Dear readers,
In February, we launched our meetings of the 2025 Public Affairs Task Force series with an event attended by the Secretary of Energy, Luz Elena González. We also received several CEOs of important companies as well as special guests, affording us an excellent opportunity to forge alliances and propose key strategies for the energy sector.
Secretary González expressed the Mexican government’s commitment to promote analysis and cooperation between the private sector and government institutions with the aim of fostering a solid investment environment in the country. Also, as part of this series, we held a meeting with Senator Waldo Fernández in which we expressed our willingness to continue collaborating on issues related to technology and the USMCA, particularly in the areas of sustainability legislation and artificial intelligence.
Focusing on these key issues, we organized an analysis forum under the banner: Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence: the duty to understand each other, which enjoyed the participation of specialists who offered us their valuable views on current circumstances, what is to come, and the best way to address and take advantage of the opportunities entailed in these fundamental factors that no doubt will have a bearing on the development of a country.
The Organizations Steering Group (OSG) held a meeting in February to review its vision and strategic priorities for 2025, during which it reasserted its commitment to social welfare. For the month of February, the OSG invites us to learn about the laudable cause of Fundación Freedom, an organization committed to prevention, intervention, justice and care for children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence and exploitation.
Finally, we present the statement issued by the American Society of Mexico acknowledging the agreement reached between Mexico and the United States to postpone tariffs for one month, which we view as a positive step toward in maintaining the dynamism of bilateral trade.
Best regards,
Larry Rubin
Release
Mexico City, February 3, 2025. The American Society of Mexico welcomes the recent agreement reached between Mexico and the United States that include the decision to postpone the imposition tariffs by the US on Mexican export for one month. This is a positive step toward maintaining the dynamism of bilateral trade, which will allow both countries to work on more permanent, comprehensive solutions.
“Cooperation between Mexico and the United States is key to guaranteeing stability, investment and employment. We are pleased that both nations have prioritized dialogue geared toward finding a balance between security and economic growth,” said Larry Rubin, president of the American Society of Mexico.
As part of the agreement, teams from the US and Mexico will immediately begin working in the fundamental areas of security and trade. These talks will serve to ensure that joint actions can be deployed to strengthen the region without affecting its competitiveness. Because Mexico plays a crucial role in these areas, efforts to address them must be designed in a way that does not negatively affect Mexico’s economic stability.
“Free trade has been a pillar of development for North America. We are confident that President Claudia Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump will continue to promote expeditious and balanced solutions that allow progress to be made on security challenges without affecting the free movement of trade,“ added Larry Rubin.
From the standpoint of the American community in Mexico, we reiterate our commitment to a region where security and economic development advance hand in hand. The USMCA has been and will continue to be a fundamental pillar for North America’s competitiveness, and its proper implementation is essential to guarantee a prosperous future for both nations.
The American Society of Mexico will continue to work with business leaders in the private sector and other key actors to promote strategies to reinforce the trade relationship between Mexico and the United States, striving to ensure that bi-lateral agreements translate into real opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic stability.
We are confident that this agreement will mark the beginning of a framework of cooperation that strengthens security and competitiveness for the benefit of Mexico and the United States.
About the American Society of Mexico (AmSoc)
The American Society of Mexico (AmSoc) is a non-profit and non-political organization with more than 80 years of history. Its mission is to link the American community in Mexico with companies, civil organizations and society throughout the country in order to create alliances and strategic solutions that promote prosperity and development.
Press Contact
Daniela Gómez Gómez
dgomez@cuadrante.com.mx
55 2351 9780
Public Affairs Task Force
The February 26th meeting organized by the American Society of Mexico with Secretary Luz Elena González served to clear up questions about the participation of the private interests in the energy sector.
