bout de papier, Vol. 26, No. 4 (2012) — Summer 2012 // Été 2012, p. 35
bout: Congratulations on “Unfinished Agenda”. David Bickford leaves no doubt that it is required reading for anyone dealing with Canada-Mexico relations, but if there were one key message you mean to convey, what would it be?
AB: ttis that Mexico has and will continue to make an important contribution to Canada’s prosperity agenda. While Asia, and particularly China and India, are at the top of every country’s economic priority list, this book reminds us about the dangers of being capricious. Having invested considerable time and resources into NAFTA — and having reaped such dividends — why would we move on before exploiting the full potential of this trading bloc? That does not mean saying “no” to the obvious economic attractions and potential provided by the Chinese or Indian markets, but we need to build our own house and neighbourhood if we want to compete effectively in the global market.
bout: No disrespect, but aren’t you overselling Mexico a little?
AB: Mexico is a robust and growing market for Canadian trade and also a complementary partner. To compete successfully with China or to sell to it, we need to increase our productivity and competitiveness. The complementarities between the US, Mexican and Canadian markets have yet to be fully tapped. If we can combine our strengths, (cheap, secure energy, combined with educated but low cost Mexican labour and a highly innovative US market), NA will become a much more competitive economic player.
bout: David expressed concern about the “asymmetrical” relationship between Canada and Mexico, would you agree?
AB: Yes and no. He is right to identify the issue, but I see the glass as half full. In this volume, Mexico’s former Ambassador to the UN, Enrique Berruga, contends that a partnership between a developing Mexico and developed Canada can be very influential in pushing any number of global initiatives or issues. He sees such asymmetry as a real asset in the world of global politics. Others in the volume make a similar case: David Parks explores it from a sub national level; Isabel Studer notes that asymmetry can enhance our joint competitiveness and allow for leadership in promoting regional capacity and governance; while Jennifer Jeffs promotes a joint research agenda in areas such as energy, climate change, global health and food security. bout: David notes that “Officials and the private sector must do their homework before engaging ministers”
AB: This is always a challenge, particularly when everyone seems mesmerized by Asia. The book highlights a number of “success” stories including top performers like Bombardier, Scotiabank, Palliser, Redline and Goldcorp. However, there is much more that could be done by the private sector in engaging government ministers on both sides. We now have a Brazil-Canada CEO Council (headed by Scotiabank CEO Waugh) but not in Mexico where Scotia, and Canadian companies in general, have an even larger presence — our “homework” could start right there.
bout: The PRI has been re-elected to the Mexican Presidency. David notes the party’s long history of looking inward and very mixed record on governance but also suggests there may be important opportunities to pursue, notably in the energy sector — how do you see the future?
AB: rm optimistic and prefer to focus on the future. Twelve years isa long time to be out of power. Mexico has changed since the PRI last ran it. President-elect Peña is an avowed pragmatist. He and his party were elected on the basis that he would focus on strengthening the economy and enhance security by building a more durable social peace in Mexico. The country needs both; I hope Canada will work closely to consolidate the progress made under previous governments.
Mexico also is becoming an active and effective global and regional player. In the past two years they hosted and ably chaired the COP16, the G20 and the new Community of Latin America and the Caribbean (CLAC); like ourselves, Mexico has recently joined the Transpacific Partnership. There exists excellent potential to further strengthen collaboration on regional and international issues in which we share a common interest.
David rightly notes the need for Mexico to open its stagnant and inefficient energy sector to Canadian and other companies. During the election the PRI indicated its support for new efforts to “reform” the oil sector. Two well known energy experts — Dukert and Melgar — lay out a compelling vision for a continental energy bridge that would strengthen mutual energy security while providing new opportunities for investment and research. bout: Was it fun co-editing the book?
AB: Fun might not be the operative word but I enjoyed the challenge. An editor’s main role is to attract the right, thought-provoking contributors. You also need to draw out common threads or themes. I was fortunate to have as my co-editor Andrés Rozental. Together we managed to assemble an impressive group of Mexican, Canadian and American contributors from diverse backgrounds in government, academe, media and the private sector. The book includes two former foreign ministers — the Honourable Bill Graham and Mexico’s Rosario Green, not to mention Minister Baird who provided a short foreword. We were also honoured to have Robert Pastor contribute his vision for North America. There is an interesting exchange between Marina Jimenez of The Globe and Mail and a Mexican journalist (Carreno) on stereotypes and the need for Canadians and Mexicans to better understand each other; a former Deputy Minister (Reid Morden) writes on the issue of regional security, etc. No one learns more from such an exercise than the editors — what more could I ask for?
bout. -perhaps that we take time to read it?! Muchas gracias to you and David Bickford for giving bout the chance to air this dialogue on one of Canada’s most important international partners.
Alex Bugailiskis is the former Executive Coordinator for the America’s Strategy and ADM for Latin America and the Caribbean (2007-10). She was Canada’s Ambassador to Cuba (2003-07) and also served in Guatemala (1991-93). During 2011-12 she was a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Alex is currently the Chief Negotiator for the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement.
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 26, No. 4 (2012) — Summer 2012 // Été 2012, p. 35. Read the rest of this issue →
