EMBASSY OF MEXICO - 210TH INDEPENDENCE DAY PUBLICATION

A SUPPLEMENT ON INDEPENDENCE DAY OF

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SEPTEMBER

2020

w w w. t h e b u s i n e s s 24 o n l i n e . n e t

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Message from Felipe González Lugo Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Mexico

Dear Business 24 readers, As we celebrate the 210th anniversary of the beginning of the Independence of Mexico, we reflect on the many challenges that this year has presented to the entire humanity, due to the ongoing SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

As ever, solidarity and the reinforcement of a rules-based multilateralism has been so important. In the words of the President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, “The coronavirus has left us with pain, sadness, and hardship, but it has also strengthened the love in families, demonstrated the humanism and dedication of health-care workers and brought to the fore the legendary brotherhood of our people”. I believe that this must be our main lesson.

The ongoing world health crisis has demonstrated that fostering multi-stakeholder and crossregional dialogues becomes the new necessary paradigm to effectively address global challenges, and that solidarity among nations is of paramount importance in the multilateral architecture. A fortiori, the pandemic has presented us with a golden opportunity to reinforce a new kind of collaborative diplomacy, as we can see from the collective efforts to find a vaccine.

The UN landmark resolution championed by Mexico (UN, 2020b) to ensure equitable distribution of medical supplies is a remarkable example of international solidarity to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable populations of the world.

Mexico, like Ghana, shares a univocal commitment towards multilateralism and international law, firmly advocating its strengthening at various international fora. As ever before, the open, transparent, nondiscriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its center, has become so important. As ever before, the WTO must strongly advocate for

the elimination of trade barriers for goods and medicines, as well as to promote international cooperation and crosscutting policies to tackle the devastating health and economic effects of the pandemic.

This is why Mexico has presented the candidacy of Dr. Jesús Seade, former Deputy Director-General of WTO, to lead the organization. Dr. Seade has had a life-long commitment to Africa and identifies himself as an “Africanist”. I encourage you to read his compelling Op-Ed, included in this special edition of Business 24 dedicated to Mexico.

As we take stock of the MexicoGhana bilateral relations, since last September many things have been achieved, in spite of the disruption of COVID19.

In our political dialogue, our Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Julian Ventura, co-chaired, via video conference with his Ghanaian counterpart, Hon. Charles Owiredu, the Second Meeting under the Bilateral Political Consultations Mechanism, following Ambassador Ventura’s high-level official visit to Ghana last year, which meant an important step towards forging a stronger and sustainable political bilateral dialogue.

During the second round of consultations, both countries agreed on the necessity to explore concrete cooperation schemes going forward, including through the use of virtual meetings and seminars over a broader range of issues spanning education, agriculture and commerce, amongst many others.

As a recently-elected nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-2022, Mexico has reiterated its commitment to act with transparency and openness while maintaining a close dialogue with its African partners, in particular on the issues on the Council’s agenda that most directly affect them. During the above said consultations, the two governments agreed to maintain

frequent informal discussions among relevant offices in their respective capital cities, as well as between their Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York. In that framework, we have held our first meeting last month, proving to be a very fruitful and strategic dialogue.

In our cooperation agenda, we are making new efforts to continue our flagship knowledge-transfer project in nixtamalization in order to reduce aflatoxins in maize crops and maize-derived products. As soon as the COVID-19 crisis is solved, we will continue working hand in hand with Ghana Standards Authority and the International Centre for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT), based in Mexico.

In our cultural agenda, we have re-engineered our approach due to COVID-19, and our cultural activities are now fully going on-line through our social media, as well as on a special digital platform conceived by the Cultural Diplomacy Department in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the month of September, we will be showcasing our extremely rich patrimony, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of many artists in Mexico that have gladly collaborated with us at the Embassy.

We are also focusing on further engagements with local communities in cultural projects that highlight our African descendance, our “third-root” that links us directly to this beautiful and vibrant continent.

Our economic agenda has made great progress. We are currently engaging intensively with various stakeholders in Mexico and in Ghana, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana-Mexico Business and Culture Chamber (GHAMEXCO), and the Mexican Council of Trade and Foreign Investment (COMCE), to organize new business missions, under an innovative virtual format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, mainly in the spare-parts industry.

The establishment of the

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) General Secretariat in Accra brings a great potential for collaboration, by leveraging the close ties between our two countries.

In sum, our bilateral relationship is at its best. I am happy to announce that a new Ambassador will soon head our Diplomatic Representation to continue the excellent work done by our former Head of Mission. You will find a comprehensive review of the state of our bilateral relationship in this special edition of Business 24.

We are also adding, in this edition, the presidential address on the occasion of the Second Government Report 20192020, where President López Obrador takes stock of the many achievements made in the national and international agenda. In the former, by highlighting the new set of social welfare programs that directly support the poorest and the most vulnerable populations of the country, as well as the government’s successful fight against corruption.

In the latter, as we reaffirm “our constitutional principles of nonintervention, self-determination for nations, peaceful resolution of disputes, and cooperation for development”, which has given Mexico the opportunity to exercise its international leadership once again and its strong multilateral vocation.

As we move towards a new era of globalization, best characterized by the growing importance of services trade encompassed by a dematerialization process, a world transition paradigm accelerated

by COVID-19, it becomes an imperious necessity to reinforce and revitalize the new unifying pillars of this paradigm through a strong multilateral system. The voices of strong, consolidated democracies such as Mexico and Ghana will be of paramount importance in achieving this. ¡VIVA MÉXICO! LONG LIVE GHANA! LONG LIVE MEXICO – GHANA

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Interview with Felipe González Lugo M. Mexican Chargé d’Affaires a.i. to Ghana

Mexico was the first country in Latin America to recognise and establish diplomatic relations with Ghana. How would you assess the bilateral agenda between the two countries over the years?

Mexico and Ghana have a long-standing relationship based on mutual solidarity and respect, and on a common commitment to democratic values and multilateralism. The strengthening of our mutual ties requires a sustained effort from both governments and an everincreasing engagement by our business communities and civil societies. We are taking concrete and determined steps, and advancing in the right direction.

Political dialogue Mutual high-level visits and numerous business missions have taken place since our Embassy in Ghana reopened in 2014.

Just last year, Hon. Minister Botchwey hosted our Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Julián Ventura, who took on an intensive two-day working visit that led to the establishment of a High-Level Political Consultations Mechanism, the very linchpin of our bilateral relationship. Only two months ago, we held the second round of that dialogue through videoconference, chaired by Ambassador Ventura and his Ghanaian counterpart, Honorable Charles Owiredu, making great progress on our bilateral agenda.

Our political dialogue is at its best.

Our former Ambassador, María de los Angeles Arriola, did a formidable job during her nearly 5-year tenure, placing Mexico in the relevant Ghanaian agenda and vice-versa. Now the challenge will be to strengthen our bilateral dialogue in order to continue advancing even further on our increasingly strategic relationship. This will also mean that we need to come up with innovative ways of engaging in bilateral dialogues given the ongoing health crisis, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let me also add that, as a recentlyelected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 20212022, Mexico will maintain a very close dialogue with Ghana and other African partners, in particular with regard to the issues on the Council’s agenda that most directly impact this region.

