Next time you tuck into a juicy steak at one of Ajijic's top bistros or stock your larder at local grocery outlets, there's a good chance you're also giving a boost to trade between Mexico and Canada.
That is one of the interesting tidbits revealed by Canadian Ambassador Sara Hradecky during her fact-packed talk to an audience of around 350 lakesiders held February 20 in the gardens of La Nueva Posada.
Rattling off astonishing figures concerning the economic benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), enacted in 1994, Hradecky stated that trade between Canada and Mexico is burgeoning, with a 750-percent growth rate over the last two decades. Binational business dealings between the two nations totaled around 35 billion dollars last year alone.
Trade, commerce and investment are key priorities in Mexico-Canada relations, the ambassador said, noting "Mexico is our fifth largest export market; we are Mexico's second largest market. In the NAFTA framework we are building things together and integrating our economies."
Focusing on the important role the Guadalajara consulate plays in this sphere, she mentioned 4.5 billion dollars in trade generated in 2012 through its gestures. With Canadian business dealings in Jalisco multiplying five fold over the past decade and a similar scenario taking place in the state of Guanajuato, she stated, "Trade programs handled in Guadalajara are literally bearing fruit."
Citing some specifics, the ambassador noted that agricultural enterprises in Guanajuato are using Canadian-made high tech greenhouses to grow row crops such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Red Sun brand of organic produce from that state is sold mostly on the Canadian market.
Canola oil produced in Mexico comes from plants grown from Canadian seed. During 2012 Canada racked up 8.5 million dollars in the sale of seed to Mexican buyers. And 70 percent of beef and dairy goods produced in Mexico are derived from Canadian genetics.On the local front, top quality beef imported from Canada is featured on the menus at Number Four and Ajijic Tango.
Trade in the industrial sector is equally bright. Canadian intellectual property is the basis for Blackberry mobile phones being manufactured in Guadalajara. Parts produced by Canadian companies based in Mexico are used in auto manufacturing here. Air and railway technology giant Bombardier is becoming a potent force in Mexico's transportation sector. As many as 3,000 Canadian mining outfits are operating in Mexico today.
In addition, Canada's migrant worker program has turned into a vital element in the economies of both countries. "Our wine industry wouldn't exist without Mexican workers," Hradecky said. About 18,000 Mexican laborers are hired for temporary agricultural jobs in Canada. Others find employment in the fields of tourism, hospitality and construction.
Recognizing lakeside as one of the largest Canadian expat communities in the world, she said, "I greatly admire your involvement in local charities and volunteer work. I'm not the only Canadian ambassador in Mexico."
Hradecky was accompanied by William R. Crosbie, Assistant Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who preceded her at the podium with a brief exposé on his responsibilities for North American consular services and emergency management. He explained that his duties include fostering Mexico-Canada relations, developing strategies to achieve goals of mutual interest, assuring the security of both the country's embassies and citizens traveling and living abroad.
Commenting on the positive influence of Canadians residing in the Chapala area, he said, "The community you have here epitomizes our values."
He made a point of encouraging his audience to file with the Canadians abroad registry at http://travel.gc.ca. "It is a simple process that can be of enormous value in cases of family emergencies, legal problems, natural disasters and matters of public security. The information you give is confidential and not shared with other government agencies. It is disappointing that many of you are not in the data base, which can be a hindrance when you may need our help."