In the framework of the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Italy, the first edition of the Mexico-Italy Business and Investment Forum was held in Rome. This event, organized by the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Italy (CaMexItal) and the Embassy of Mexico in Italy, highlighted the commercial and economic relations between both countries, emphasizing strategic cooperation in key sectors.
The event was inaugurated by Mexico's Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, and his Italian counterpart, Minister Adolfo Urso, who highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral economic ties. During his virtual intervention, Ebrard underscored the growing economic integration between the two countries, highlighting sectors such as railways, manufacturing, technology, tourism, gastronomy, fashion and renewable energies.
A platform to boost collaboration
The forum brought together high-level ministers, businessmen and investors from Mexico and Italy, with the participation of key figures such as Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere; Giorgio Silli, Italian Undersecretary of State; Vidal Llerenas Morales, Mexican Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce; Letizia Magaldi, President of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in Italy; Carlos García de Alba, Mexican Ambassador to Italy; and Sergio Contreras, Executive President of COMCE.
The event included four thematic panels that addressed strategic sectors for bilateral relations:
Industrial Parks: Led by Claudio Martini of Isopan and Claudia Esteves Cano of AMPIP, who highlighted Mexico's potential for the installation of new industrial zones.
Automotive: Chaired by María de los Ángeles Arriola, Consul General of Mexico in Milan, and Sergio Contreras, Executive President of COMCE, the panel explored cooperation in sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing.
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology: Fernando Estrada of Tesi Group and Fabrizio Chines of Farmaindustria discussed opportunities in research and development of new products.
Sustainable Infrastructures and Energy Transition: Led by Claudio Rodríguez-Galán, board member of CaMexItal and Alessandra Astolfi of Italian Exhibition Group SpA, focused on innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
During his speech, COMCE's executive president, Sergio Contreras, shared COMCE's support instruments for Mexico-Italy companies for internationalization, investment and technology transfer.
Achievements and future expectations
During the forum, progress in bilateral trade was highlighted, which has grown at an average annual rate of 17% between 2021 and 2023, as well as the increase in CaMexItal partners from 9 in 2020 to 100 in 2024. This reflects the growing interest of Italian companies to invest in Mexico and vice versa.
The Mexico-Italy Business and Investment Forum not only celebrated a century and a half of diplomatic relations, but also consolidated a bridge for economic and commercial collaboration. The prospects for co-investment in strategic sectors, boosted by the TMEC trade agreement and the modernization of the EU-Mexico FTA, augur a promising future for both countries.
In addition, success stories were presented, such as the investment of the Italian company Ar-Tex in Querétaro and the automotive collaboration between Mexico and Italy, with a view to the Italy-Mexico business mission scheduled for 2025.