Accompanied by the Undersecretaries of Electricity and Energy Planning and Transition, Secretary González offered a presentation of work currently underway in the energy sector, also sharing the thinking of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on several key matters. Moreover, she reiterated her commitment to sharing spaces for analysis and cooperation between the private sector and government institutions in pursuit of advancing a solid investment environment based on transparency and sustainable growth, while minding the regulatory framework designed to ensure Mexico’s development in the field of energy.
On behalf of the American Society of Mexico, Larry Rubin reaffirmed the willingness of American companies to join in the work required for of both nations to reap rewards.
The CEOs of companies in attendance expressed their concerns directly to Secretary González and stressed the importance of keeping lines of communication open. Additionally, they reiterated their keen interest in continuing to work in Mexico and contributing technological solutions to crucial energy transition issues.
The February 28 meeting organized by the American Society of Mexico saw Senator Waldo Fernández highlight the importance of legislating to guarantee the rights of companies and employees, stressing the need for both countries to join forces to the further the interests of the private sectors in both the US and Mexico.
The most important US companies in Mexico expressed their views on subjects of common interest, including USMCA, foreign investment, labor issues, and legislation regulating the tri-lateral relationship.
Attendees expressed their concern about the current circumstances of both Mexico and the United States, since the lack of certainty in trade policy affects all sectors and puts investments at risk, which necessarily exerts negative effects on the interests of the labor force.
Part of the work agenda of the Parliamentary Group of the Morena Party in the Senate centers on strengthening investment in the economy of Mexico through reforms that allow inclusion and cooperation with the private sector.
As president of the Commission for Monitoring, Review and Implementation of USMCA, Senator Fernández said that working together in this meeting helps him understand the scope of the tri-lateral free-trade agreement across its many dimensions, particularly with regard to how it works as an engine of economic growth and driver of employment in the region.
Senator Fernández stressed that the senate commission he heads has prioritized the need to lobby with legislators from the United States and Canada, especially those representing
States and Provinces with a strategic trade relationship with Mexico.
AmSoc president Larry Rubin invited everyone to join forces in pursuit of an agenda that serves the interests of both society and companies. He highlighted the efforts of the American Society of Mexico to promote technological applications within USMCA, such as artificial intelligence, reiterating AmSoc’s readiness to support him in the development of legislation in this key area.
Events
On February 12, the American Society of Mexico organized the forum on Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence: the duty to understand each other. The event received significant support from Deloitte, TV Azteca and ADN 40 and enjoyed the presence of Gema Sacristán, Partner of Sustainability and Climate Change of Market Growth at Deloitte Spanish Latin America; Luis Gerardo Carvajal, Senior Sustainability Manager at Siemens Energy; Alina Hernández, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Kellanova Latam, and Servando Valdéz, Director of Agriculture at PepsiCo Latam.
According to these experts, the world is currently undergoing a great transformation along two main axes: the digital axis, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), and the axis of sustainability. Several speakers stressed how these axes are often intertwined, each interacting with the other like a catalyst in a chemical reaction.
AI uses advanced algorithms and real-time data analysis to adjust energy consumption, thereby reducing waste and emissions, while minimizing the carbon footprint of both industry and end consumers.
AI also can impact supply chains by transforming commercial exchange between the United States and Mexico. Integrated learning tools can determine patterns of demand, which serves to optimize production and distribution, favoring both the green agenda and profitability, while also contributing to the adoption of circular economy models. By automatically identifying disposable materials that can be reused in other products, a much smarter recycling-reuse system can be achieved.
In terms of innovation, AI is currently used to develop advanced simulations aimed at saving material resources and time. For example, water use monitored in real-time relies on such models in order to detect leakage and optimize all industrial processes. Moreover, consumption demand can be anticipated, which allows implementation of other waste prevention measures.
Additionally, AI generates predictive analytics and sector-specific sustainability reports that comply with regulatory standards.
Nonetheless, the implementation of AI still poses some challenges, not the least of which are the huge energy resources needed to operate it, particularly those supplied by non-renewable sources.
