B.C. Expands Global Trade Presence with Mexico Office

Trade and Invest British Columbia has established a new office in Mexico to strengthen economic ties, foster bilateral trade and enhance investment opportunities between British Columbia (B.C.) and Mexico. This strategic move aims to expand B.C.’s global trade footprint and promote collaboration in key sectors that align with the priorities of both regions.

A Strategic Hub for Collaboration

The B.C. office in Mexico serves as a vital connection point for businesses in both regions, facilitating partnerships and market access. With expertise in sectors such as agrifood, agricultural technology (agritech), aerospace, mining and mining tech, information and communication technology (ICT), and clean tech, the office is positioned to bridge opportunities that drive innovation and mutual growth.

The office will also leverage relationships with key stakeholders, including regional Canadian Chamber of Commerce chapters, the Trade Commissioners Service and Export Development Canada. These collaborations will support initiatives that highlight B.C.’s competitive advantages while helping Mexican businesses explore investment opportunities in Canada.

Key Sectors and Opportunities

Mexico is a priority market for B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy, bolstered by robust trade agreements such as Canadian-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). These agreements facilitate trade, investment flows and labor mobility, creating a strong foundation for economic cooperation.

The Mexico office will focus on the following priority sectors:

Agrifood and Agritech: With a large consumer market and growing middle class, Mexico offers significant potential for B.C.’s agrifood products and agricultural technologies. The demand for high-quality, innovative food products aligns well with B.C.’s strengths in these areas.

Aerospace: Mexico’s aviation and aerospace industry is one of the three largest manufacturing industries in Mexico. Opportunities for B.C. companies exist in maintenance, repair and operations services and aircraft supply and provisioning services.

Clean Tech: Mexico’s commitment to reducing emissions by 35% by 2030 highlights the demand for sustainable solutions. B.C. companies specializing in energy efficiency, water management and green manufacturing technologies are well-positioned to support Mexico’s green-tech transition.

ICT: The growing importance of digital transformation in Mexico creates opportunities for B.C.’s ICT sector. Areas such as cloud computing, fintech, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are particularly promising for collaboration.

Mining and Mining Tech: Mexico’s mining sector offers opportunities for B.C.’s advanced technologies and equipment. Mining companies in Mexico are actively seeking innovative, sustainable and efficient solutions, creating a strong market for B.C. exporters.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The relationship between B.C. and Mexico is rooted in shared economic priorities and cultural connections. In 2023, Mexico was B.C.’s 17th largest export destination, receiving goods worth $184.4 million CAD. Top exports include paper products , agrifood items and seafood, while sectors like mining and mass timber have shown impressive growth.

Educational and cultural exchanges further enrich this relationship. B.C. has long been a popular destination for Mexican students, who are drawn to the province’s world-class education. The office in Mexico plans to engage with B.C. alumni networks to strengthen connections in government and business sectors, fostering new opportunities for collaboration.

Goals for the Next Year

Over the coming year, the Mexico office will focus on achieving measurable outcomes that contribute to B.C.’s global trade and investment goals. These include:

1. Expanding Trade Opportunities: Promoting B.C.’s key sectors by identifying and connecting with potential partners in Mexico.
2. Attracting Investment: Positioning B.C. as a prime destination for Mexican investors, emphasizing its strengths in innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.
3. Building Partnerships: Cultivating relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations and private-sector leaders, to support long-term collaboration.
4. Supporting B.C. Businesses: Providing tailored assistance to B.C. companies entering or expanding in the Mexican market, helping them navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Quick Facts:
• B.C. companies already operating in Mexico include Hootsuite, Ballard Power Systems, Garra Gaming Media, Ranchero Gold, Ecoation, Pug Interactive and Rigid Robotics.
• The Mexican economy is the second largest in Latin America and among the most open in the world, with 14 free-trade deals covering more than 50 countries.

A Vision for Mutual Growth

The establishment of the Mexico office marks an important step in deepening the partnership between B.C. and Mexico. By fostering trade, investment and collaboration, the office aims to drive economic growth and innovation, benefiting businesses and communities in both regions.

This initiative reflects B.C.’s commitment to building a dynamic, sustainable global trade network. As the office strengthens connections and supports businesses, it will play a crucial role in ensuring shared success and prosperity for B.C. and Mexico.

Interested in exporting or importing between B.C. and Mexico?

Contact Trade and Investment Representatives in Mexico to learn more about resources and opportunities.

Mauricio Davila, Managing Director
Mauricio Davila is the new Managing Director for British Columbia office in Mexico. He has over 14 years of experience in international trade, market development and leadership roles. Mauricio has a bachelor’s in international relations from University of Monterrey (MX) and an MBA with a focus in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Reading (UK).

Since 2021, Mauricio has been a part of the Canadian Trade Commissioner’s Service in Mexico covering the Agrifood and Ag-tech sector, and Aerospace and Oil & Gas as reactive sectors. Prior to his role as Trade Commissioner, Mauricio worked for the Australian Embassy in Mexico for 10 years. During that time, he worked as Consular Officer; managed and promoted Australian Higher Education through the Australia Awards program in Latin America; launched and implemented the Australian Biometrics Program in Mexico; and opened the first Australian Agriculture and Environment Department office in Mexico, also overseeing Central America and Colombia.

Maria Bofill, Senior Commercial Officer
Maria’s global business career began in her native country, Mexico, facilitating meetings between Mexican and foreign delegations during bi-lateral trade agreement negotiations for Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs. She worked afterwards for the private sector in Mexico City as head of International Relations and Foreign Trade at the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States (CONCAMIN). She later moved to Houston, TX to work for an export company which clients included major large Mexican companies in the Oil and Gas sector. She’s worked with the Belgian Trade Commission in Houston and later moved into a new role as Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Consulate in Houston where she assisted Canadian clients for 15 years.

Maria, is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®), holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Mexico, an MBA from McGill University (Canada) and an MSc in Computers from Oxford Brooks (UK); She is fluent in Spanish, English and French.