Telecom Reforms Passed in Mexico

The Peña-Nieto Administration continues to move Mexico ahead

México DownUnderCanberra, Australia August 2014

Embassy of Mexico in Australia | Bulletin No. 7

Letter from the Ambassador

“Moving Mexico” is the motto adopted by the Administration of President Enrique Peña Nieto, to symbolize that its main aim is not just managing the country, but essentially transforming it into a more prosperous, democratic, safe, open and fair nation. !!On July 16, President Peña Nieto enacted the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Act, the Public Broadcasting System of the Mexican State Act and other reforms and additions to various rela-ted laws, which together comprise the legislation regulating the Constitutional Telecommunications Reform.!!During the event the President stated that the Telecommunications Reform is a powerful tool for en-hancing freedom, strengthening equality and increasing the prosperity of Mexicans, based on the principle of consumer welfare. He reminded that throughout his administration, along with the Legis-lative Branch, major reforms have been promoted in education, finance, economic competition, tax, energy and telecommunications, and that they are all designed to provide benefits for Mexican fami-lies and increase the country’s competitiveness in order to attract investment and create more and better jobs.!

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President Peña Nieto said that tele-communications Reform promotes more competition, and better condi-tions, higher coverage and quality of services and lower rates and costs for the benefit of all users. He explained that with this and other structural re-forms, Mexico is on the path to trans-formation, creating benefits and sa-vings for families, as well as new oppor-tunities for economic growth and deve-lopment for the whole country.!!“This reform enhances the freedom of Mexicans, by ensuring the right to ex-press ourselves, find information and interact in electronic media and social networks. It also promotes a Mexico

with greater opportunities to ensure digital inclusion, the integration of our regions, and the access of people with disabilities to telecommunications. It will promote the prosperity of the country, because it will improve the competitiveness of business and companies attract more investment to the sector; and most importantly, support the economy of Mexican families,” he added.!!With this reform, Mexico is beginning a new stage in the history of its telecommunications, projecting us into a new position among the nations of the world. “It has taken another step, an important step in the sweeping reforms that are shaping the Mexico we want for the 21st Century: safe, peaceful, inclusi-ve and thriving.”!!Through the Telecommunications Reform and its Regulatory Enforcement, Mexico can speed up the rate of extending the use of information technology and communication throughout the country, in-cluding areas with the greatest social backwardness, because these technologies will help to promote nation-wide economic growth, and advance social inclusion.!!The Regulatory Laws will provide the opportunity for many Mexicans, of all ages and from all social strata, to be included in one of the most important technological advances of mankind. With the new market rules, there is an enormous potential for investment. It will be possible to build a strong back-bone fibre optic network which will double the current network and provide a shared network that will bring broadband services to every region in Mexico.!!The President thanked members of the 62nd Legislative Session of Congress for passing this sweeping reform. “I congratulate you, because thanks to your maturity and political civility, you continue to de-monstrate that democracy can move and transform Mexico,” he declared. !!!!!

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Global MexicoThe National Human Rights Program 2014-2018

On June 25, the President of Mexico, Enri-que Peña Nieto, presented the National Human Rights Program 2014-2018 in a ce-remony at the National Palace in Mexico City. During the presentation, the Presi-dent of Mexico emphasized that all public institutions at every level should be invol-ved in the operation of the Program in or-der for the Mexican government to ensure full protection, promotion and guarantee of human rights.!!The Program is the result of an extensive consultation process between the govern-ment, civil society, academia and interna-tional organizations. It includes various recommendations issued by the Inter-Ame-

