Information about the partnership
Partner country since 2013
Participants in the programme to date: 639 executives
Political partner for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: Secretariat of Economy of the United Mexican States
For Germany, Mexico is the most important trading partner in Latin America. Business matchmaking between German and Mexican SMEs is supported by the Partnering in Business with Germany programme. It promotes the internationalization of SMEs and helps German companies seeking to enter the Mexican market find suitable business cooperation partners in the country. In particular, German companies can benefit from Mexico’s target markets in areas such as automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, logistics, and other sectors. Collaboration between companies creates new opportunities and sustainable business partnerships, which in the long term strengthens bilateral economic relations.
Focus Areas and Cooperation Potentials of Mexico
Nearshoring, the increase in foreign direct investment and other factors have given the stagnating Mexican economy fresh momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic. An increasing number of international companies are investing in Mexican production sites. This opens up potential for closer cooperation with Mexico, particularly in manufacturing and areas in which German companies have a strong presence such as the automotive and supplier industry. Mexico’s highly qualified workforce, low labour costs in the manufacturing industry and the preferential tariffs under the free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada (USMCA agreement) make it an attractive destination for investment.
Business in Mexico – Opportunities for German Companies
With its large population and steadily growing GDP, Mexico’s economy is among the strongest in the world. Mexico plays a central role in the North American economic area – largely due to the USMCA free trade agreement – and is an attractive location for production and logistics. German companies benefit from this as well, strategically utilizing the country’s favourable economic conditions and its prime location. Bilateral trade between Germany and Mexico continues to grow steadily: automotive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, logistics, as well as chemicals and electronics are key areas of the bilateral economic relationship. Even though Mexico’s transport sector is well-established, it needs to expand in order to meet the rising demand driven by the shift in supply chains.
B2B relations between Germany and Mexico are strong. Most of the German companies exporting to Mexico are SMEs, and over 2,000 German firms are already active in various sectors across the country, contributing to a large network of foreign companies in Mexico. Overall, Mexico remains a highly attractive international business location: the partnership between German companies and Mexico is set to intensify in the coming years, offering opportunities on both sides.
Industry Focus and Participant Profiles
Partnering in Business with Germany is open to executives from all sectors. Executives from the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and the food industry have been taking part in the programme for many years. Now, ever more executives from the green economy are joining the programme – sometimes in joint groups with Chilean managers – so as to harness regional synergies.
There are two alumni organisations in Mexico: Empresarios México Alemanes AC (EMAAC) and the Mexican Forum for International Business AC. These organisations help foster the development of new business relations between Mexico and Germany.
German-Mexican business partnership generates innovation in the automotive industry
The cooperation between Dirk Lüpkemann and Karina Toxqui is a remarkable example of the successful German-Mexican partnership in the automotive industry. Together, they have developed a car component that optimises the performance of vehicles and ensures a smooth driving experience.
News
Exhibiting at the Latin America and MENA Forums organised by the Munich and Upper Bavaria Chamber of Industry and Commerce
In May 2025, Germany’s largest Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) hosted two key regional forums: on 6 May, the Latin America Forum – Bavaria’s premier specialist event on Latin America – welcomed around 300 guests from business, government and academia to discuss geopolitical shifts and economic opportunities across a changing region and look at how Bavaria stands to benefit. Just two weeks later, on 22 May, the spotlight shifted to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Hannover Messe Trade Fair and the Future Day for SMEs: The Partnering in Business with Germany Programme presents itself to German exporters
The initiative launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to introduce its Partnering in Business with Germany Programme to German businesses is gaining momentum. Two important events took place in Lower Saxony and Berlin in April that highlighted the advantages of this foreign trade promotion instrument – an ideal opportunity to speak to German companies.
Mexican women entrepreneurs very successful
On 13 September 2024, the designated Director-General at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) Dr Christian Forwick welcomed a group of 19 Mexican women entrepreneurs to Berlin. The reception marked the end of their stay in Germany and highlighted the intensified bilateral cooperation in the context of the Partnering in Business with Germany programme in 2024.
German-Mexican business partnership generates innovation in the automotive industry
The cooperation between Dirk Lüpkemann and Karina Toxqui is a remarkable example of the successful German-Mexican partnership in the automotive industry. Together, they have developed a car component that optimises the performance of vehicles and ensures a smooth driving experience.
We are Making a Contribution: Trust Between German and Mexican Companies is Growing
To mark the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Partnering in Business with Germany Programme with Mexico, a networking event was held in Mexico City on 7 and 8 December 2023 under the motto “Forming long-term partnerships”.
The event got off to a turbulent start – with an earthquake. Fortunately, everyone in attendance escaped with a scare. After the alarm was cancelled, the event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Irais Barreto, Director of Global Economic Intelligence at the Mexican Ministry of Economy.
