Brasília, 4 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, told a meeting of Brazilian and Mexican business leaders that bilateral negotiations will begin with the objective of opening new markets. According to the president of the São Paulo Industrial Federation, Horácio Lafer Piva, "Mexico is a preferential partner, mainly at this moment when we are engaged in negotiates on the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Mexico's experience in Nafta will be valuable for us in finding ways to overcome trade barriers."

Fox described yesterdays' talks with business leaders as "strengthening bilateral relations with the result that soon we will sign various agreements of mutual interest. (AB)