rican Human Rights System and the United Nations, derived from Mexico’s Second Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council. !!The program will focus in achieving four main objectives: !!1. Transcend the scope of the Federal Government by involving the three State powers and the three levels of government, as well as the autonomous bodies.!!2. Put human rights at the core of all government actions. This will ensure a perspective of promotion and pro-tection of fundamental rights in the programs and public policies.!!3. Promote an effective link between the government branches and organized civil society, as human rights are a State’s shared responsibility.!!4. Measure and evaluate the enjoyment and exercise of human rights. It also establishes a mechanism to integrate current, accessible, timely, reliable and objective information that allows the improvement of decision-making.!!As a result, the Federal Government will expand and strengthen the process of training public servants, strengt-hen the internal evaluation mechanisms of public institutions to ensure that their activities are aligned with the National Human Rights Program. Furthermore, each institution must adopt the necessary regulatory and admi-nistrative provisions in order to prevent human rights violations within the scope of their powers.!!During the presentation, President Peña Nieto reiterated that the Mexican government will continue fighting with determination unacceptable practices which violate law and human rights, such as torture, disappearances or trafficking. In this regard, the President affirmed that his openness to dialogue and cooperation with interna-tional mechanisms for the protection of human right as well as with civil society will remain. !!The presentation of this program is further evidence of the commitment of the current administration to meet the goals set in the National Development Plan to ensure that a human rights perspective is integrated in public affairs. The implementation of the reform on human rights, guided by this Program, will be essential to the cons-truction of a rights-based society.!!

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Latin American Food Show 2014

Lat in Amer ican Food Show (LAFS) is one of Latin America´s biggest food international expos. The main objective of LAFS is to reflect the best of the market of food and drinks in Latin America. !!LAFS i s the meet ing point between buyers and exhibitors with the parti-cipation of over 300 exhibitors and wholesale buyers of food, stores, restaurants, hotels, industrial can-teens, food markets, packers and generally all those involved with the processing and food preparation. !!The event will be attended by 50 main guest buyers from Europe, Asia, North America and South America, to hold business meetings with 300 Mexican companies seeking to launch or increase their export market, in addition to the more than 6000 buyers visitors attending the expo.!!Cancun Quintana Roo, will be the venue to LAFS which is scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 November 2014 at the premises of the Iberostar Hotel Convention Center in Cancun Peninsula.!!Why Latin American Food Show 2014?!!In 91% of cases, participation in trade fairs is key in purchasing decisions, first with respect to other sources of information (publications, associations, directories, vendors, etc.)!!About 80% of visitors to the fairs have a say in the purchase or influence those decisions regarding the products and services displayed. Also consider that LAFS generates new business opportunities, lea-dership, image, sales, alliances, promotion in a magnificent setting as Cancun, where you can invite your international buyers and renew their contracts.!!The event will give business appointments the dynamic of direct participation with international bu-yers in the following sectors: bakery products; cakes; cereals; grains and their products; condiments and preserves; confectionery; dairy; egg products; ethnic food; fresh produce; frozen and chilled; canned fruit products; healthy and functional foods; semi-finished products and ingredients; meat and meat products; oils and their derivatives; pasta; poultry and poultry derivatives; products for private label; prepared foods; fruits of the sea; snacks; canned vegetable products; alcoholic beverages; beer; coffee and tea; juices and drinks alcohol; liquors; mineral waters; spirits; wines: red, rosé, white, dessert wines, sparkling and fortified, equipment for the retail and hospitality industry sector.!!Pre-Registration to the Latin American Food Show 2014 is now open at: http://lafs.com.mx/index.php/pre-registro!