Cooperation Likewise, our excellent relations have led to the opening of new exciting avenues of South-South cooperation, permitting the engagement with multiple stakeholders from a wide range of horizons, bringing together Governments, Scholars, Civil Society and the Private Sector. On that note, Mexican Technical Cooperation has been a real game changer in Ghana through an ongoing knowledge-transfer project that drastically reduces aflatoxins in maize crops and maize-derived produce.

Through this traditional process known as nixtamalization, Mexican cooperation has positively impacted the lives of thousands of small farmers and maize traders, contributing to health, food

security and women empowerment. The collaboration of the International Centre for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT) has been of paramount importance to this. We shall continue walking in that direction, broadening the scope of our bilateral cooperation.

In relation to educational cooperation, noticeable advancements have been made after the visit to Mexico (May 2017) by the top academic authorities of the University of Ghana, leading to the signing of four important Memoranda of Understanding with Mexican Universities.

Consular affairs Consular work is one of our essential duties. We serve the Mexican community in Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone with all the honor, diligence and enthusiasm. Although the Mexican community in West Africa is rather small, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the very importance of consular protection. In that context, we were able to assist stranded Mexicans to get back home safely. This is one of the reasons we are now reinforcing preventive consular actions and engaging further with our community. In the Consular section, we are undergoing the necessary adjustments to comply with the new health protocols, maintaining an outstanding consular service.

Cultural agenda Diplomacy has become increasingly public, best materialized through the rising relevance of what US scholar Professor Joseph Nye coined as “soft power”. Over the past 5 years, our cultural agenda has successfully showcased our extremely rich patrimony, mainly through Mexican gastronomy, which, as you may know, was declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.

Mexico is a result of a mosaic of diverse cultural heritage and traditions, amongst which is the “African Root”, labelled as our “third origin”, along with the Indian and Spanish legacy. Something that makes us very proud and links us directly to this beautiful continent.

According to the most recent demographic census, more than one million people in Mexico identify themselves as Afro-descendants. This is why we are currently working on a cultural agenda that highlights this very important socio-cultural link between our countries. We are focusing on engaging further with local communities here in Ghana on a three-way dialogue with the African descendants in Mexico and scholars specialized in this area.

If it works, we would like to extend that dialogue further to the south to other African descendants in Central American countries, too. This will be a long-term project that intends to build omnidirectional bridges.

Due to the COVID-19, our activities are now going online. Throughout the month of September, we will be publishing various contents on our social platforms.

We encourage you to follow us and discover the richness of our culture. You can access them through our new digital channel: http://diplomaciacultural.mx/ uncategorized/ya-estamos-en-el-mespatrio/ In sum, Public Diplomacy has been a very powerful tool in supporting the bilateral dialogue and in the understanding of our respective cultures. Mexico looks forward to intensifying its collaboration with Ghana in Cultural Diplomacy to promote the rich heritage of both countries.

Economic agenda In the economic agenda there have been numerous B2B meetings between Mexican and Ghanaian companies, leading to a mutual growing interest in both business communities. The annual Mexico Business Summit (MBS) has presented the ideal setting for these types of exchanges. Last year, a Ghanaian delegation of 10+ business people attended the MBS, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has successfully participated twice (2017 and 2019) in this major Latin American business rendezvous.

We have so far identified the following as strategic sectors for Mexican investment in Ghana: (i) construction, (ii) autoparts industry and (iii) agroindustry, so we are currently focusing on bringing leading Mexican companies in those areas. Additional opportunities will open up as tariffs on intra-African trade are progressively eliminated within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). We are very fortunate to have its permanent Secretariat here in Accra; we look forward to establishing a very fruitful dialogue with its newly appointed Secretary, Wamkele Mene.

The memorandum of understanding signed between the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the then ProMéxico was a great step taken forward in strengthening our economic cooperation and recognizing the need for business partnerships and reciprocal investments in both countries. This MoU paved the way for more potential investments and served as a foundation on which a number of companies showed interest and paid visits to Ghana in order to assess the local market for possible investment opportunities. AgroMoneta, a producer of greenhouse hydroponic vegetables, based in the Volta Region, is a thriving example of this.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now taken the enormous responsibility of promoting international trade and investment. This is the reason why we are currently engaging intensively with various stakeholders in Mexico and in Ghana, including the GIPC and the Mexican Council of Trade and Foreign Investment (COMCE), to organize new business missions, under an innovative virtual format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Mexico-Ghana Business and Cultural Chamber, GHAMEXCO, is gaining increasing relevance and a more predominant role in this process, too.

The Mexican economy is highly internationalized. Our foreign trade as a share of GDP stands at 80%, and important companies of all sizes have a global presence. Likewise, Ghana is a privileged “Gateway” to Africa. Our two countries have excellent geostrategic positions, they both have solid political and economic stability, and offer better comparative benefits and advantages over their respective peers. These opportunities must be seized by both business communities.

What is your view on the Ghanaian government’s Ghana Beyond Aid agenda, and how can Mexico assist Ghana to achieve this ambition?

Ghana’s excellent record on good governance and democracy has fostered a fast-growing economy with an increasing middle class that is steadily changing the social and economic landscape of the country. This flagship national transformation agenda walks into that direction. In only a few years, it has been remarkably successful in setting the building blocks of a more inclusive and prosperous Ghana, less dependent on foreign aid and rather favoring the attraction of Direct Foreign Investment in strategic sectors, sending the message that Ghana is open for business and foreign trade.

A remarkable example of this has been the recently inaugurated Volkswagen assembly plant in Accra, which will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Ghana. This major breakthrough has also been possible thanks to the vision of Minister Alan Kyerematen and the great business leadership of Mr. Subhi Accad, CEO of Autoparts Ltd. and Honorary Consul of Mexico, both being great friends of our nation.

As mentioned earlier, Mexico is a very dynamic economy with a vast network of free trade agreements, granting privileged access to markets in around 46 countries. Our excellent respective geostrategic positions, as members of ECOWAS and USMCA, make our relationship even more strategic. Furthermore, both of our countries are true Manufacturing Hubs in their respective regions. For example, Mexico is a leading platform for vehicle manufacturing and exportation. Ghana could take advantage of this very appealing opportunity, particularly in the component and spare parts industry where Mexico excels.

In sum and with all of this in mind, we must continue fostering a very close dialogue, promoting closer contacts between the several strategic stakeholders in both countries, and encourage the sharing of experiences in the various fields of our bilateral relationship. ¡VIVA MÉXICO! LONG LIVE GHANA! LONG LIVE MEXICO FRIENDSHIP!

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GHANA

(The Cultural and Consular Attaché, Alejandra Salazar, contributed to the Consular and Cultural segment of the interview).

