On 30 May 2016, Mexico and the European Union officially began talks to update their current free trade agreement. The first round of negotiations on the modernisation of the agreement was held in Brussels, Belgium, on 13 and 14 June 2016. The second round of negotiations on the modernisation of the agreement was held in Mexico City from 22 to 25 November 2016. The objectives of the Agreement (Article 1) include the progressive liberalization of trade in goods in accordance with Article XXIV of the GATT and the liberalization of trade in services in accordance with Article V of the GATS. It is therefore a second-generation free trade agreement, provided that it includes, in addition to trade in goods, trade in services, investment and public procurement. For EFTA-Mexico trade statistics, see EFTA Trade Statistics Tool The original Association Agreement brought many trade benefits to the EU and Mexico, although some barriers to trade remain. Trade statistics and details of the current trade agreement The eighth round of negotiations was held in Mexico City from 8 to 7 January 2018. The ninth round of negotiations began on 12 February 2018 in Mexico City. Mexico and the European Union concluded negotiations for a new global agreement on 21 April 2018. The new agreement covers political, economic and cooperation aspects in order to strengthen political dialogue, boost trade and investment and strengthen technical and scientific cooperation between the two sides. On 15 July 1975 Mexico and the European Economic Community (EEC) signed an Agreement for the promotion of economic and trade relations. Q12 [2] Mexico and the European Union (EU) have concluded a free trade agreement since 2000 and both benefit from significant investment flows. [3] Mexico and the European Union successfully concluded negotiations for an updated trade agreement on 28 April 2020, subject to the agreement of both parties.
[4] On 28 April 2020, Mexico and the European Union concluded negotiations on the modernisation of the trade pillar of the agreement. This was the last outstanding element of their new trade agreement. In May 2015, Mexico`s Minister of Economy and the European Commission`s Trade Commissioner met to advance preparations for the modernisation of the trade part of the global agreement between Mexico and the European Union. The chapter on the protection of intellectual property rights (Chapters VI, Article 69 and Annex XXI) covers, inter alia, patents, trademarks, copyrights and geographical indications. The level of protection in some areas goes beyond what is provided for in the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, taking into account most-favoured-nation principles and domestic treatment. The Agreement contains provisions on geographical indications. The Interim Agreement, which was to enter into force until the entry into force of the Comprehensive Agreement, was approved by the Mexican Senate on 23 April 1998. .
