Fifth Mujer Exporta MX program promotes democratization of foreign trade and inclusion of Mexico's women entrepreneurs in exports

Fifth Mujer Exporta MX program promotes democratization of foreign trade and inclusion of Mexico's women entrepreneurs in exports

The Government of Mexico, through the Ministries of Economy, Wellbeing, Culture, Finance, Foreign Affairs and the National Women's Institute (Inmujeres), and in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank and ConnectAmericas, inaugurated the Fifth Mujer Exporta MX, a program that promotes the democratization of foreign trade by facilitating the inclusion of more Mexican women entrepreneurs in export activities.

Economy Secretary Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez, who presided over the event, emphasized the crucial role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Mexican economy. She noted that in light of current relocation trends, strengthening Mexican MSMEs, particularly those led by women, is essential for their integration into global value chains.

She stressed the need to make the export process more accessible to MSMEs, promoting the democratization of foreign trade to ensure that public policies benefit the majority. "This year's Mujer Exporta MX will continue to train women-led MSMEs on expanding their businesses to international markets, with the goal of eliminating long-standing barriers to these processes," she said.

Culture Secretary Alejandra Frausto Guerrero highlighted the administration's focus on empowering traditionally marginalized groups, particularly in indigenous and Afro-descendant areas that are rich in cultural heritage. She cited initiatives like Original, a movement that champions the collective rights of traditional creative communities and helps to position them as economic agents based on their wisdom and artisanal tradition.

"Women create over 70 percent of artisanal products. They are mothers, the heads of cooperatives, women who are transforming their economic reality through community wisdom. Since its inception, Mujer Exporta has been forging connections. Women possess deep wisdom but may lack the tools to position themselves directly in global markets without a brand, without intermediaries. Mujer Exporta has helped in this regard," she explained.

Inmujeres President Nadine Gasman Zylbermann underscored the importance of Mujer Exporta MX for the country's economic well-being by promoting women's participation in interregional trade. "We recognize that women's equal participation in the workforce is not just an economic issue but one of social justice and rights, essential for sustainable economic growth. We must eliminate barriers in financing and the digital divide, but a critical obstacle for women is time poverty. Women spend over 50 hours weekly on unpaid domestic and care work, compared to men's 19 hours," she noted.

Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Alejandro Encinas Nájera emphasized the need to democratize access to foreign trade, so that the agreements and tariff benefits negotiated by the Mexican government do not just benefit large companies. "We want to build an economy that works for everyone, where shared prosperity is a reality," he said.

Hugo Raúl Paulín Hernández, Undersecretary of Productive Inclusion and Rural Development at the Ministry for Wellbeing, acknowledged the Ministry of Economy's ongoing support in providing new opportunities for wellbeing and alternative sources of income to the women in the Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life) program. He highlighted the program's key role in bridging the long-standing gap between the rural sector and economic processes, addressing years of neglect and abandonment.

He noted that there is now an opportunity to commercialize and showcase the work of the country's farmers, a crucial step in restoring their dignity and recognizing the value of their work. He stressed the importance of women becoming entrepreneurs and professionalizing their productive projects.

This year's event features an export-training program and a virtual business roundtable to connect women-led Mexican MSMEs in agribusiness, cosmetics and textiles with buyers from Canada and the United States. By establishing new commercial connections to global markets, the program embodies the democratization of foreign trade.

Mujer Exporta MX demonstrates the Mexican government's commitment to gender equality and the promotion of female talent in business, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development.