MEXICO CITY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Mexico and Spain on Wednesday agreed that the best bet for achieving growth in "turbulent times" was free trade, integration, and legal assurance, rather than statism or protectionism, said Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

In a brief appearance before the media at the Presidential Palace after meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, the Mexican president said the two leaders agreed to bet on higher productivity and competitiveness in the economic fields.

Calderon expressed confidence that Rajoy would lead his country to walk out from the current economic crisis.

On bilateral relations, Calderon stressed they "are in their best moment," while recognizing both countries can further promote economy and trade cooperation.

Calderon also told Rajoy the "great interest" of Mexican businessmen in investing in Spain, expressed the hope that the vision and confidence of businessmen of both countries would bring about more trade and investment.

According to the president, bilateral trade is about 9 billion U.S. dollars annually, nearly triple what it was 10 years ago. Now Spain is the second largest trading partner of Mexico in Europe.

"It's very clear that we can achieve even more fruit in bilateral cooperation," the president said.

April 18, 2012

Source: Xinhua

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