Join Canning House in Mexico City for free on Wednesday 9 April 2025.
On April 9 2025 Canning House, the UK’s leading forum for Latin America, will convene its first Mexico-UK Summit. In the context of new governments and developments in trade agreements this Summit will provide a space for a constructive and informative dialogue between the two nations.
With a morning session focused on international relations and climate change, and an afternoon session dedicated to business and trade, this summit will enable leaders from both nations in business, government, and academia to forge valuable connections, share best practices, and gain actionable insights to capitalise on emerging opportunities. As both countries seek to diversify trade partnerships and position themselves at the forefront of tackling climate change and digital transformation, this Summit seeks to spark meaningful conversations on the long-term development of a strategic, forward-looking Mexico-UK relationship.
I look forward to seeing you in Mexico City, as we continue to build the productive relationship between these two countries.
The relationship between the UK and Mexico dates back over 200 years and there is much history that binds us. Since I arrived in Mexico three months ago, I have been struck by the fact that this is not just a relationship based on shared history: it’s a relationship that matters and is relevant today. We share common interests on driving forward sustainable economic growth, tackling climate change and working together to ensure global security.
Underpinning our diplomatic engagement, it is essential to foster the open exchange of ideas between business, government and academia. I am therefore delighted to be able to support Canning House in their mission to deepen this valuable dialogue between our two countries. I very much look forward to welcoming Canning House to Mexico City and participating in the discussions.
Building a strategic, forward-looking bilateral relationship
Both Mexico and the UK are major economic powers on the world stage, and key geopolitical actors. This summit seeks to understand the situations of both countries, and identify opportunities for their future relationship. Amid the shifting global landscape Mexico and the United Kingdom —with over 200 years of diplomatic relations and shared membership in the G20, the United Nations, and the OECD—are poised to strengthen their partnership to drive sustainable development and build forward-looking economies.
This partnership offers significant economic opportunities. Mexico, the world’s twelfth-largest economy and a key emerging market, and the United Kingdom, the world’s sixth-largest economy and a global financial services hub, are vital players in the world economy. Both countries maintain a significant relationship with the US. Due to its geo-strategic location, Mexico has become an attractive destination for foreign investment, offering a gateway to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, alongside proximity and preferential access to the US market through the USMCA, and a growing domestic market of over 120 million. As Mexico’s sixteenth-largest trading partner and eighth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), the UK plays an important role in supporting Mexico’s growing economy.
The UK-Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement, which came into force in June 2021, has provided a solid foundation for expanding bilateral trade. More recently, the UK’s accession to the CPTPP and the possibility of an enhanced UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement are set to bolster trade in traditional sectors, including automotives, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages, while unlocking new opportunities in the digital and green economies. This strengthened partnership will help British and Mexican businesses seize market opportunities while advancing world-leading trade frameworks.
In addition, Mexico and the UK offer significant potential for collaboration in sustainable development. Mexico made history as the first country in the Americas to issue a sustainability-linked sovereign bond, listed on the London Stock Exchange and maturing in 2027, setting a precedent for UK-Mexico collaboration in green finance. With new governments ambitious renewable energy targets have been set: President Claudia Sheinbaum pledges for renewables to constitute 45% of Mexico’s energy mix by 2030, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to double onshore wind, quadruple offshore wind, and triple solar power capacity by the end of the decade. These shared objectives in renewable energy, coupled with strong green finance leadership, make the UK and Mexico strategic partners in advancing global sustainable development.
To read more about the Mexico-UK relationship download our latest Canning Paper.
Over the course of the day the Mexico-UK Summit seeks to understand the relationship between the two countries, and the upcoming opportunitites for collaboration. The Summit will be split into two separate sessions, with one taking place in the morning, and the second in the afternoon. The day will conclude with a networking session.
Morning session: A Mexico-UK Partnership on Global Issues and Energy Transition
In light of recent elections, experts will discuss opportunities for the UK and Mexico to strengthen cooperation amid climate change and shifting global geopolitics. Through two panels and two keynote speeches, UK-Mexican diplomats, politicians, and climate and energy specialists will explore how both nations can advance climate leadership, drive the energy transition, and promote shared values of gender equality and human rights through multilateral collaboration.
