ALMOST seven months since I have arrived in this country, I consider myself most fortunate to experience and feel the cultural affinity existing between Mexico and the Philippines.
This is not a surprise because, for 250 years, our peoples once grew close and directly influenced each other—thanks to the Acapulco-Manila Galleon trade route. Several events have happened since then and, in 2018, we are celebrating 65 years of the establishment of our two nations’ formal diplomatic relations. Mabuhay!
One of the events worthy to remember is the participation of the Mexican Air Force “Escuadrón 201°” in the Battle for the Liberation of Manila in 1945—the one and only episode in history that the Mexican military has fought a war outside our territory. When Mexico joined World War II, it was not difficult to define where to strengthen the Allied ranks, as common past and friendship called for our nation to come in the aid of its once close partner. A memorial to the Mexican Air Force can be visited in the fringes of Intramuros that is just behind the monument of Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico’s “Father of Independence.”
Over the years, bilateral dialogue has become more dynamic, with business and trade having experienced growth. For instance, Mexican investments in the country rose to almost $6 billion—thanks to companies like Cemex Holdings Philippines, Coca-Cola Femsa and Nutec. Complementary, Philippine companies like ICTSI Inc. and Integrated Micro Electronics have invested in Mexico $450 million. However, our countries have not yet fully exploited mutually beneficial opportunities of political and economic cooperation. Let me tell you some.
Trade, economic leadership
TODAY, Mexico ranks as the 15th-largest economy in the world (No. 11, if its GDP in purchasing power parity is measured). With a total GDP of $1.04 trillion, it is also the second-most important economy in Latin America. The confidence that world investors, businesses and countries have on the Mexican economy can be proven through the $171 billion our nation received on foreign direct investments in just five years, from 2012 to 2017.
On trade, the bet that Mexico made for free trade and economic liberalization in the past has been more profitable than ever in the present. We are the 12th-largest exporter in the world, with $409,494-million value of exports in 2017. We have one of the most extensive trade networks in the world, with 12 free-trade agreements with 46 partner nations.
Plus, a few weeks ago, Mexico—together with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam—signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, which includes countries that, altogether, account for 13 percent of the global economy.
Also, through the Pacific Alliance with founding members Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, our country engages in world trade. Countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore are now candidates to join the Alliance and are currently negotiating with the founding members its adherence to this initiative that promotes economic development and cooperation.
Tourism and culture
MEXICO is, foremost, a global tourism power. According to the World Tourism Organization, it was the eighth-most visited country in the world, with 35 million tourists in 2016. This number increased substantially in 2017, when we received 39 million visitors who contributed $21 billion to our country. To give a perspective, it welcomed more tourists than Indonesia, Singapore and India combined. Surpassed only by China, Mexico has been receiving more visitors annually than any other Asian or Latin American country.
Nonetheless, the richness of its traditions and history makes Mexico more striking. Our traditional cuisine was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an “intangible heritage of humanity.” We also rank sixth globally for World Heritage sites, including 10 cities, 174 religious sanctuaries and more than 1,100 museums.
The influence of Mexico has definitely had an impact in everyday life and on diverse cultural expressions around the world. Proof of it is the recent success Mexican cinematography enjoyed at the 2018 Oscar’s Award Gala, where Guillermo del Toro was adjudged “Best Director” for the movie Shape of Water (which also won as Best Film). In the last five years, four Mexican directors have won the aforesaid award.
Renewing ties
I AM confident that, in the coming years, our bilateral ties will grow stronger in the framework of relations with your country, leading to an increased interest of both of our peoples in our respective cultures. We are making this call to the Philippines to get to know Mexico and the strengths of our country. With a vibrant and diverse society, a mosaic of cultural expressions and values acquired by historical moments that defined Mexico and Mexicans, the leading role of our nation can be attested around the world.
During my tenure in the Philippines, I am fully convinced that, with firm commitment and enthusiasm, we will contribute to strengthen the bilateral relations between our nations. The 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties provides an unmatched opportunity to boost and explore new bilateral cooperation programs in the scientific, technical, educative and cultural aspects, where our nations can derive beneficial opportunities for the well-being of our countrymen.