The COPCA, the Consortium for the Promotion of Trade in Catalonia, has a trade office in Mexico, from where it advises Catalan companies on investing in the country. Among its recommendations is adapting to Mexican business culture and practices. It's worth noting that exports from Catalonia to Mexico increased by 12% last year.
The Consorci de Promoció Comercial de Catalunya (COPCA), attached to the Department of Labor, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, is the instrument of the Government of Catalonia to promote the internationalization of Catalan companies.
As a center for internationalization services, COPCA has teams of experts from the beginning of exporting, to the consolidation of the company's international activity, both in Catalonia and in the 31 countries where the 37 Business Promotion Centers that make up its foreign network operate.
COPCA has had a presence in Mexico since 1989. To date, the Mexico City office has carried out nearly 300 internationalization projects for Catalan companies and entities.
It is worth highlighting the significant strategic importance of the Mexican market for Spanish and Catalan companies, especially given the excellent system of trade agreements to which Mexico belongs. In this regard, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada positions it as a gateway to a market with enormous potential, both for trade and investment.
From a commercial point of view, Mexico is now Catalonia's ninth largest customer, the first country outside the European Union with the exception of the United States, and even despite the current economic environment, characterized by low international dynamics, Catalonia's exports to Mexico have increased by 12% in 2002.
From an investor's point of view and according to the study "Catalan industrial multinationals, 2001", prepared by the Department of Labor, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Mexico is the first country in the world in number of production units of Catalan companies abroad, concentrating 10,3%, with 38 establishments.
Cultural proximity to Mexico should not translate into a mere imitation of organizational and management systems. It is necessary to adapt to the country's idiosyncrasies and business culture to maximize the opportunities that both Mexico itself and the North American market as a whole can offer.
Before exporting to Mexico, we recommend researching the market characteristics; depending on your industry, study the best way to establish a presence, paying special attention to the relevant marketing channels, as well as other essential elements that will guarantee the project's success.
For companies considering investing in Mexico, it's not only important to choose the right physical location to leverage the competitive and logistical advantages, but also to assemble a team of highly capable leaders who are fully committed to the company's project. Our advice, whether investing independently or with a local partner, is to seek guidance from market experts who can provide an objective assessment of all the variables Mexico has to offer. Furthermore, it's crucial to consider whether the project is aimed exclusively at the Mexican market or if the goal is to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Free Trade Agreement.
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