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Culture: Strengthening Mutual Ties Culture: Strengthening Mutual Ties

Culture brings us closer, helps us to know each other, to learn from each other, and to strengthen the ties of cooperation between nations.

Despite the geographic distance, Mexico and Africa share strong sociocultural and historical ties. According to the most recent demographic census, more than one million people in Mexico identify themselves as Afro-descendants.

Though quite popular, Vicente Guerrero, one of Mexico's national heroes, was called “El Negro Guerrero� precisely because he was of African descent.

At the Embassy of Mexico in Ghana, we are working on cultural projects that highlight the important socio-cultural link between our countries.

As part of the ongoing cultural projects, a dialogue has been initiated between the Ghanaian community and specialists in Afro-descendant fields in Mexico. We are very excited about the activities that will build new cultural bridges between our nations. This and other projects are part

Event organized in March 2020

of the new strategies of Cultural Diplomacy of Mexico around the world.

Likewise, since September we started with new formats of cultural diffusion to be made available to more communities. In addition to our social networks, our cultural offer is now available on the new digital channel: http://diplomaciacultural.mx/uncategorized/ya-estamos-en-el-mes-patrio/

Visit us

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Consular procedures The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic compels us to redefine customer services with the intention of preserving the health of all those involved in each process. The Consular Section of the Embassy of Mexico in Ghana, like the rest of our embassies and consulates, has made the necessary adjustments to comply with health protocols and maintain excellence in our services.

You can cross-check the procedures for documentation as applied to Mexicans or foreigners (visas, legalizations, etc.) in our portal: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/ghana/index.php/inicio

Consular Affairs: Core Work Comunidad mexicana, estamos contigo.

Consular work is one of our essential duties. With all the honor, diligence and enthusiasm, we serve the Mexican community residing or passing through Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The network of embassies and consulates of Mexico have lines of action and specific programs designed to attend to our communities. These tools are especially relevant in emergency situations such as the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why in recent months preventive information directed at our compatriots has intensified. Also, we have engaged in the support and coordination of repatriations thanks to the collective efforts of our headquarters in Mexico City, as well as our embassies in Europe and consulates in the United States.

Remember that each procedure requires an appointment, we await you. ¡VIVA MÉXICO! LONG LIVE GHANA!

Embassy of Mexico in Ghana, 2020 Online Cultural activities September is heard with your voice Gastronomic overview Chef Suahd Hernández Martínez Doña Vero’s kitchen Present and past talents from México Orquesta típica de la Ciudad de México Rosalía León María Inés Ochoa Pedro Tec Carlos Vivar Dalia Monroy Jorge González Joaquín Clausell Mexico – Ghana voices “Cielito lindo” Musical clip Special adaptation by Alejandra Salazar Guadalupe Utrilla (Mexican Soprano) Glenda Curtois (Mexican Pianist) Marie Antoinette Anafi

Although the Mexican community in West Africa is not as large as in other regions, the presence of each citizen is our priority. At the Embassy of Mexico in Ghana, we want to increase our community’s participation, make Mexican voices and talents visible in this part of the world, as well as highlight their contributions in Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

If you are part of the Mexican community, we want to meet you, write to us at: embghana@sre.gob.mx consularesgha@sre.gob.mx Twitter: @golumen Twitter: @embamexghana Facebook: EmbamexGhana For Mexicans in emergency situations, contact us on +233 55 978 4927

Mexico is heard with your voice Video collage of the Mexican Community in West Africa Staff of The Embassy of Mexico in Ghana Video collage: What I love most about Mexico Afro-descendant Communities in Mexico Video of specialist Héctor Moreno Mexico – Ghana voices Testimony from Mohammed Kamel Ibrahim, Ghanaian citizen and resident in Mexico City.

Commemoration of Maize Day Discussion at the Embassy of Mexico in Ghana - International Corn and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

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JESUS SEADE’S CANDIDACY FOR DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION THE NECESSARY CANDIDACY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE WTO Dr. Jesús Seade has extensive experience as a negotiator and facilitator in international trade at the highest level. Moreover, he has a comprehensive career and ties in the four corners of the world. For these reasons, Mexico nominates him as the ideal candidate to head the WTO at this crucial moment.

Dr. Seade has leadership experience in top multilateral organizations, such as the GATT and the WTO itself. He knows the origin and purposes of the Organization he seeks to lead. As Mexican Ambassador to the GATT he was a central part of the Uruguay Round, the series of foundational WTO negotiations.

Afterwards, he was appointed by consensus of the members to serve as Deputy Director General of the GATT and later of WTO, the Organization he helped to create. His work in these three positions gives him a unique set of experience in reaching trade agreements on a global scale.

His knowledge of several nations’ needs and challenges is strengthened by his experience as a high-level official of both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Most recently, Dr. Seade served as Chief Negotiator of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under complex circumstances, he managed to negotiate an agreement between the Governments of Mexico, the United States and Canada. He contributed to build bridges between the various political forces to generate much needed consensus. He successfully integrated contrasting economic dynamics and different political visions on trade into the agreement between the three countries. As a result, these countries reached common positions and advantageous situations

for the various actors in the political, business, labor, and union spheres.

The new USMCA is a modern and progressive agreement. Its success lies, to a large extent, in Dr. Seade’s contribution to the repairment of the dispute settlement mechanism —the cornerstone of any good trade agreement, and one that never worked under the previous NAFTA. The USMCA is an example of a treaty that defends the interests of a middle-income country vis-à-vis developed economies, generating consensus based on clear rules for the benefit of all. Dr. Seade’s career in multilateral organizations is complemented by his extensive academic career. For instance, he has had different roles across universities in China, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil and Mexico. Moreover, Dr. Seade has wide-ranging experience

in addressing financial and commercial issues in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. His professional career has given him a deep understanding of the international trading system’s main challenges.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • 1989-1993. Ambassador of Mexico to the GATT and Chief Negotiator of Mexico in the creation of the WTO. His leadership effectively established Mexico’s position as a consensus builder.

• 1993-1998. As Deputy Director-General of the GATT (1993-1994), he participated in the rescue of a stalled negotiation, and chaired a successful renegotiation for the 49 least-developed countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. As found-

ing Deputy Director-General of the WTO (1995-1998), he led central tasks, such as strengthening trade-finance cooperation with the IMF, and promoting support work for governments, legislatures and business sectors of all member countries. He also contributed to the improvement of analytical and statistical work at the service of members.

• 1998-2006. His experience as a senior advisor at the International Monetary Fund makes him an expert on the economic challenges of Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Between 1998-2001 he was responsible for the IMF policies in support of three major countries in financial crisis - Brazil, Argentina, and Turkey —as well as debt relief for fifteen African countries (HIPC initiative). From 2001-2006, he led the Fund’s work on transparency, as well as a number of technical assistance programs, including cus-

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toms and trade, in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

THE MULTILATERAL SYSTEM AND THE WTO

• 2007-2016. Interested in understanding first-hand the economic dynamics of the Asian Pacific Rim, he served as Vice President and Senior Lecturer in Economics at Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

Concurrently, he was a senior advisor to the Ministries of Financial Services, and Trade and Industry.

