Apologies, Bipul, for intruding in this discussion... --- ...but I wanted to offer some thoughts. 1. I applaud the Mexican President's action. If an embassy does not handle eco promotion work, this destroys one of the key reasons to have an embassy. 2. Much more important, eco dip is one of the levers in the 'toolbox'. It gives leverage and becomes a 'connector' -- both these in the Kissinger method of using 'linkages' in negotiations and in the wider conduct of diplomacy. 3. Eco promotion is NOT about knowledge of arcane regulations on investments, or tax advice. It is about building connections in foreign countries, and using high-level access to corporate heads to tell one's story. The Ambassador is the country's First Salesman.....I have a new section on my personal website on 'Diplomatic Practice', and it will be gradually filled up with my writings on this theme. I am have also started work on an essay, titled: 'Handling Economic Promotion Work: A Mexico Story' -- I hope it will emerge as a Diplo blog. Thanks.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com