Economic diplomacy growing power --- Mexico’s diplomatic staff was composed of lawyers during the 80s. They were displaced in the 90s by technocrats, particularly since Carlos Salinas de Gortari’ administration. Economic diplomacy issues in international fora acquired then greater importance (UNCTAD, OMC, OECD) than the traditional Ambassador’s speech at the UN containing subjects such as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, international peace and security, the fight against terrorism, the reduction of small arms and light weapons. Nowadays this has been reinforced by adding an economic-commercial portfolio to MFA's departments of multilateral affairs. In that sense, economic diplomacy has displaced at least in Mexico, the relevance of traditional diplomatic tasks.

Source author: Cecilia Treemonisha Barros Ruiz cbarros@sre.gob.mx