Dr. Seade is also an expert on the region’s trade and financial systems.

The World Trade Organization is essential for global economic governance. With its predecessor, the GATT, it has been central for the world’s trade and economic development over the past seven decades.

A cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, its proper functioning is key to give certainty in the context of increasing adversity.

• 2017-2018. His successful performance in academic management positions earned him an appointment as Deputy Vice President for Global Affairs at CUHK-Shenzen University in the People’s Republic of China, the country’s vibrant technology capital.

• 2018-to date. During his tenure as Deputy Secretary for North America at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator of the United States-Mexico- Canada Agreement (USMCA), he has distinguished himself by his talent for finding solutions and building mutual benefit consensus, even in global and regional contexts with an adverse trading environment.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND • Chemical Engineer (with honors) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

• Doctorate and master’s in Economics from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

• Proficiency of the WTO’s official languages —Spanish, English and French— as well as fluent command of Portuguese, conversational German, and elementary Mandarin.

A revitalized, strong, inclusive, and functional WTO is needed to meet the global challenges of the pandemic and bring economic recovery for all. This will only come from the collective will of its members, supported by a constructive leadership with proven experience in major global negotiations.

The ing

WTO three

is currently facmajor challenges:

• To reaffirm its relevance given the limited progress made in negotiations, the paralysis of its Appellate Body, and the urgent need to modernize the administration of existing agreements.

• To promote the traditional issues of trade negotiation, such as fisheries and agriculture, and to revitalize the 21st-century economy issues.

This enhancement should fully take into account e-commerce and the development of an ambitious sustainable vision. It is necessary to re-establish a functional dispute settlement mechanism, and to improve monitoring of compliance.

• In the short-term, to assuage the economic impact of the pandemic, the WTO must encourage its members to limit barriers that re-

strict the flow of goods, and to take measures that contribute to the recovery of economic activity. At the same time, members should follow international protocols to preserve public health at the global level.

RELEVANCE AND EXPERIENCE: THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR THE WTO The Government of Mexico considers that the global trajectory, experience and capacity of Dr. Seade make him the ideal profile for such responsibility. Specifically, three main reasons make his candidacy remarkable: 1. Knowledge of the WTO. Dr. Jesús Seade was a key part of the complicated negotiations that gave birth to the WTO. He gained a deep understanding of the Organization from its original design, as a negotiator, facilitator of effective solutions, and founding Deputy Director-General. It highlights his experience in negotiating and solving global trade tensions in the framework of the WTO. 2. High-level negotiator and consensus promoter. Members require technical expertise from the Director General, strong political leadership, and creative thinking to find solutions. Dr. Seade meets these requirements.

3. Unique capacity for dialogue.

Dr. Jesús Seade has connections across the members and regions that make up the WTO: from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, to Europe, Asia and North America. His work in China, his participation in the negotiation of the USMCA and his long train-

ing residency in Europe have given him a unique understanding of the global environment.

MEXICO’S CANDIDACY Mexico has a long tradition of supporting the international multilateral system. Dr. Seade’s candidacy reaffirms this multilateralist conviction, which is reflected in all the organizations of which our country is a member. Mexico will occupy a seat as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council, as well as in the Economic and Social Council. Currently, Mexico chairs the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). It is part of the Pacific Alliance, a regional initiative with origins in free trade and international cooperation closely linked to the economies of the Asian Pacific Rim. Likewise, Mexico is a very active part of international forums of the highest level such as the G-20, the great APEC of Asia-Pacific, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the MIKTA group, and a founding member of the WTO. Mexico has free trade agreements with more than fifty countries. As a highly diversified economy, Mexico has a complex and powerful export sector.

Based on this vision, Mexico presents the candidacy of Dr. Jesús Seade, a global man whose experience and relevance would help to build a strong, inclusive and open multilateral trading system. It would be an honor for him to rejoin efforts with the entire WTO membership.

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Ties that Bind: A WTO nominee’s long commitment to Africa

BY JESÚS SEADE* It was 1984 and I was a successful young professor in the UK. After studying in an elite graduate school I got a coveted position in a top university followed by early promotion to a chair. It seemed like I was destined for academia: a devoted teacher and respected trade and fiscal expert. But then I joined a World Bank (WB) mission to Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo.

I fell in love with the ever-pressing challenge of development, and with Africa. My career immediately changed, and my life-long engagement with Africa began.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is looking for a new Director-General to reform it into the effective, dynamic and inclusive body the world —and, above all, developing countries— sorely needs. This reform requires a leader and an expert hand: a tested top-flight trade negotiator with demonstrated abilities to reach results in difficult settings; with the requisite vast experience in WTO and trading systems —lest at the first involved discussion among top negotiators she or he will be sidelined; and with the global experience and personality to be able to lay bridges among members and cultures, East and West, advanced and developing.

I was chief negotiator in the creation of WTO. I was a successful facilitator as Deputy Director-General of GATT in the closing of the negotiations when they were badly stuck. As a result, I became the founding Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the WTO that emerged.

I was later chief negotiator of the other most ambitious trade agreement in place today: the successful USMCA that Mexico recently negotiated with the USA and Canada.

Alongside this depth in trade negotiation, I have extensive familiarity with countries in all four corners of the world as a financial and trade expert and top academic leader.

This all adds to the profile needed for the job. If elected, I will be able to hit the ground running and lead a serious reform of the WTO. This is no time for learning curves. The world cannot afford a leader that lacks the exposure to hard international trade negotiations and the arcane world of WTO. However, I would want to highlight a major thread in my career: my long-time engagement with Africa. Soon after my first visit as a consultant, I left academia and joined the World Bank, where I continued to work on then-Zaire and on Morocco. Thus started my long journey in senior positions at the WB, the WTO and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In each of those positions I chose to continue to work on and for Africa, leading over twenty visits to more than a dozen countries in all the language regions of that great continent, and delivering financial support or technical assistance in a wide range of issue areas —from trade policy and customs management through tax reform and budget systems. Fully taken by the wonder of Africa, the scale of its problems, the freshness of its people, and the beauty of its music and art, I worked with and befriended many people, including Ministers, their staff, as well as foreign experts and donors. This gave me a deep insight into the different countries’ economies, politics, cultures, and societies.

Beyond my work in Africa I have other memorable episodes working on Africa from afar.

The first one took place after the eight grueling years of the negotiations that gave birth to the WTO. The Least Developed Countries (LDCs), mostly African and then led by Tanzania, raised their voice in grave concern: they had not been sufficiently involved in the process and could not accept their proposed obligations. As DDG of the GATT transitioning to

the WTO, I persuaded other countries to reopen the negotiations for the LDCs. I was appointed to chair those renegotiations. We then delivered most of the Special and Differential Treatment flexibilities now available to LDCs. Another memorable episode took place right after having the opportunity to meet the greatest hero of our age, Nelson Mandela, during his 1998 visit to Geneva for a WTO conference celebrating 50 years of GATT. At that time, I joined the IMF’s key Policy Development and Review Department, where I led the work on the cancellation of over 80% of the foreign debt of 15 highly indebted poor African countries, in what was known as the HIPC Initiative.

