🤝 IMBC Welcomes Indian Ambassador Pankaj Sharma: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
India Mexico Business Chamber | February 25, 2022 — Mexico City
The India Mexico Business Chamber (IMBC) had the honor of hosting a welcome reception for His Excellency Mr. Pankaj Sharma, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Mexico. The event brought together key members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, strategic partners, and business leaders to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening economic and commercial relations between India and Mexico.
🗣️ A Message of Welcome and Collaboration
In a warm welcome speech, the IMBC Presidency expressed its deep appreciation to Ambassador Sharma for his presence as Guest of Honor, extending best wishes for his diplomatic tenure in Mexico on behalf of the entire business community.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
- Dip. Javier López Casarín, Federal Deputy and Chair of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Committee in the Mexican Congress
- Lic. Fadlala Akabani, Secretary of Economic Development, Mexico City
- Ing. Carlos García, Secretary of Economic Development, State of Tamaulipas
- Lic. Misael López, Director General of AMSDE (Mexican Association of Economic Development Secretaries)
📈 A Shared Vision for Economic Growth
Speakers highlighted that IMBC’s reactivation in 2019, after a period of dormancy, was driven by the support of the Indian Embassy in Mexico and visionary business leaders dedicated to bilateral engagement.
Key milestones in the trade relationship were celebrated:
- Bilateral trade surpassed USD $10.15 billion in 2018, making India Mexico’s 9th largest global trade partner.
- Despite a pandemic-induced dip to USD $6.8 billion in 2020, trade rebounded in 2021 to once again exceed USD $10.1 billion.
- Mexico remains India’s top trade partner in Latin America and the Caribbean.
💼 Indian Business Presence in Mexico
Today, over 200 Indian companies operate in Mexico, generating more than 60,000 jobs, especially in the:
- Pharmaceutical
- Automotive
- Information Technology sectors
Success stories like BYJU’s, which scaled from 4 to over 400 employees in Mexico’s EdTech sector in under a year, highlight the momentum of Indian investment.
🚀 What’s Next: Sectoral Forums & Digital Empowerment
IMBC announced several upcoming initiatives, including:
- Digital Empowerment Summit in partnership with the Mexican Congress
- Establishment of a Permanent Mexico–India IT Committee
- Ongoing efforts to explore a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to enhance market access and tariff benefits
These efforts aim to deepen trade integration, foster innovation, and strengthen the business ecosystem across both nations.
🎖️ Honorary Membership & Closing Remarks
The IMBC extended an invitation to Ambassador Pankaj Sharma to serve as an Honorary Member of the Chamber, reinforcing bilateral collaboration and benefiting from his strategic insights.
Special thanks were given to:
- Ms. Juhi Rai, India’s Commercial & Economic Representative in Mexico, for her unwavering support
- The IMBC organizing team and attendees for their dedication to India–Mexico business relations
🌐 IMBC: Building Bridges Between Nations
With strong diplomatic backing and business momentum, IMBC reaffirms its mission to facilitate trade, investment, and innovation between India and Mexico—laying the groundwork for shared prosperity.