Afternoon Session: Innovate, Trade, Invest: Mexico-UK Partnerships for Growth
In the wake of the UK’s recent accession to the CPTPP, this session will bring together business leaders and trade experts to explore strategic avenues for strengthening the UK-Mexico commercial relationship. Experts will focus on traditional industries—such as manufacturing, automotives, and food and beverages—alongside the untapped potential for emerging sectors including financial services, technology, and fintech. Together, the discussion will explore how the UK and Mexico can leverage their complementary strengths to build resilient, sustainable, and future-focused economies in response to climate change, digital transformation, and shifting global trade dynamics.
Networking Session
The day will conclude with an opportunity for all participants to speak to colleagues and make new connections.
The morning will feature speeches from prominent figures from the UK and Mexico
Ambassadorial Address
HE Susannah Goshko CMG, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico
The UK and Mexico in a changing world: the global context
Professor Anand Menon, Director of the UK in a Changing Europe
Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs - King’s College London and founding Director of the European Research Institute - University of Birmingham
Keynote Address
Secretary Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico
Keynote Address
Dr Jorge Islas, Under-Secretary for Planning and Energy Transition - Secretary of Energy (SENER)
GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Where do the UK and Mexico sit within the shifting geopolitical landscape?
In the context of recently elected governments, experts will discuss Mexico-UK opportunities to strengthen cooperation at the multilateral level. Panellists will exchange views on shifting geopolitical trends and current global governance challenges within the multilateral system, as well as the promotion of human rights and the collaboration between both countries in the UN and the G20. The panel will identify common ground between Mexico and UK approaches to maintain a strong and productive relationship to address global needs.
As the United States’ largest trading partner, this panel will assess how Mexico’s evolving relationship with its northern neighbour may impact diplomatic and economic strategies on the global stage. Similarly, experts will comment on China’s role and economic activity in Mexico and across Latin America. This discussion will also assess opportunities and challenges to expand ties with the ‘Global South’ and beyond.
Speakers
Ambassador Miguel Ruíz Cabañas, Adviser to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Senator Alejandro Murat, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mexican Senate
Laurence Whitehead, Senior Research Fellow, Nuffield College – University of Oxford
Dr. Irene Mia, Senior Fellow for Latin America, and Conflict, Security and Development – International Institute of Strategic Studies
Julián Ventura, Senior Advisor - DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group; former Mexican Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Moderated by Jeremy Browne, CEO – Canning House
ENERGY TRANSITION
UK-Mexico: leading the energy transition
This panel will examine the critical role that the energy sector is and will play in facilitating the transition to greener and more sustainable energy sources. Besides assessing new President Sheinbaum’s energy policies for Mexico; some of the topics will include the role of renewable energy in shaping the bilateral relation; both countries’ goals for decarbonisation; climate change mitigation strategies; the role of private investment in strengthening supply chains; future technologies and innovation to achieve a fair energy transition; and the role of London – as a global green finance centre – in financing Mexico’s renewable energy projects.
Speakers
Dr. Marcelino Madrigal, Chief of the Energy Division - Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Jorge Guzmán, Head of Communications & External Affairs - Mexico and Latin America bp
Eva Escamilla, Director - Carbon Trust México
Francisco Barnés, Executive Director - World Resources Institute (WRI) Mexico
Alejandro Pagés, Director of Sustainability Consultancy, ASG, and Circular Economy - KPMG México
Moderated by Roberto Ríos Artigas, Partner, Latin America Regional Co-Leader-P3 & Infrastructure - DLA Piper
GLOBAL GATEWAYS
BUSINESS INSIGHTS
SUSTAINABLE AND SHARED PROSPERITY
GLOBAL GATEWAYS
Strategic avenues for strengthening UK-Mexico trade and investment
This panel will examine the growing opportunities for UK-Mexico trade and investment across key sectors, set against the backdrop of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP. Discussions will explore: how can Mexico serve as a nearshoring hub for British businesses looking to expand internationally? How can British companies in supporting sectors such as infrastructure and logistics contribute to the growth of Mexico’s manufacturing industry and its role as a global nearshoring hub alongside its burgeoning tourism industry? What key opportunities exist for Mexico to increase its exports to the UK, and vice versa, under the CPTPP and the UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement? Additionally, how can private sector investment flows between the two countries be increased and sustained? What trade barriers persist for boosting bilateral trade and how may they be tackled, for example through Mexico’s potential ratification of the UK’s accession to the CPTPP?