More anecdotal, but full of meaning, was the episode that took place in 1994, months before the elections that were set to bring the African National Congress to power in South Africa. A senior member of the SA’s Mission in Geneva brought me a secret message from the ANC: they would soon win but had no experience in government, and requested permission to send four nominees to the GATT´s coveted trade course, normally reserved for government officials.

Highly irregular to agree, my advisors warned me. But I immediately decided to do what was right, formalizing an exception to permit their admission into the course.

More recently, as Vice-President of Lingnan University in Hong Kong, I hosted Kenya’s famous sculptor Elkana Ong’esa for an extended period as Artist in Residence (whose moving Pietà I acquired and adorns my home to this day).

His visit was part of a far-reaching effort to bring some of Africa’s beautiful art to Hong Kong, to promote the rich culture of the continent and foster ties between Asia and Africa.

Based on the above virtually lifelong commitment to Africa, I state

unequivocally that if and when I become Director-General of WTO, •

•

•

•

•

Africa will have a true friend and expert on Africa heading the organization, who will enhance the WTO’s attention to the continent.

Alongside this africanist, I will make every effort to ensure Africa has a (possibly female) DDG, so that we have not one but two senior officers who are familiar with Africa at the top of the organization.

Hopefully, she or he, or at any rate a DDG, will lead on development, an area that will be given the prominent role it deserves in the organization, with particular attention to the issues of interest to the Least Developed Countries.

I also fully commit to lead a change of culture so that at all levels in the Secretariat and in the work program we advance the geographic and gender inclusiveness of the organization, while engaging more fully with anglophone, francophone and lusophone Africa.

I would in particular be humbled by the opportunity to work, once more, for the great African continent.

I would be pleased and excited to support the process towards creating an Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

Little did I know it when I played a central role in the creation of WTO, but then and throughout the 25 years since, I have been accumulating the rich and diverse experience needed to provide the leadership the WTO now demands. * The author is a former Deputy Director-General of WTO and Mexico´s candidate for Director-General.

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Speech by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador Second Government Report 2019-2020 Friends: I was one of the first to argue that Mexico's main problem was corruption, and now I have no doubt.

The plague of corruption is at the root of Mexico's crisis. That is why I have set out to eradicate it completely, and I am convinced that, in these times more than in others, transforming means promoting morality.

This administration will not be remembered for being corrupt. Our main legacy will be to purify Mexico's public life. And we are moving forward. We have not engaged in partisan persecution or political revenge, but we are also not covering up for anyone or allowing impunity.

The robbery committed by those at the top is over, but official banditry has yet to be completely eradicated.

Republican austerity is a reality. These are facts, not words.

There are no more luxuries in the government and everything that is being saved is earmarked for the population’s well-being. According to official figures, by not permitting corruption and by having an austere government, we have been able to save around 560 billion pesos (TN 1) during our administration.

This is not to brag, but at the worst time we have the best government. We are facing two crises at the same time, the health crisis and the economic crisis, and we are moving forward.

The pandemic is not a political but a public health issue. That is why I have entrusted the decisions in this area to a team of professionals with great experience and capacity.

The coronavirus has left us pain, sadness, and hardship, but it has also strengthened the love in families, demonstrated the humanism and dedication of health-care workers, and brought to the fore the legendary brotherhood of our people.

There is no doubt that we will come out of the pandemic with a better health-care system. The government began its term in office receiving 401 abandoned, looted,

or half-constructed hospitals, and with a deficit of more than 200,000 medical professionals. With the support received by the state governments from the ministries of the Navy and National Defense, in a few months we have reconverted 969 hospitals to care for patients with Covid-19 and have installed 32,203 beds, 10,612 with ventilators. In addition, 47,000 general physicians, specialists, nurses and other healthcare workers have been hired.

We proposed an initiative to the UN, which was approved almost unanimously, for medicines and vaccines to be provided on a nonprofit basis. Mexico participates in the main international efforts to develop a vaccine against Covid-19.

Specifically, I would like to emphasize the commitment we made with the University of Oxford, with the AstraZeneca laboratory, with the Carlos Slim Foundation, and with the government of Argentina. We hope that this agreement produces results as of November, and that we can start applying the vaccine at the beginning of next year, at the latest, to the entire population and free-of-charge.

The global health emergency experienced this year has posed very serious problems for all countries and will force us all to rethink and change many things.

In addition to the tremendous pain that the pandemic has caused, it has been proven that its effects are more serious if we suffer from hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

That is why we must be careful with what we eat and not consume junk food with excess sugars, salts, and chemicals. To maintain our health, we must exercise and practice sports to strengthen our immune system and lose weight.

We are facing the economic crisis caused by the pandemic with a different formula. Now, all government financial support and credit are provided directly to reactivate the economy from the bottom up. Priority is no

longer given to large companies and banks. Now, for the good of all, the people are rescued first.

It is a source of pride to be able to say that seven out of ten families are receiving benefits from at least one social program or something from the public budget, which is everyone's money. Moreover, to sooth our conscience and for everyone’s happiness, 100 percent of the indigenous communities and the poorest people in the countryside and the cities benefit from at least one of the social programs. Here I would like to recall what Adam Smith maintained, which could well represent one of the foundations of the moral economy we are applying.

He said “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it.” In other words, the happiness of others is our own happiness.

Nevertheless, we have been admonished for not undertaking an elitist economic rescue plan to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

But it is a source of pride to be able to say that we helped 23 million families through social programs. Imagine how many senior citizens have been able to adhere to the health lockdown because they have the right to receive a stipend, even if it is modest.

Article 4 of the Constitution has already been amended to make support for the elderly and for children with disabilities, as well as the granting of scholarships to students from poor families and free medical care and medicines, a priority and obligatory social right.

From now on, the government must comply with this mandate, regardless of the party in office.

This year, because of the pandemic, the elderly, as well as children with disabilities, received their stipends in advance. Only November and December remain to

be paid; in eight months, 115 billion pesos (TN 2) have been allocated to these programs, benefitting 9 million people. This is not an expense but an investment; it is not a gift, it is justice.

Previously, young people were turned away and discriminated against; now they are guaranteed the right to education and employment.

They are no longer "ninis" (TN 3) as they were derogatorily called. They are now scholarship students or apprentices hired at minimum wage so they can train and get ahead. We will not let young people get hooked by crime. They are not alone; with them, we are building the future.

Three million farmers and fishermen are receiving support.

They are directly provided with resources; they are helped with wages to cultivate their land, they are given fertilizers free-of-charge and guaranteed prices to buy corn, beans, rice, wheat, and milk from producers in the field. This is a minimal act of justice. As the poet Carlos Pellicer said, "Let those who feed us eat".

