HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO OPENS IN SCOTLAND  

Joining the network of honorary representations of Mexico established last year in Belfast, Cardiff and Manchester.

    

GLASGOW, Scotland. 14th June 2016. - The Government of Mexico inaugurated today an Honorary Consulate in Scotland, to strengthen economic, cultural, academic and tourist links between the two countries.

The new post is authorised by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Ambassador of Mexico to the United Kingdom, Diego Gomez-Pickering, delivered to Glasgow businessman Gerry Facenna his appointment as the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Scotland before representatives of the Mexican community, regional and local officials, as well as special guests from the Scottish government and business community at Glasgow City Chambers.  

Mr Gomez-Pickering acknowledged the successful career of the new Consul, co-founder of the manufacturing company Allied Vehicles, which is Europe’s biggest producer of wheelchair accessible and adapted cars. The company, which employs 560 people in Glasgow’s Possil Park, also supports various local and national disability charities.

During his speech, Mr. Facenna thanked the Ambassador for the distinction of the appointment and affirmed his commitment to growing bilateral trade – already worth almost £5 billion and including 1,400 companies with United Kingdom’s investment operating in Mexico, particularly in the finance, mining, oil and gas and manufacturing sectors.

Mr Facenna said: "I am honoured to take up the role of Honorary Consul and look forward to promoting trading relationships and opportunities between Mexico and Scotland, as well as furthering travel and cultural links between the two countries.”

To mark the new appointment a series of activities was initiated focused on promoting trade, academic exchange and dissemination of historical and cultural heritage.  The new Honorary Consul will continue to promote these activities, to the benefit of Mexico and Scotland.

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty welcomed the appointment of Mr Facenna, as well as the opening of the new Honorary Consulate of Mexico.

The Lord Provost commented: “There are enormous opportunities to further develop economic and cultural ties between Scotland and Mexico.  It’s hugely encouraging to have one of Glasgow’s most successful businessmen appointed to drive these opportunities.”

As part of the working visit, Ambassador Gomez-Pickering held a meeting with business representatives, organised by PROMEXICO and the Regional Office of the Mexican Tourism Board. This addressed a range of bi-lateral trade opportunities, including oil and gas technology, food and drink, tourism and manufacturing. Afterwards, the Ambassador opened a photographic exhibition at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, entitled “Sir Weetman Pearson’s Legacy in Mexico’s Oil Industry”.

Mr. Facenna joins a network of Honorary Consulates which recently established in the cities of Belfast (29th October 2015), Cardiff (8th July 2015) and Manchester (16th June 2015).

 

Notes to Editor

·         The Mexican economy is currently the world's 14th largest and is predicted to be the 5th largest by 2050.  

·         Britain is the third most popular destination for Mexican tourists after USA and Canada, while Mexico is the top destination for British tourists in Latin America.

Allied Vehicles

·         Allied Mobility is the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles in Europe and supplied 41% of wheelchair accessible vehicles sold in the UK in 2015.

·         The company’s taxi divison, Cab Direct, is the largest supplier of vehicles to the UK taxi market. Allied supplies more than 6,000 vehicles annually.

·         Turnover has increased by 74% from £61 million to £106 million between 2011 and 2016.

·         During the same time period, Allied increased staffing levels by 63%, creating an extra 211 jobs, while the UK manufacturing industry as a whole saw an increase of just 3%.