By Sachin Kumar
DOHA: Mexico can be an important partner of Qatar in its efforts to diversify economy. Both countries can explore opportunities in food and agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and other sectors, according to an eminent Mexican businessman.
“Qatar has a challenge to diversify. Certainly, we can be part of that diversification and its Vision 2030. We (Mexico) are challenged to continue to do the development and transformation. We can complement each other,” said Juan Gallardo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of holding company, Organizacion Cultiba SAB de CV and member of industry associations in Mexico while talking on the sidelines of Qatar-Mexican Business Forum held last week here.
Gallardo was part of Mexican delegation headed by President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto.
Gallardo said that both countries can share their expertise to grow together. “We both are committed to very large infrastructure programmes. The experience in construction, experience in developing, financing, constructing, developing these kind of large projects is extremely valuable and we can exchange lot of views on how to better do it and not just bidding for projects,” he said.
Gallardo has been extensively involved in the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among the United States, Canada and Mexico, and free trade agreements between Mexico and Israel and the European Union.
Qatari investors can explore opportunities in food and agriculture sectors.
“Food is important sector (to explore opportunities). Mexico is the food basket of the region having advantages in terms of different weather conditions. We should be exploring how to do that (food production) together, how we not just sell mango, but actually produce them together and package them together,” he said. “The big challenge is to make sure that we actually execute what we are saying. Follow up is important,” he added.
Gallardo stressed that both countries can work together to address the issue of food security in the region. Mexico has also big plans in the field of energy sector.
The country is planning to open public bidding for hydrocarbons exploration and production. Other projects include the $30bn expansion plan for Mexico’s natural gas requirements, expansion of the transmission network with the installation of an additional 60 gigawatts for power generation, and the $116bn modernisation of its national electricity system.
The Peninsula