Another challenge lies in the issue of algorithmic biases, which can often lead to discriminatory decision-making. Other key concerns raised by the AI rollout are privacy and data protection, as well as lack of transparency and accountability for automated decisions taken.
AI also poses issues in global justice and equity, since it inevitably seems to expand the great technological gap that already exists between countries. In view of these concerns, it will be important to promote policies and practices that enhance transparency and accountability in the use of AI.
Progress along these fronts and many others will depend on international cooperation to ensure inclusive development across diverse regions.
Organizations Steering Group
- Strategic outreach
- Social innovation
- Institutional strengthening
- Experiences and events with positive social impactIn 2025, we will continue to build a world of opportunities!
Since its founding in 2021, Fundación Freedom has worked at the forefront of Mexico’s fight against sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation of children, tirelessly striving to create safe environments for children and extricate them from the circumstances leading to their victimization.
A fervent defender of children’s rights, Fernando Landeros, general director of the foundation, encapsulates the essence of the foundation’s mission, asserting: “The protection of our children is everyone’s responsibility. Together we can make a difference.”
Over the course of three plus years, Fundación Freedom has achieved several key milestones of its mission, including training of more than 27,000 individuals who work in airports, hotels, schools, business chambers and government agencies, both federal and local. In collaboration with the local authorities of Quintana Roo, these efforts have yielded the rescue of 278 people and prosecution of 52 alleged traffickers, 16 of which have been convicted.
The foundation maintains a permanent program to provide psychological care for 26 children and adolescents who were victims of sexual violence, and on the legal front, it played a key role in reforming of tourism regulations in Quintana Roo, which now requires hotels to verify the legitimate relationship existing between children checking in with adults.
The Organizations Steering Group of the American Society recognizes the importance of the work of Fundación Freedom. Its devotion and commitment are an inspiring example of how collaborative action can transform lives.
Fundación Freedom continues to strive to make Mexico a place where all children can grow up free from fear and abuse. Let’s work together in this worthy cause! www.fundacionfreedom.mx
Experiences
Arriving at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City is like stepping into a world of artistry and elegance. At the pulsing heart of the city, the Four Seasons invites guests to immerse themselves in the serenity of the moment.
More than a restaurant, OMA is a crossing into a carefully crafted experience where the Japanese culinary tradition rhythmically entwines with the soul of Mexico. The guest is greeted by minimalist Japanese design featuring the simplicity of wood and stone, encasing the soft murmur of diners conversing under the high, vaulted ceiling, while the décor infused with earthy tones of rosewood and sea sand afford a cozy cocoon.
The heart and mind of OMA is Chef Abraham López, whose passion for Japanese cuisine over 37 years is patent in every dish he serves. We take our seats at the bar, eager to experience OMA’s trademark omakase, at term derived from the Japanese phrase ‘omakase shimasu,’ meaning “I leave it up to you,” which conveys the spirit of trust forged as the chef leads guests through a series of dishes prepared with select seasonal ingredients. Surrender is our only option before this matchless combination of select ingredients and the culinary artistry.
Each course unfolds like a story, transporting us to the shores of Ensenada and Japan. Fish, fresh and pristine, is complemented by vibrant green wasabi grated at the table, like a promise of the delights to come. A briny-sweet bite of crunchy sawagani sea crab reminds us of the vast bounty of the sea.
Beauty and simplicity, striking a delicate balance of textures and flavors, are the hallmarks of the unassuming elegance of each exquisite dish served in time and without hurry. Instead, we abandon ourselves to the moment and savor each morsel so lovingly prepared.
As the evening unfolds, we are fascinated not only by the food but also by the architectural décor thoughtfully crafted by Ezequiel Farca, who interprets the philosophy of Wabi-sabi, where beauty is found in imperfection and transience. A sense of peace and belonging envelops us under the subdued lighting and atmosphere of quiet elegance.
No doubt, we will return to OMA again and again for both the cuisine and the journey into the sublime ways of Japanese cuisine.
