MEXICO

On April 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) praised Mexico for the resolution presented by the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) before the UN to guarantee global access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is also making progress to adopt new trade agreements designed to boost patent regulations in the country which could be ratified by Congress in the next few months. 

Meanwhile, PAHO’s director (Carissa Etienne) congratulated Mexico and its president for obtaining backing for the International Cooperation resolution to Ensure Global Access to Drugs, Vaccines and Medical Equipment to tackle COVID-19 at the UN in mid-April. Together with the WHO, they also made their experience available to expand the availability of vaccines and drugs.

In addition, the Ministry of Economy announced on April 28 that negotiations to restyle the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between Mexico and the European Union (EU-Mexico FTA) have concluded. This treaty updates the provisions on patents, including those on medicines, and the text must be ratified by Congress in the medium term. In line with this, the government is to introduce a legislative package to the Senate to ensure the entry into force of the USMCA United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) by July 1.