Speakers
Alex Courage, Head of Trade Policy - British Embassy in Mexico City
Daniel Linsker, Partner & Regional Director – Control Risks Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Manolo Reynaud, Corporate Affairs Director – Walmart
Rosa Elena García Hidalgo, Treasurer – Confederación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo (Concanaco Servytur)
Moderated by Adriana Ibarra-Fernández, Partner – Baker McKenzie
BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Key figures from the world of business will deliver analysis through speeches and fireside chats
Fireside Chat
Gonzalo Izazaga Kuri, CFO LatAm – AstraZeneca
Keynote Address
Raúl Martínez-Ostos Jaye, Managing Director, Chairman and CEO - Barclays Mexico and Latin America
Fireside Chat
Diego Spannaus, Executive Director of Sustainable Finance for Latin America - HSBC
in conversation with Juan Pablo Spinetto, Columnist - Bloomberg Opinion
SUSTAINABLE AND SHARED PROSPERITY
Wiring the UK and Mexico's tech and financial ecosystems
This panel will explore how the UK and Mexico can deepen collaboration between their financial and technological ecosystems to drive inclusive growth and future-focused innovation. Key discussions will include: how can London position itself as a global financial centre for Mexican companies seeking international expansion? How can London’s expertise support sustainable projects in Mexico, particularly related to urban development, infrastructure, and transportation? In the realm of FinTech, how can Mexico’s rapidly expanding market offer unique opportunities for UK companies, especially in open banking and cross-border payments? Additionally, how can stronger partnerships between tech hubs in both countries foster innovation and entrepreneurship? Finally, how can broader collaboration in professional services and education help the UK and Mexico build a future-ready workforce, ensuring competitiveness in the evolving global economy?
Speakers
Enven Wong, Director Enterprise, Learning and Skills LatAm - Pearson
Juan Miguel Guerra Dávila, CEO Mexico - Revolut
Rodrigo Velasco Lomeli, Head of BBVA Spark Mexico & Latam
Santiago Salinas, Director of Institutional and Government Relations - Bolsa Institucional de Valores (BIVA)
Moderated by Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE, Senior Advisor - DLA Piper and former Lord Mayor of the City of London
The speakers
The Canning House Mexico-UK Summit will feature speakers from across the public and private sectors. They will share their knowledge and discuss the challenges facing Mexico and the UK from a variety of perspectives.
HE Susannah Goshko CMG, His Majesty's Ambassador to Mexico
Professor Anand Menon, Director - UK in a Changing Europe; Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs - King’s College London.
Laurence Whitehead, Senior Research Fellow - Nuffield College, University of Oxford
Dr. Irene Mia, Senior Fellow for Latin America, and Conflict, Security and Development - International Institute of Strategic Studies
Jorge Guzmán, Head of Communications & External Affairs - Mexico and Latin America bp
Diego Spannaus, Executive Director of Sustainable Finance for Latin America - HSBC
Dr Jorge Islas, Under-Secretary for Planning and Energy Transition - Secretary of Energy (SENER)
Juan Pablo Spinetto, Columnist - Bloomberg Opinion
Manolo Reynaud, Corporate Affairs Director – Walmart
Alejandro Pagés, Director of Sustainability Consultancy - KPMG México
Secretary Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico
Ahead of the Mexico-UK Summit Canning House has published a paper diving into Mexico-UK relationship. Designed to complement the discussions of the Summit, this paper provides important context and analysis for those wanting to learn more.
The Mexico-UK Summit is produced by Canning House. This page was designed by Finton Hanks.
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