Now, as I said, all support is furnished directly without intermediaries. To this end, the Social Welfare Bank has been strengthened, so that people in the most remote communities can receive what they are entitled to, without having to travel long distances. By 2021, there will be 2,700 branches throughout the country. Currently, with the support of military engineers, 226 branches have been built.

By the same token, the Internet for All project continues to advance. Connectivity is already being provided in 26,789 locations and, in 2021, Internet will be available throughout the country.

The misnamed education reform was cancelled and now teachers, parents, students, and authorities are working together.

Eleven million scholarships are being given to students from poor families at all educational levels.

Furthermore, the government is helping to maintain the schools

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and it has been made clear that education is not a privilege but a right of the entire population.

Thank you, thank you, thank you very much, our countrymen who are migrants. Now that they have been most needed is when they have helped their families in Mexico the most.

Despite the pandemic in the United States, remittances have increased by 10 percent over last year and I estimate that they will reach US$40 billion by the end of the year, a record high, benefitting 10 million families.

With the increase in remittances sent by our countrymen from the United States to their families, with the social welfare programs and the credits we are providing to those at the bottom, the pandemic has not led to famine or food shortages or robberies and the people of Mexico have resources to meet their basic consumption.

I predicted that the economic crisis caused by the pandemic would be transitory. I said that it would be like a "V", that we would fall but that we would come out of it soon; fortunately, this is happening. The worst is over and now we are moving up; jobs lost are already being recovered, we are gradually returning to productive normality and we are already beginning to post growth.

In August, 93,000 new jobs were created; the peso appreciated, trading at less than 22 pesos per dollar, after having been at more than 25. The Mexican oil mix, from zero, went to 40 dollars per barrel.

The consumption of basic products, instead of decreasing with the pandemic, increased by 9.5 percent in real terms, compared to last year.

Tax collection remained virtually the same as in 2019. This also occurred with foreign direct investment, which during the first half of the year reached 17.97 billion dollars, the same as in 2019. The decline of the economy, despite the world disaster, was 10.4 percent in the first half of the year, but even with the debacle, the fall was less pronounced than in Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. I should add

that almost all countries resorted to credits and increased their debts by very high percentages. In contrast, we have faced the pandemic and we are going to emerge from the economic crisis without contracting additional foreign debt and without allocating public money to immoral "rescue" plans, that is, for those who do not need to be rescued.

But it should not be forgotten that, by focusing government solidarity on the poorest strata of society, we also indirectly benefit those sectors that have some or considerable savings capacity. Social programs have allowed millions of beneficiaries to preserve some of their purchasing power and consumption capacity. And that is why the market has not been closed to thousands of companies.

The relationship with businessmen and women has been good and respectful. Despite the crisis, most of them did not lay off their employees. They complied with their tax payments; they agreed to increase the minimum wage by 20 percent and voluntarily decided to contribute more to provide better pensions to their workers.

In addition, private hospitals have helped us face the pandemic and privately owned television stations are supporting us by broadcasting classes via radio and television to 30 million students. I have nothing further to add: thank you on behalf of the government and our people.

Mexico is unquestionably a country with a future and a worldclass example of how to achieve progress with justice a reality. A nation’s main wealth does not lie in its infrastructure or its finances and not even in its natural resources, but in its population and its cultures, in the people who shape it and give it history and existence. Investing in the people, in their food, their health, their education, and their general well-being, is the best thing that can be done to guarantee the country’s strength and its present and future development.

Since July, the new trade

agreement with Canada and the United States entered into effect.

In these moments of crisis, the agreement we signed translates into boosting productive activities, obtaining more foreign investment, creating more jobs, and improving our people’s welfare. This is the context in which my visit to Washington should be seen, where I met with President Donald Trump, who treated us with respect and praised our countrymen who live and work honestly in the United States.

We maintain good relations with all the peoples and governments of the world. In foreign policy, we adhere to the constitutional principles of non-intervention, self-determination for nations, peaceful resolution of disputes, and cooperation for development. As we know, Mexico was the country that obtained the most votes to become part of the UN Security Council.

With the support of the workers and technicians of Pemex (TN 4) and the Federal Electricity Commission, we are rescuing these public companies, making them more efficient, cleansing them of corruption, and complying with the commitment not to increase the price of fuels and electricity.

Out of conviction, we have decided to protect the environment as never done before by the previous governments nor the pseudo-ecologists who attack us so much demand. I would just like to emphasize that we are implementing the most important reforestation program in the world, planting more than a billion fruit and timber trees.

The use of transgenic corn and fracking is not allowed. Water is being protected, and we have not granted a single mining concession. It should not be forgotten that during the neoliberal period, in 30 years, from 1988 to November 2018, the five past presidential administrations granted concessions involving 118 million hectares for mining exploitation, the equivalent of 60 percent of the country’s land surface. This devastating policy of handing over

the country’s resources is now over.

By eradicating corruption, the National Council for Science and Technology (Conacyt) was able to focus its efforts on strengthening the well-being of the people of Mexico through scientific development.

Thus, it has allocated scholarships with criteria based on transparency and equity to 84,599 students and 34,447 academics per year, with a total annual investment of more than 19.13 billion pesos (TN 5), 14 percent more than in 2018. As of the end of this year we will ensure that doctors who want to specialize will not be rejected as had been occurring and can receive training both in the country and abroad. During the current presidential administration, we are contemplating guaranteeing space in educational institutions and providing 70,000 scholarships to these medical professionals, which will help reduce the deficit of specialists that prevents us from fully guaranteeing the population’s right to health-care. Similarly, the foundations of technological independence have been laid, achieving, in a short period of time, among other contributions, the development and production of the first 100 percent Mexican ventilators to save lives at risk due to Covid-19.

Some 683,000 e-books have been downloaded free-of-charge from the Fondo de Cultura Económica (TN 6). We have reactivated 45 bookstores of the Fondo de Cultura EconómicaEducal network with counter sales and absolute adherence to healthcare measures. Reading rooms and clubs have grown in communities and rural teacher training colleges.

We continue to produce translations and new books. The "Vientos del Pueblo" collection will reach 43 titles this week, with books ranging in price from 8 to 20 pesos (TN 7), in print runs of 40,000 copies.

As we had agreed and with a view to next year’s commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the founding of Tenochtitlan (TN 8), the 500th anniversary of the Spanish colonial invasion, and the 200th

11 anniversary of the culmination of the country’s independence, the titles of the "21 for 21" collection have begun to go to press to be delivered en masse as of next year, in editions of 100,000 copies, produced by the Fondo de Cultura Económica and financed by the Institute for the Return of Stolen Assets to the People (TN 9), which include works by Guillermo Prieto, Elena Poniatowska, Octavio Paz, Ermilo Abreu Gómez, Mariano Azuela, Vicente Riva Palacio, Martín Luis Guzmán, José C. Valadés, Luis Villoro, Emilio Carballido, Nellie Campobello, Carlos Monsiváis, and Heriberto Frías.

