The Singapore Business Federation-organised conference featured a session on Mexico’s opportunities for trade, investment and global value chains.

The Embassy of Mexico in Singapore and the Singapore Mexico Chamber of Commerce took part in the LATAM Conference 2026, organised by the Singapore Business Federation, with a session titled “Inside Plan Mexico: New Pathways for Trade and Investment.”

The session centred on a conversation about Mexico’s opportunities for trade, investment and participation in global value chains, exploring how Mexico’s economic positioning can create new avenues for collaboration with businesses in Singapore and the wider region.

The participation reflects the ongoing efforts of the Embassy of Mexico and the Singapore Mexico Chamber of Commerce to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, particularly as Mexico continues to position itself as a strategic manufacturing and trade hub with access to major global markets.

The LATAM Conference provides a platform for business leaders and policymakers to explore trade and investment opportunities across Latin America, with Mexico’s session offering Singapore-based businesses direct insight into the country’s evolving economic landscape.

The collaboration between the Embassy of Mexico, the Singapore Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and the Singapore Business Federation underscores the growing interest in deepening trade and investment ties between Mexico and Singapore’s business community.

Source: Embassy of Singapore in Mexico

Government and business leaders gathered in Singapore for the inaugural GZERO Summit Asia, with the Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce highlighting Mexico’s growing relevance to the region.

The Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce supported the inaugural GZERO Summit Asia 2026, hosted by political risk consultancy Eurasia Group in Singapore on 10 September 2026. The Summit convened government and business leaders, investors and geopolitical experts to examine the forces reshaping Asia and the global economy, spanning security, energy transition, artificial intelligence, trade, investment and economic growth.

Speakers at the Summit included Jeffrey Siow, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance; Dilhan Pillay, CEO of Temasek Holdings; Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS Bank; and Dominic Barton, Chairman of Rio Tinto and Strategic Counselor at Eurasia Group. The Chamber also attended alongside Agustin García-López Loaeza, Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore.

According to the Chamber, geopolitics is increasingly shaping where companies choose to invest, manufacture, source and grow, making Mexico an increasingly relevant partner for businesses across Asia. Mexico offers manufacturing scale, an integrated industrial base, and privileged access to the North American market, while Singapore provides a strategic platform into Southeast Asia, along with capital, technology and sophisticated logistics capabilities.

Connecting these two markets, the Chamber noted, creates something more significant than bilateral trade alone: it gives companies platforms on both sides of the Pacific from which to diversify operations, access new markets, and build more resilient international strategies.

As a Supporting Partner of the Summit, the Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the Singapore-Mexico business community into the conversations shaping these decisions.

Source: Singapore-Mexico Chamber of Commerce

Students from Tecnológico de Monterrey and Colegio Inglés de Colima visited the Embassy of Mexico during their academic stays in Singapore.

Students from Tecnológico de Monterrey and Colegio Inglés de Colima visited the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore during their academic stays in Singapore.

A 30-member delegation from Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Programa de Liderazgo Empresarial Internacional (PLEI), or International Business Leadership Programme, explored Singapore’s innovation, technology and business ecosystem. During the visit, the students also learned about opportunities to strengthen collaboration with Mexico.

The students were introduced to the Embassy’s work in economic, cultural, educational and cooperation matters. Both groups also visited the exhibition “Cuatro Mundiales, un país, recuerdos eternos”, dedicated to the history of the four World Cups hosted by Mexico.

Source: Embassy of Mexico in Singapore

Joint initiative brought together diplomats, officials, and football fans to mark the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2026

The South Africa High Commission in Singapore, in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico, hosted a special event on 11 June 2026 to mark the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Held at CHIJMES Singapore, the gathering brought together government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, partners, sponsors, and football enthusiasts to celebrate the start of the global sporting tournament.

