La Jornada: Concanaco calls for unity during the review of the agreement

Mexico must face the third round of the T-MEC review with unity and firmness, but without giving in to everything, said Octavio de la Torre de Stéffano, president of the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur).

Within the framework of the meetings of the negotiating teams of Mexico and the United States, where issues such as rules of origin for the automotive industry, steel, agriculture and economic security are discussed, the business leader warned, in a conference, that caution must be taken in the face of possible tariffs to sanction forced labor that the administration of President Donald Trump has proposed.

“We would have to wait not just for the announcements, but for what the United States government will end up publishing,” he commented.

De la Torre de Stéffano reiterated his support for President Claudia Sheinbaum and the negotiating team. “Mexico must present itself with unity, firmness, intelligence and long-term vision. We must defend our interests without losing sight of the fact that the productive and commercial integration of North America generates jobs, investment and opportunities in the three countries.”

“The message is, I insist, of support, of unity, above all intelligence, of technique, of strategy and at a table like that you cannot give in to everything,” he noted.

He stated that the current agreement with the United States and Canada gives Mexico competitive advantages over other markets, so it is important to maintain them.

De la Torre de Stéffano recalled that the review does not imply reopening the entire treaty, since the T-MEC consists of 34 chapters and the current discussion focuses on specific sectors. Even so, he stressed the importance of establishing a clear threshold regarding what can be negotiated and what should remain untouchable. “The most important thing is that the message is one of certainty,” he noted.

The business leader also called for the review of the T-MEC not to focus exclusively on large industrial sectors. “The treaty must recognize and strengthen the millions of family businesses in the commerce, service and tourism sectors… If family businesses are competitive, Mexico will also be competitive.”

He warned that the integration of North America must be built through dialogue and joint agreements, not with unilateral decisions that increase costs for consumers and businessmen.

“The position is: yes to a more integrated North America, yes to clear rules and fair trade, yes to a review that strengthens regional competitiveness and above all, family businesses first, because they are the true engine of our three economies and the basis of the prosperity of the North American region,” concluded De la Torre de Stéffano.