Mexico on the Move

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Magic of Mexico

Previously called the Green Antequera, Oaxaca de Jua-rez finds its meaning in the Nahuatl Language as “On the nose of the huajes”.! !Its Historic Centre and the archaeological site of Mon-te Alban, were the reason for which it was named Cul-tural Heritage of Humanity.!!Since the sixteenth century, Oaxaca’s Historical Centre preserves it original lay-out, perfectly designed, which, as can be seen, is identical to that of a chessboard.! !The Monte Alban ceremonial centre brings together a set of pre-Hispanic monuments bearing stelas (slabs or pedestals) with hieroglyphics that commemorate impor-tant events in the history of the city.!!The Heart of Oaxaca !Oaxaca’s main square, officially called the Plaza de la Constitucion, but commonly referred to as the zocalo, is the heart of the city. This tree-filled plaza has numerous cafés and restaurants under the arcades. Balloon ven-dors, musicians, locals, and tourists of all ages congregate in this lively plaza. In the evenings you can enjoy con-certs performed by the Oaxaca state band, mariachi or marimba music or performances from touring musicians.!!Consult your Oaxaca city map and you will see that the layout of the zocalo and surrounding buildings follow the colonial town plan which dictated that the city should have a central plaza with buildings representing the reli-gious and civil authori-ties surrounding it.! !Oaxaca ’s Palacio de Gobierno is located to the south of the zocalo. Historically this buil-ding functioned as city hall, but in 2005 the government of f ices were moved to other premises and i t was converted into the Mu-seo del Palacio. Inside, in the stairwell leading to the second floor, fine murals by Arturo Garcia Bustos depict the struggles in Oaxaca during the historical periods of the conquest, independence, and the Mexican Revolution.!!To the north of the zocalo you will find the Cathedral of Oaxaca, fronting the Alameda de Leon, another shady plaza where you can get a free Oaxaca city map. The cathedral went through several construction periods and was consecrated in 1733. It is built of green volcanic stone with a fine baroque façade depicting the Assumption of Mary. The cathedral's cupola and twin bell towers are rather squat in order to withstand the frequent earth-quakes that have historically caused damage to Oaxaca’s colonial buildings. The cathedral has a basilica style floor plan and 14 side chapels. Inside you'll find an impressive collection of 16th and 17th century paintings.!!

OAXACA

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The zocalo is the ideal place to begin your exploration of Oaxaca. Find a table at one of the many su-rrounding cafes and restaurants, order a refreshment and watch the life of the city unfold before you.!

Glorious Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo church and former convent are two of the top places to see in Oaxaca city. The church i s one of the most ma gni f i cent examples of baroque architecture that you wil l see anywhere on your Mexico trip. The former convent adjoi-ning the church now houses the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, which includes the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, an ancient books library, a periodicals library, and an Ethnobotanical Garden in the area that was once occupied by the convent's orchards.!

Santo Domingo church is one of the finest and most lavishly ornamented baroque churches in Mexico. Construction on the complex began in 1555, but it was not completed until more than one hundred years later. The façade dates from the early 17th century and is more sober in style than the extrava-

gantly decorated interior. The or nate Rosar y chape l wa s completed in 1731.!

Much of the original art of Santo Domingo church was destroyed in the 19th century during the Reform War when the army took over the buil-ding, using the convent as headquarters and the church as a stable. By the end of the 19th century, the church was retur-ned to the Dominicans, but the

military didn't completely vacate the former convent until 1994, when a major restoration project was begun. The Santo Domingo Cultural Center was inaugurated in 1998.!

The Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca contains exhibits dedicated to the history, art and cultures of the region. Be sure to see the Treasures of Tomb 7 from Monte Alban, a discovery made in 1932 of a Mixtec burial that included finely crafted gold, silver, precious stones and intricately carved bone. This is the greatest treasure that has ever been found in Mesoamerica.!

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The Jardin Etnobotanico (Ethnobotanical Garden), located on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Cul-tural Center, grows a huge collection of living plants that showcase Oaxaca’s rich biodiversity. A strong emphasis is placed on the many uses that these plants have had throughout the history of the region. The garden may only be visited as part of a guided tour (offered daily in Spanish and several times a week in English).!!Monte Alban, Ruins with a View !The most majestic of Oaxaca’s ancient ruins, Monte Alban, meaning “White Mountain,” is an ancient Zapotec capital and archaeological site with a spectacular mountain top location overlooking the va-lleys of Oaxaca. Monte Alban sits just a few kilometers west of Oaxaca city.!