The event formed part of efforts by both diplomatic missions to commemorate the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and to highlight the role of sport in fostering international friendship and cultural exchange. Guests attended a public viewing of the tournament’s opening match between South Africa and Mexico, creating a shared platform for engagement among diverse communities in Singapore.

Singapore Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong attended the event as guest of honour. The South Africa High Commission expressed its appreciation for his presence and acknowledged the contributions of partners and sponsors whose support helped facilitate the celebration.

The evening featured a multi-faceted programme led by the Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore, Agustín García-López Loaeza. Cultural performances by a Mexican group and DJs representing both Latino and African traditions contributed to the atmosphere of the event, showcasing the cultural diversity associated with the participating nations and reinforcing the spirit of international cooperation.

The public viewing was hosted on the lawn area of CHIJMES Singapore, which was transformed into a dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 viewing venue for the occasion. The gathering provided attendees with an opportunity to experience the excitement of the tournament’s opening match in a communal setting while celebrating the shared passion for football.

Source: South African High Commission, Singapore

The courtesy call highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic ties connecting Mexico, Asia, and Singapore, underscoring a shared Pacific heritage

IN Diplomacy sat down with Ms Nomita Dhar, Editor-in-Chief of Sun Media, in conversation with Dean of Diplomatic Corps, the Mexican Ambassador Agustín García-López Loaeza, to discuss the deep historical roots and evolving partnership between Mexico and Singapore.

The wide-ranging interview explored centuries-old maritime trade routes across the Pacific, the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped early globalisation, and the contemporary significance of Mexico–Singapore relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and Singapore’s announcement of a resident embassy in Mexico, the discussion highlighted shared values, growing economic cooperation, and the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral engagement for the future.

You mentioned earlier that Mexico and Singapore share historical connections that go back centuries. Could you elaborate on that?
Yes, absolutely. One interesting anecdote is that when then–Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Mexico and addressed the Senate, he referred to how Sir Stamford Raffles acquired land from the Sultan using Mexican silver coins. This reflects how deeply interconnected our histories are through global trade.

Here at the museum, you can even see chests containing original silver coins. These coins were highly valued because they were difficult to counterfeit. China, in fact, decided to accept these silver coins instead of gold for taxes and trade, as their authenticity could be trusted. Over time, China accumulated one of the world’s largest silver reserves.

Why were these silver coins so important, particularly in Asia?
China made a deliberate decision to accept silver coins instead of gold for taxes and trade, as their authenticity could not easily be altered. Unlike other coins that could be cut or diluted with cheaper metals, these silver coins maintained their integrity. As a result, China accumulated one of the world’s largest reserves of silver, driven by its successful trade networks.

These coins also played a role in shaping modern currencies, didn’t they?
Yes. The Spanish dollar, also known as the Pillar Dollar, became the first widely used currency in the American colonies because they were not allowed to mint their own coins. This Spanish dollar later became the model for the US dollar. The two columns on the coin inspired the dollar sign we recognise today, and the image of the Spanish king was eventually replaced with George Washington.

How did Mexico, the Philippines, and Asia become so closely linked historically?
It began with early European exploration. Christopher Columbus believed he had reached Asia when he arrived in the Caribbean. Later, Ferdinand Magellan discovered a navigable route around South America, now known as the Strait of Magellan, which allowed ships to reach the Philippines.

Eventually, under the Viceroyalty of New Spain, based in Mexico, the Philippines became administratively connected to Mexico. In 1565, Andrés de Urdaneta discovered a return route across the Pacific, making regular trade between Acapulco and Manila possible. This marked the beginning of the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade, which lasted for 250 years and represented one of the earliest forms of globalisation.

This shared history seems to be reflected in cultural collaborations as well.
Very much so. The exhibition Somos Pacífico (“We Are the Pacific”) tells the story of how our relationship is not new but deeply rooted. Mexico once acted as a bridge between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and today continues to play that role between Asia and the Americas.

