Differences between the economic and the commercial section --- Despite the inherent relationship between the economic and commercial sections in foreign missions, there are important differences in their nature that must be considered for their organization and coordination. Much of the work of the economic section focuses on the preparation of reports to provide sufficient intelligence and advance the interests of a country in the receiving State. This primary function is a job that is more often performed within the embassy facilities. On the other hand, the commercial section needs to carry out its promotional activities abroad by expanding its network of contacts. It is worth mentioning that with such tasks, the economic section tends to coincide with political issues, making its agenda more bureaucratic. This does not happen very often with the commercial department that is more dynamic.

Source author: Ricardo Daniel Delgado Muñoz rdelgado@sre.gob.mx