!Monte Alban, being one of the culturally and historically significant places to visit in Mexico, received the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1987. The site is situated an impressive 400 m (1300 feet) above the floor of the Oaxaca valley.!!When you arrive at Monte Alban you’ll immediately notice that the ruins of pyramids, temples, plazas, and other residential structures all center on the Great Plaza, a large open area on the flattened moun-tain top that offers excellent 360-degree views of the city and valleys below.! !Across the Plaza, the north platform, home to the largest complex of structures at Monte Alban, rivals the Great Plaza in size and offers the best views of the surrounding area.! !Along the eastern side of the Great Plaza you’ll find altars, pyramids and a ball court. The plaza’s west side is lined with ceremonial platforms, including the earliest known structure at Monte Alban that houses the site’s most important discovery, a series of rock carvings known as Los Danzantes (The Dancers).! !At the far north end, near the entrance, is an area with tombs, some of which have been excavated re-vealing a variety of paintings and stone carvings. There are 170 known tombs in Monte Alban and a collection of artefacts discovered in them is on display in the Regional Museum of Oaxaca in nearby Oaxaca city.!!The Mysteries of Mitla !San Pablo Villa de Mitla is a small town located in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, just 46 km (28 miles)

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southeast of Oaxaca city. The town is home to the impressive Mitla archaeolo-gical site, one of the important places to visit in Oaxaca.! !Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Mitla was once an important Zapotec religious and ceremonial center. Here you’ll find a series of structures and patios adorned in stonework mosaics.

These ancient cut-stone mosaics, created by fitting together thousands of polished cut stones, are be-lieved to date back to the last two or three centuries before the arrival of the Spanish.!!One of the distinguishing features at Mitla is the reoccurrence of 14 geometric designs that are repre-sented in the stone carvings throughout the complex. You’ll be amazed at the intricacy and detail of the carvings, especially those found in the palace building.! !The Mitla archaeological site is made up of five groups of ruins and each group is believed to have ser-ved a specific purpose. The two best-preserved groups of ruins, the columns group and the church group, are located toward the northern end of the site. Here you’ll find more of Mitla’s best stonework mosaics where you’ll even see traces of the original red paint and plaster.! !The 16th century Church of San Pablo, built by the Spanish using materials from the ruins in its cons-truction, sits right in the middle of the archaeological site. Located just outside the entrance to the ruins are several shops and a small open-air craft market.! !While you’re in Mitla, you’ll also want to try the local mezcal, an alcoholic beverage made from the agave cactus that is native to the Oaxaca region.!!

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The story of mezcal is one of spiritual connections between earth, humans and divine beliefs. The first interactions between Me-soamerican ancient cultures and agave were part of celestial ce-remonies linking humans and their gods. !!During Pre-Hispanic times this mystical spirituous beverage was only accessible to Tlatoanis (Governors) and Priests known as metzcalli (which translates to cooked agave). Today, mezcal is ta-king over the world and it has certainly set its footprint in Austra-lia. Slowly but surely it’s becoming a ‘must have’ product across bars and restaurants in Australia given its unique texture and tas-teful complexity. !!For us in Casa Mexico Group we believe that mezcal exemplifies the way of the future with a strong legacy from the past - connec-ting our traditions, passions and love to share an honest and arti-san beverage from our beloved Mexico.!!Our company Casa Mexico Group was born in 2012 founded by Octavio Gomez-Haro Alonso and his business Partner and cousin Diego Gomez-Haro Katznelson (based in Mexico). The story of Octavio, which is similar to many fellow Mexicans that have migrated to Australia, has not always been easy. This experience has come with exciting opportunities as well as challenging sacrifices - in particular the hardship to live so far away from loved ones and Mexico. Thus when Octavio migrated to Australia back in 2006 to study a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), he made a personal commitment to connect both countries culturally and economically

by sharing part of his Mexican heritage. A few years later and after holding management roles with two of the big four accounting firms, Octavio founded Casa Mexico Group following his true passion.!!Casa Mexico imports and distributes Mexican artisan products with a particular focus on artisan mezcal. The group is currently representing three exciting mezcal brands; Bruxo (which comes in 4 different versions - each using different types of agaves), Coralillo (joven and repo-sado) and Banhez (a blend between espadín and barril agaves). The brands are distributed nationally and can be found across bars, clubs, restaurants and bottle shops - a number that keeps growing each day. Casa Mexico is also looking to expand its portfolio as the Australian market

develops and is already venturing into other international markets with headquarters based in Sydney.