We also collaborated closely with institutions such as the Asian Civilisations Museum and the National Gallery. These exhibitions highlight how Asian aesthetics influenced Mexican art and vice versa, including the work of Mexican artists who were inspired by Asia.

This visit also marked an important diplomatic milestone between Mexico and Singapore.
Yes, it coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. A major announcement was Singapore’s decision to open a resident embassy in Mexico. This will be Singapore’s 34th embassy worldwide, the third in the Americas, and its first in a Spanish-speaking country.

This reflects how strategic Mexico is for Singapore and how both countries see each other as like-minded partners in a challenging global environment.

There also appears to be a symbolic connection between both countries’ leaders.
Indeed. When Mexico’s President was Mayor of Mexico City, she won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, one of Singapore’s most prestigious awards for urban governance. It recognises long-term excellence in urban planning, sustainability, mobility, and social policy. That shared experience created a meaningful personal connection between the leaders.

How strong is economic cooperation between Mexico and Singapore today?
It has grown significantly. Trade in goods increased from around US$4 billion in 2019 to approximately US$11 billion, with a fairly balanced trade surplus. Services trade has reached about US$5 billion, covering finance, insurance, digital services, and e-commerce.

Mexico exports products such as avocados, chillies, asparagus, and abalone to Singapore, while Singapore provides advanced electronics, semiconductors, and digital technologies that support Mexico’s manufacturing value chains.

Business engagement also featured prominently during the visit.
Yes. We held a high-level business meeting involving leaders from advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, finance, and logistics. There was strong interest in infrastructure projects, particularly ports and logistics, which are essential for strengthening connectivity between Asia and the Americas.

Major companies expressed confidence in Mexico as a long-term investment destination, reinforcing the complementary nature of our economies.

Finally, what would you consider the ideal outcome of this visit?
The ideal outcome is depth and continuity. The opening of a Singapore embassy in Mexico will allow for stronger networks, better regional knowledge, and deeper engagement across Mexico’s 32 states, each with its own industrial strengths and investment opportunities.

This visit strengthened ties at every level, government, parliament, regional authorities, and the private sector. It laid a solid foundation for a more resilient, strategic, and future-oriented partnership between Mexico and Singapore.

THE INITIATIVE BRINGS TOGETHER STUDENTS AND COMPANIES FROM SINGAPORE AND MEXICO TO PROMOTE INNOVATION, INVESTMENT AND STRONGER TRADE LINKS.

SINGAPORE, 9 January 2026 — Members of the Academic Committee of the Singapore–Mexico Chamber of Commerce welcomed students from Universidad Panamericana to Singapore as part of the Corporate Innovation Programme.

Held in Singapore, the programme enables participating students to work alongside Singaporean and Mexican companies on strategic projects designed to foster innovation and investment, while strengthening bilateral trade ties between the two countries. The initiative provides students with practical exposure to real-world business challenges and supports closer collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

The programme reflects the ongoing commitment of the Singapore–Mexico Chamber of Commerce to deepen educational and commercial links, and to support the development of future leaders with cross-border experience.

SOURCE : Embassy of Mexico in Singapore Facebook Page

Mexico’s Ambassador to Singapore delivered a presentation at Singapore Management University’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Training Program, highlighting bilateral ties and investment opportunities under Plan México.

The Mexican Ambassador to Singapore, Agustín García López Loaeza, accompanied by the Singapore Mexico Chamber of Commerce, recently delivered a presentation at the Singapore Management University (SMU) Venture Capital and Private Equity Training Program in Singapore.

During the session, Ambassador García López Loaeza shared updates on the progress of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Singapore, outlining areas of growing cooperation between the two countries.

Image by Embassy of Mexico in Singapore

He also presented investment opportunities offered by Plan México, focusing on strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, agrotech, healthtech, and fintech.

The programme provided a platform for participants to learn about Mexico’s innovation-driven initiatives and potential areas for cross-border investment and collaboration.