I would like to emphasize that, for the first time, an indigenous woman will be the head of the National Council for the Prevention of Discrimination and that the program of preferential support for indigenous peoples will continue.

To that end, we signed an agreement for justice with the authorities of the Yaqui indigenous communities. In addition, we continue to promote art and all cultural expressions. We continue to restore temples and historical monuments, and are in the process of building the Ecological Park of Lake Texcoco and the Los Pinos artistic and cultural venue (TN 10) in Chapultepec Forest.

We are moving forward with the construction of the General Felipe Angeles airport, the new refinery in Dos Bocas and the Mayan Train. We are making the development of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec a reality to link the countries of Asia with the east coast of the United States. In addition, these work projects will generate 150,000 jobs during this year.

We are advancing in the fight against crime. We have established a new strategy that begins by providing jobs, education, and wellbeing to people who are at risk of being recruited by organized crime, especially young people. The fight against poverty, unemployment, and marginalization is accompanied by the deployment of the National Guard, a peace corps close to the population, with a presence in all regions of the country, which already has 97,000 well-equipped and trained members. To house those responsible for the population's security, 79 barracks have been built, 34 are in the process of being constructed, and 135 more are about to be started, bringing the total to 248 barracks by the end of 2021.

Decreases have been reported in almost all crimes compared to November 2018. There have been fewer kidnappings, femicides, street muggings, truck hijackings, car thefts, robberies on public transport, robberies of businesses and home burglaries, all of which have seen a decrease of around 30 percent on average. Only two categories of crime have increased, intentional homicide and extortion by 7.9 and 12.7 percent, respectively, mainly linked to so-called organized crime.

The professional and responsible support of the Armed Forces has been key in this task. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge the support, loyalty, and uprightness of Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán and General Luis Cresencio Sandoval González, ministers of the Navy and National Defense, exemplary public servants.

Now there is justice for the poor and in matters of public security organized crime no longer rules, as

We are carrying out the Fourth Transformation (TN 13) of Mexico's public life and it is important to recall that the first three transformations, Independence, Reform, and the Revolution, had to proceed by taking up arms. Now we are achieving it peacefully. There is opposition to the government, but the majority of Mexico's inhabitants approve of our administration. Thanks to all of you for your trust. We will not fail you.

used to be the case. There is no longer any torture, forced disappearances, or massacres; human rights are respected and the guilty are punished, no matter who they are. There are no longer officials like García Luna (TN 11) in the federal government.

I have maintained and will continue to maintain an institutional relationship with authorities belonging to other political parties.

Governors and mayors of any political persuasion find in the executive branch respect and equal treatment.

We have fulfilled our promise to promote the true independence of the institutions of the judicial system.

The Attorney General's Office and the federal judiciary act with autonomy and the days in which whatever the President ordered was carried out because the executive branch was the top branch among the different branches of government are over.

In the cases in which former presidents are being implicated, I have proposed that the corresponding authorities should attend to the matter with absolute freedom, and that if necessary a public consultation should be held to gauge the population’s opinion. I have said, and I reiterate, that I would

vote not to submit them to a trial since I maintain the position I held in my inauguration, according to which, "in the field of justice, past errors can be punished, but what is key is to avoid the crimes of the future.”

Nevertheless, if the consultation is held, I will respect the popular decision, whatever it may be, because in a democracy the people decide and out of conviction I have proposed governing by obeying the popular will.

Like many Mexicans I was a victim of electoral fraud and I am convinced of the tremendous damage caused by imposed authorities. That is why the Constitution was amended and whoever uses the public budget for the benefit of political parties and candidates or taints the free and democratic character of the elections will be punished with jail time and without the right to bail.

Since Francisco I. Madero (TN 12), never has a president been so attacked as now. The conservatives are angry because there is no longer corruption and they have lost their privileges. However, they enjoy absolute freedom of expression and this is proof that today liberties and the right to dissent are guaranteed.

Political repression is a thing of the past.

Friends: Today this afternoon, as stipulated by law, Olga Sánchez Cordero, Minister of the Interior, will deliver the second annual report of the government that I represent to Congress.

Much has been accomplished and on key issues there is little left to define. Of the 100 commitments I made in the Zócalo central square on December 1, 2018, we have fulfilled 95; only five are still pending.

Since the first day of my government, the Project of the Nation that we proposed to society and obtained overwhelming support at the polls on July 1, 2018 has been implemented. Although unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic force us to make adjustments, on the major questions we will not abandon the spirit of the commitment we made. The governmental actions taken are an expression of what we have dreamed of, designed, and offered for many years, of a vision of the country and the world.

Today, some critics are calling for a different kind of government, for us to dispense with our ideas and our project, for us to apply economic recipes that we have fought against or for us to be tolerant of the corruption that we set out to eradicate. In short, they are asking me to betray my commitment to society, to go back on my word, and renounce my congruency. And that will not happen.

The new economic policy underpinned by morality, austerity, and development based on social justice is already underway.

The commitment to finish laying the foundations of the Mexico of the future by December 1, when the government marks its second year in office, remains in place.

From then on, once the foundations are built, the only task that will remain is to finish the work of transformation and continue to govern with honesty and integrity and love for the people so as to always count on their support.

I am convinced that the best way to avoid future setbacks largely depends on continuing the revolution in consciousness to achieve a full change of mentality that, when necessary, becomes the collective will, ready to defend what has been achieved in the public interest and in the interests of the nation.

Let’s continue to make a homeland, for ourselves and for the new generations, who will know how to honor the dignity of our people and the greatness of Mexico.

Long live Mexico!

Long live Mexico!

Long live Mexico!

National Palace, September 1, 2020

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A tourist’s paradise MEXICO’s essence is a blending of flavors, colors, aromas and symbols. This mesmerizing mixture is everywhere you look. Here are some examples of the extraordinary touristic destinations:

Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the metropolises with the largest number of museums in the world. One of them, the National History Museum, stands out for being home to the only castle in Latin America, Chapultepec Castle, dating from the 18th century. The museum has everything from a coin collection to a carriage display. The recently opened Jumex Museum is home to the most important collection of contemporary art in Latin America, while the National Anthropology Museum is a mustvisit for understanding Mesoamerican cultures, and hosts temporary exhibits that otherwise can only be seen in Egypt, Greece and China, to name a few countries. Other museums worth visiting are the Museum of Popular Art (MAP) and the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.

Oaxaca

Among the variations of Mexican Cuisine, which is included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cutural Heritage of Humanity, the state of Oaxaca holds a privileged position. Its cuisine includes a wide variety of ingredients and flavors that are the basis of creations such as mole, tamales, cured sausages, cheese and mezcal. The markets of Oaxaca city and Juchitán have a special selection of food that anyone wanting to cook Oaxacan style must try. And there is an increasing abundance of places that are less overrun and more sophisticated, where traditional dishes meet signature cuisine.

