Mexican Ambassador visits Birmingham businesses
Mexico 's Ambassador to the UK, Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco, visited Birmingham businesses and universities, writes Feron Jayawardene
The visit comes after her comments made at the Global Trade Conference about “understanding the potential ” of Birmingham and other parts of the country
“During my tenure I hope to be in Birmingham and different places - not just London. “I come from the south of Mexico and sometimes we feel neglected. That 's why I want to come to different parts of the UK because I understand the potential, ” she said while speaking at the conference.
The ambassador was accompanied by GBCC president Deb Leary and international director Mandy Haque.
Ms Gonzalez-Blanco visited Flexeserve - touring the hot-holding unit manufacturer 's Leicestershire premises, as well as hearing about the company 's expansion into the Americas and potential to trade with and invest in Mexico.
The Ambassador sampled an authentic Mexican lunch, served from the Flexeserve zone.
On the same day, Intercity Technology hosted the Ambassador where she was welcomed by group managing director Charlie Blakemore.
The delegation learnt about the importance of cyber security.
The delegation visited the newly-built STEAMhouse building of Birmingham City University (BCU), accompanied by deputy vice-chancellor Professor Julian Beer.
They then visited Aston University and met with vice chancellor Aleks Subic, executive director of business engagement at Aston university Mark Smith, and Lloyd Broad, head of international affairs at Birmingham City Council.
The Ambassador 's visit then took her to University of Birmingham 's Energy Innovation Centre at Tyseley Energy Park, where she heard from Dr. Emily Prestwood and Tommy Allsopp about the work taking place at the energy innovation zone to support the decarbonisation of the city.
Her trip concluded with a visit to Webster and Horsfall for a tour of the historic wire manufacturer which was founded in 1720.
The Ambassador said: “It was a delight to visit businesses and universities to explore the various work they have been doing in different sectors.
“Birmingham 's innovative solutions are a testament of its legacy as a multicultural city which marries their rich history with the future.
“As an embassy, we are very keen to work with the businesses and universities in Birmingham, organise multi-faceted partnerships and hold potential trade missions and knowledge transfers that could happen between the two countries. ”
BCU deputy vice-chancellor Professor Julian Beer said: “We were delighted to welcome the ambassador to STEAMhouse this morning. The ambassador, who has a scientific background and is very keen on innovations is the embodiment of our newly built building. ”
Pictured: The delegation at BCU STEAMhouse building.
From left to right - Isabela Nietro Castro from the office of the ambassador, international director of the GBCC Mandy Haque, deputy vice-chancellor of Birmingham City University Professor Julian Beer, assistant director of Partnerships at Birmingham City University Jude Pearson, Mexico 's Ambassador to the UK Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco and Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro-vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University