The engagement underscored ongoing efforts to promote cooperation and new economic opportunities between Mexico and Singapore.

Source: Embassy of Mexico in Singapore

Mexico and Singapore commemorate half a century of diplomatic ties, reaffirming their shared commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and enduring friendship.

Mexico and Singapore are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the two countries. Over five decades, the relationship has been built on mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a shared vision for cooperation despite the geographical distance separating both nations.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Mexico and Singapore have developed strong connections across political, economic, and people-to-people domains. These sustained efforts have brought the two countries closer together, fostering trust and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

The importance of this bilateral relationship was underscored during a recent State Visit, where President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo of Mexico and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore highlighted the value of continued engagement. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding areas of cooperation.

Image by Embassy of Mexico in Singapore

As the partnership enters its sixth decade, Mexico and Singapore have reiterated their willingness to deepen dialogue and explore new opportunities for collaboration. This shared resolve reflects a forward-looking approach aimed at creating lasting ties between the peoples of both nations.

The 50th anniversary serves not only as a moment of reflection on past achievements, but also as a foundation for future cooperation. Both countries look ahead with optimism, committed to further enhancing bilateral relations and contributing positively to regional and global affairs.

Source: Embassy of Mexico in Singapore

On 17 December 2025, the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Singapore through the unveiling of Axolotl: El Espíritu del Agua at the Sustainability Gallery, Gardens by the Bay. The gift, presented by H.E. Agustín García-López Loaeza and Mdm. Katya Anaya de la Fuente, celebrates the enduring warmth and partnership between the two nations.

Image by Gardens by the Bay

The sculpture draws inspiration from the axolotl, a critically endangered amphibian native to Mexico’s Xochimilco wetlands, renowned for its extraordinary regenerative abilities. Symbolising resilience, renewal, and healing, the artwork captures both the beauty of nature and the power of recovery. Its vibrant surface is adorned with hand-painted Talavera motifs, a traditional Mexican art form influenced by Chinese porcelain, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange along the historic Acapulco-Manila trade route.

Created by Somos Axolotl, the piece not only serves as a visual delight but also advances the organisation’s mission to protect wild axolotls and their natural habitats. By integrating art with environmental consciousness, the sculpture underscores the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.

This addition to Singapore’s public art collection is a meaningful symbol of friendship between Mexico and Singapore. It represents a shared commitment to cultural appreciation, environmental stewardship, and the strengthening of bilateral ties that have flourished over five decades.

Visitors to the Sustainability Gallery are encouraged to experience this eye-catching sculpture firsthand, conveniently located just steps from the Gardens by the Bay MRT station. Its presence offers both aesthetic inspiration and a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between Mexico and Singapore.

Source: Gardens by the Bay

Singapore and Mexico signed two MOUs to enhance collaboration in environmental sustainability and international development.

Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mexico during President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s State Visit to the National Palace in Mexico City on 1 December 2025. President Tharman was received by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, where both leaders witnessed the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

The first MOU, signed on behalf of Singapore by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan Sheng Hui, formalised cooperation with Mexico on coral reef restoration. The agreement established a framework for scientific and technical collaboration, aligning bilateral environmental priorities and supporting efforts to enhance marine resilience. It also reflected Singapore’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship and the conservation of vital ecosystems.

Image by: Government of Mexico

A second MOU on International Cooperation for Development was signed by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Minister of State for Higher Education, David Neo Chin Wee. The agreement, concluded with Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, created a platform for both countries to jointly promote development programmes for third countries. It strengthened Singapore’s role in South–South cooperation and expanded opportunities for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

The State Visit underscored the growing partnership between Singapore and Mexico, particularly in areas of sustainability, global development, and policy collaboration. The newly signed MOUs provided a stronger legal and institutional foundation for future cooperation and affirmed Singapore’s commitment to working closely with international partners to address shared challenges.

Source: Government of Mexico