Mexicans Down Under

CASA MEXICO GROUP - SHARING THE AGAVE LOVE DOWN UNDER

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Octavio holds dual citizenship and is committed to support the economic development between Mexico and Australia. He men-tioned that “as a Mexican, I’m really interested to make mezcal a first-choice spirit in Australia as well as across Asia-Pacific and ot-her international markets. This will mean a terrific development opportunity for small producers across diverse towns in Mexico that otherwise struggle to find alternative sources of income.” He has been quoted talking about mezcal in the Sydney Morning He-rald and numerous industry publications, demonstrating his sup-port to the category. Octavio and Casa Mexico are not alone and it’s very exciting to see fellow Mexicans also importing agave pro-ducts - sharing the agave love Down Under and jointly growing the category.!!A critical element for Casa Mexico has been to support small pro-ducers and

communities across Oaxaca to make sure the growth of mezcal is managed in a sustainable manner. This work has been recognised by com-munities across Ejutla in Oaxaca and the local Go-vernment has awarded Octavio with the honour of naming him the ‘Official Mexican Mezcal Ambas-sador in Australia from Oaxaca, San Miguel Ejutla’.!!Stay in touch with Casa Mexico and help us grow this amazing spirit, we love all things Mexican.!Salud!!!!Story by Octavio Gomez-Haro Alonso! !!!

Octavio Gomez Haro, Director, Casa Mexico Group !Pty Ltd. octavio@casamexico.com.au www.ca-samexico.com.au instagram: casamexicogroup !!fb: Casa Mexico Group Facebook!!

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Recibimos la invitación de la candidata a Doctora Fabiola Barba Ponce, ciudadana mexicana y estudian-te del programa doctoral en Psicología Organizacional en la Universidad Macquarie en Sídney, quien se encuentra realizando un proyecto de investigación sobre Mexicanos Migrantes en Australia. !!El desarrollo de su proyecto requiere contactar con mexicanos migrantes residiendo en el territorio Australiano que deseen participar en una serie de cuatro entrevistas en línea (30 min.) cada seis meses durante dos años. Las entrevistas son confidenciales y la información obtenida será resguardada en ar-chivos protegidos por la citada universidad. !!Les pedimos que aquellos interesados en participar y apoyar el proyecto de investigación de Fabiola, se pongan en contacto directo con ella al siguiente correo electrónico: !!fabiola.barba-ponce@students.mq.edu.au!!Saludos cordiales, !!Embajada de México en Australia.!

AVISO PARA LA COMUNIDAD MEXICANA

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Se invita a los mexicanos a compartir sus historias de éxito en Australia, mandándolas en no más de una cuartilla arial 12 y

con fotografías a vtrevino@mexico.org.au.

Dear friends, !!If you have any question or comments regarding this publication please feel free to contact us at mexicodownunder@mexico.org.au

Embassy of Mexico Team!!Armando Gonzalo Álvarez Reina Ambassador !Víctor Manuel Treviño Escudero Deputy Head of Mission !María Luisa González Manjarrez Head of Trade, Economic, Touristic, International Cooperation and G20 !Rafael Ignacio Montoya Bayardo Head of Political Section !Gerardo Serrano Gasca Consul and Cultural Attache !Mauricio Rubio Ancona Administrative Officer !Arturo García Miranda IT Manager !Staff

Cristina Perks

Rodrigo Paramo

Lucy Prieto

Laura Navarro

Rodrigo Espejel

Follow us! ! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbamexAustralia!

! Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmbaMexAus!!

Embassy of Mexico in Australia!14 Perth Avenue, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia!

Phone (61-02) 6273-3963, 6273-3905!email: embamex@mexico.org

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