11:00pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010
By Tom King
TWO Brits abroad from Essex have appealed to businesses in the county to try the Mex factor.
Andrew Dunkling, 28, commercial secretary at our embassy in Mexico City, and Jonathan Clare, 39, the British consul in Monterrey, decided to join forces in an awareness campaign. They are keen to highlight the opportunities available in the huge and fast-expanding Mexican economy.
Both diplomats hail from Southend, but only met for the first time when they were stationed in Latin America.
“With our joint backgrounds, it made sense for us to team up in an appeal to Essex companies,” said Mr Dunkling, a former student at Southend High School for Boys.
“Essex has a particularly vibrant business sector and if local businesses are made more aware of the chances waiting in Mexico, we’re sure they’ll seize them.”
The pair are also anxious to dispel some of the more negative perceptions of Mexico, which may deter British business decision-makers.
“Mexico is too often reported as having drug barons and cartoons showing men in big sombreros dozing in the sun,” Mr Dunkling said.
“But that’s only a tiny piece of the picture, and can give a wrong impression of a country that is dynamic and full of potential.
“The Mexican government is tackling crime issues with determination, and successfully. Security concerns are a domestic issue, and not even on the radar as something of concern for foreign companies doing business here.”
The more accurate picture of Mexico is of a country with a population of 107 million and an appetite for British goods and services of every description.
“Mexico has a lot going for it,” says Mr Clare, who studied at Westcliff High School for Boys.
“The economy is really dynamic, and after a decade of good public finance management, actually in better shape than that of some G8 countries.”
He pointed out: “From the way things are headed, it’s been estimated that Mexico will have the world’s fifth largest economy in 30 years time, and possibly the fourth largest by the year 2050.”
Mr Dunkling also emphasised the existing strength of Anglo-Mexican relations.
“People here are very friendly, well-educated, and well disposed towards Britain,” he said. “Doing business here is much easier than in many other emerging markets.”
The two diplomats have identified a number of sectors which hold particular promise for Essex exporters.
“There are clusters covering IT, aerospace, security, financial services, education and training, and engineering,” said Mr Dunkling.
Other industries with strong prospects in Mexico include aerospace, automotive parts, legal services, media, interior design, food and drink, healthcare products, security, electronics, and architectural design.
Mr Clare stressed that opportunities were not confined to larger companies.
Andrew Dunkling and Jonathan Clare have collaborated on a free pamphlet on business opportunities in Mexico for British companies. Details are on www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or by call 0207 215 8000.
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