genetics, dairy, and plant products (chrysanthemum, fresh cut flowers, foliage and papaya). In the particular case of dairy, there are currently nine Colombian plants that have met Mexico's sanitary authorization.

Mexico, on the other hand, seeks to bring peach and strawberry seedlings, products in which Colombia hopes to send the relevant information to the ICA.

The two officials will continue to advance these and other issues during the meetings that are scheduled to be held at the Sixth Meeting of Presidents of the Pacific Alliance.

Trade Relations

Bilateral trade relations are governed by the FTA between the two countries. This includes the opening of markets for goods and services and the establishment of clear and transparent rules for trade and investment.

Between 2002 and 2011, Colombia's exports to Mexico increased by 126%, from USD 311 million to USD 705 million.

Colombia's exports to Mexico accounted for 1.3% of the country's total to the world. Its imports were 11.6% of the total form the world. Mexico ranks at 17th place among Colombia's export destinations, but it is Colombia's 3rd provider. 

Between January and November 2012, Colombia's exports to Mexico were USD 777 million. This included mainly cars (22%), coal (3%), gasoline fuels (3%), palm oil (3%), and beauty preparations (2%).

As for Mexican investment in Colombia, in 2011, it reached USD 80.3 million. Mexican companies that are currently operating in the country include Maritima Mexicana, Mabe, Mexalite, Coca-Cola Femsa, Cemex, Bimbo, Mexichem, Cinepolis, Grupo Vitro, and Claro.

PHOTO: The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Sergio Diaz-Granados, met with the Secretary of Economy of Mexico, Ildefonso Guajardo.
AAC/ LSC

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