San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato

The city of Guanajuato is famous for its legends and the cultural wealth surrounding its intricate colonial-era architecture, as well as for the role it played as a mining centre during the colonial era and in the war for independence. UNESCO declared Guanajuato a World Heritage Site in 1988, and it has an extraordinary cultural life, which includes, among many other events, the Internacional Cervantino Festival. Visitors should visit the Juarez Theatre, the Alhóndiga de Granadistas Museum, and the International Film Festival of Guanajuato.

On November 13, 2013, San Miguel de Allende, one of the most charming and charismatic places in Guanajuato, was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as the best city in the world to visit – ahead of places such as Florence, Salzburg, Vienna and San Sebastian. San Miguel’s accolades, including its recognition in 2008 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, are due, first of all, to the quality of life and the city’s atmosphere, and secondly, to the Mexican baroque architecture and its role in national history, making it clear that San Miguel de Allende is always a great place for vacation.

Tequila Jalisco Internacional Cervantino Festival

One of the most important cultural events in Latin America, and whose origins date back to the mid-20th century. With the main events revolving around works in Spanish language, it hosts international dance, theatre, music and opera performances from all corners of the globe and is a central part of the pulse of Mexico’s cultural events.

Tequila has been designated a “Magical Town”. The drink the town was named after carries a denomination of origin, and the first house dedicated to serving tequila was opened in 1600 by Pedro Sánchez de Tagle, just 70 years after the town was founded. The tequila distilleries offer tours, where you can see the processes, from agave planting to aging in barrels, which helped it earn its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Festival of Tequila from November to December, and a ride on the Tequila Express train, are two must-do activities.

Source: https://www.visitmexico.com/ Photos: Ciudades Patriomio exhibition

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Facts about Mexico • The World’s 13th Largest Country Covering almost 2 million square kilometers, Mexico is the world’s 13th largest country by size.

Industry Mexico has the 6th largest electronics industry on earth, after China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

flora, Mexico is home to 11% of all the world’s biodiversity.

• The Origin Of Avocados And Tomatoes Mexico introduced us to many popular and loveable foods including: chocolate, avocado, tomato, vanilla, courgette (zucchini), and various beans and chillies.

• The 10th Most Populous Country On Earth With a population of over 129 million people, Mexico is the 10th most populated country in the world, and the most populous Spanishspeaking nation on earth.

• Mexico’s Official Name Is Estados Unidos Mexicanos The official name of Mexico is Estados Unidos Mexicanos (which translates as the United Mexican States).

•

The Land Of The Jaguar

• Mexicans Are the Hardest Working People One of the lesser known facts – Mexico has the hardest working citizens on earth, with the average citizen working 2,148 hours a year, around 41.3 hours of work per week!

• The 7th Most Visited Country On Earth As of 2020, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world, receiving 45 million international tourists in 2019. It has the 15th highest income from tourism in the world.

• Caesar Salad Was Invented in Mexico A peculiar fact, the beloved Caesar Salad was dreamt up by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American chef, in his Tijuana restaurant.

• ‘The Day Of The Dead’ is a National Holiday In Mexico, Día de Muertos is a traditional festival widely celebrated across the country. Starting on 31st

October and ending 2nd November, the event involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember those who have died, and helping to support their spiritual journey. This public holiday dates back hundreds of years where its origins came from the Aztec civilisation with syncretic cultural traits from Catholicism.

• Tourism Tourism is one of the biggest drivers of Mexico’s economy. Tourists from all over the globe flock to the country to experience Mexico’s famous cultural diversity and natural environment at really low prices.

• Colour TV Was Invented in Mexico

The largest wildcat in North America is the jaguar, which can be found roaming the southern jungles of Mexico.

• Spanish Is the Official Language There are also 68 recognised regional languages spoken among Mexico’s native peoples, mainly Nahuatl and Maya.

• Mexicans Are Descendants of Ancient Civilisations Modern day Mexicans are the descendants of many ancient civilisations that include the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, Aztec, African, French, and Spanish.

• The World’s Largest Spanish Speaking Population With 121 million and counting. The United States is second on the list with 52 million (of which 41 million are native Spanish speakers). Colombia has 48 million, and Spain has 46 million Spanish speakers.

• The World’s Largest Beer Exporter and Home to the World-Famous Tequila SpiritThe country is famous for its many brands of beers that are a hit worldwide, as well as the world-class spirit of Tequila.

• Mexico Has the Largest Pyramid on Earth The Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as the Tlachihualtepetl (meaning madeby-hand mountain), is a huge complex in Cholula, Puebla. It is the largest archaeological site in the New World, as well as the largest Pyramid known to exist in the world.

• Mexican Foods

• A Former Spanish Colony Mexico was ruled by the Spanish Empire for more than 3 centuries, from the 1500s right through until 1821.

• The 4th Most Biodiverse Country On Earth Mexico is the fourth most biodiverse country on the planet. With over 200,000 different species of fauna and

In 1942, a Mexican electrical engineer named Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena created the chromoscopic adaptor for the early colour tv transmission system. The first transmission was aired in 1946.

• World’s 6th Largest Electronics

14 What it is

sardines are added.

The pozole is a Mexican dish/broth prepared with hominy, meat, chili and vegetables.

When we can eat it?

Origins The word pozolli is a derivation of the náhuatl potzonalli, apotzontli which means foam, or bubbly. The name was obtained due to the process of preparation. The grains of corn called cacahuazintle are cooked in a solution of water with lime stone termed nixtamalization. The corn grains lose the fibrous shell that covers them and they open like flower, giving them a foamy appearance.

The dish, having a ritual background, was initially consumed only during the nahua ceremonies to the god Xipe-Totec: The Slaughtered Lord.

and festivities, such as birthdays, New Year, independence days, nacional days, etc. Any time is a good time to eat this intangible heritage of humanity.

After some time, it was a food served at funerals, then later at festivities.

In the year 2010, the Mexican gastronomy was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO due to its history, creativity, diversity, and transcendence.

Now pozole is eaten at elaborate events

Wide range of Tamales

Pozole originates from pre-Hispanic times (around 1325 and 1521) and since then it has been a very popular dish in Mexico. Back then, the dish had a ritual background, and it was consumed during the ceremonies to the god XipeTotec: The Slaughtered Lord, god of agriculture, vegetation, the east, disease, etc.

With the arrival of the Spaniards, the dish underwent some changes, and the pork meat was introduced.

In the course of history this dish has had modifications based on the ingredients and palates of each region, giving us different types of pozoles. For example, the white pozole is the most popular, but in the state of Guerrero, green tomato is added, and that´s why we have green pozole. In Michoacán chicharrón is added, and Colima white cheese, in Jalisco pork and wide chili creating the red pozole, and in the coastal area Huachinango a la Veracruzana– Veracruz Snapper

Pan de leña – Typical Mexican past

Café Lechero Canillay Bomba

Mexican sweets

(Sources: World Population Review and Wikipedia)

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