Mexican govt to diversify trade with Asia-Pacific: incoming FM

MEXICO CITY - Diversification of trade with Asia-Pacific countries will be one of the next Mexican government's primary goals, incoming Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Thursday.

He made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting between Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and ambassadors and business leaders of eight Asia-Pacific nations.

"We must diversify foreign trade and relations with these countries, which make up the world's most successful region and generate growth of up to 6.6 percent," Ebrard said.

"Average growth (in the region) is above 4 percent every year so we want to move closer as, in the coming years, growth will continue to happen in Asia," he added.

The representatives of the Asia-Pacific nations "are very interested" in increasing trade links with Mexico, he said.

Lopez Obrador, who won the July 1 presidential elections, will assume office on Dec 1.